Thread Number: 20425
Digital Maytag - Coolest 90's Top Loader, EVER!
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Post# 324943   1/17/2009 at 22:34 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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On a continuation of the dishwasher tread from the Imperial thread, today I make a 1 day trek to Chi-town to pick up some pretty sweet machines.

I don't think I would justify a trip to Chicago to pick up a used Maytag dishwasher, so there had to be something else to sweeten the deal. Why would i drag home an Orbital Maytag? Looks normal from below, right?





Post# 324944 , Reply# 1   1/17/2009 at 22:35 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Black faced machine - what gives? Nice to see the tub block received some use today.

Post# 324946 , Reply# 2   1/17/2009 at 22:38 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
(April 1991)

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Hum, what's this strange model number?

Post# 324947 , Reply# 3   1/17/2009 at 22:39 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Woah - no way.

Post# 324948 , Reply# 4   1/17/2009 at 22:40 (5,548 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
I've got the US brochure for these!

mayfan69's profile picture
Hey Ben,

Nice find!!! I've got the US sales brochure for these!
Pity we never got them in Oz.

Cheers
Leon


Post# 324949 , Reply# 5   1/17/2009 at 22:40 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Yes way.

Post# 324950 , Reply# 6   1/17/2009 at 22:41 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Heavy Duty.

Post# 324951 , Reply# 7   1/17/2009 at 22:42 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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This is by far one of the coolest washers made. I'll go into specifics later. Ever since I saw the set in Newton I knew this was a machine that I just had to have.

Post# 324952 , Reply# 8   1/17/2009 at 22:44 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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These machines were incredibly well thought out and engineered. Flexible cycles, fine tuning adjustments of your wash and rinse temp, water level, cycle times, rinse times - you name it, you can control it.

YAY for no more 90 second rinses!


Post# 324953 , Reply# 9   1/17/2009 at 22:48 (5,548 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        
AWESOME!

I think I like that control panel better than the Whirlpool/Kenmore electronic panels. Will there be a video in the making soon?

Post# 324954 , Reply# 10   1/17/2009 at 22:49 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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The best part about these machines is they are almost un-Maytag like. As soon as you hear it kick in you are reminded of that Maytag Quality sound. Same simple functions, same dependable quality - but with an extraordinarily flexible computer controlled system.

I think what I love most though is the water valve. I *think* this machine, along with the 1957 WI-57 Unimatic Fridigaire, are the only US top loader washers made, up until 1991, that regulate the wash and rinse temperature by measuring the output temp via a thermostat that is built around the outlet housing. The thermostat sends signals to the computer to adjust accordingly to the hot and cold solenoids.



Post# 324956 , Reply# 11   1/17/2009 at 22:54 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
I'm feeling UNBALANCED!

swestoyz's profile picture
The machine also has a 1 model only feature for a Maytag. You can fill the machine with water - leaving the lid OPEN! Try that on your A806!

I feel horrible for the couple I bought the machine from. They were an older Indian couple. While they were quite happy that I was ecstatic about the Maytag, I couldn't reciprocate the same amount of joy for them when I helped Sam carry in his sister-in-law's used Calypso. They'll never have properly rinsed clothes again! I gave him a hand and hooked it up and gave him some pointers on replacing his plastic dryer vent hose with a metal one.

More to come tomorrow once I'm able to play with the machine more and read up on the service info. Maybe a video? We'll see.

Ben


Post# 324957 , Reply# 12   1/17/2009 at 22:56 (5,548 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
Love it!

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Catalogue Page 1

Post# 324958 , Reply# 13   1/17/2009 at 22:58 (5,548 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
Another page

mayfan69's profile picture
#

Post# 324976 , Reply# 14   1/18/2009 at 00:06 (5,548 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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And yet another Maytag I've never seen before. She's a beauty, Ben! It's cool you can adjust rinse times, etc.

I understand manufacturers want to simplify the washing process, but it would be great to give owners the option to fiddle and fine-tune cycles if they want to.

Looking forward to video when you get the time.


Post# 324978 , Reply# 15   1/18/2009 at 00:22 (5,548 days old) by tuthill ()        

Hey Ben, awesome Maytag! First time I've seen a club member get one of these.

Post# 324980 , Reply# 16   1/18/2009 at 00:56 (5,548 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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I couldn't reciprocate the same amount of joy for them when I helped Sam carry in his sister-in-law's used Calypso. They'll never have properly rinsed clothes again!
In my experience, Calypsos rinse very well.


Post# 325012 , Reply# 17   1/18/2009 at 05:56 (5,548 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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"The machine also has a 1 model only feature for a Maytag. You can fill the machine with water - leaving the lid OPEN! Try that on your A806! "

This newer set I picked up a few weeks ago also does that.

Nice set, Ben! The manager at the parts store here in town has a set of those. Never asked him if he'll sell them. From what I remember, he got 'em for next to nothing.

kennyGF



Post# 325017 , Reply# 18   1/18/2009 at 07:26 (5,548 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Maytag Computer Touch

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Wow, what a find, I love the dark control panel, and seeing it light up in the dark would be cool, also a nice feature is the "Minutes Remaining" indicator, enjoy, Mike

Post# 325032 , Reply# 19   1/18/2009 at 09:46 (5,548 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Thanks for the comments guys. I guess I feel like a used car salesmen right now; making claims for things that aren't quite right! lol Very excited still. Looking forward to running a wash load through it today.

Glenn, I was hoping that you wouldn't see this thread... ;-)

More later,

Ben


Post# 325051 , Reply# 20   1/18/2009 at 10:28 (5,548 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
I think I remember seeing those new.....(??)

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Hey Ben... WOW... that is SOOOO awesome you were able to find one, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

After seeing your photos I think I vaguely remember seeing that model new in some appliance store way back when.

What a great find!!!
Kevin


Post# 325063 , Reply# 21   1/18/2009 at 10:48 (5,548 days old) by jaxsunst ()        
Don't Dis the Calypso

I love mine, the secret is how you load it. Load it like the instructions for a vintage Frigidaire says in the manual on this site and clothes comes out perfect every time.

Post# 325138 , Reply# 22   1/18/2009 at 19:28 (5,547 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Did some wash in the Maytag today. Very impressed with the Orbital. Would you believe this is the first time I've ever seen an orbital in action?

At first I wasn't sure what the roll-over would be. The stroke seemed to be too fast to be effective. As soon as it started to pull the clothes down, BAM - it was washing like a jiffy. Not sure how that sock ended up in that load of mix ;-)

A few photos and a YouTube video that walks through the computer control interface. Enjoy!



CLICK HERE TO GO TO swestoyz's LINK


Post# 325139 , Reply# 23   1/18/2009 at 19:29 (5,547 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Self cleaning lint filter. I was worried this would be plugged and nasty. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad.

Orbital Experts - is there supposed to be a stop o-ring on the agitation shaft?


Post# 325141 , Reply# 24   1/18/2009 at 19:31 (5,547 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Don't brand me a Calypso hater ;-) You would have had to of been at Greg's in '07 when the wash from the Calypso went straight to the Super Unimatic with enough soap still left in the clothes to re-wash then in the Frigidaire! I still love'em though, that's why there is one in the basement.

Yay for extra long rinses in this Maytag!

Ben


Post# 325185 , Reply# 25   1/18/2009 at 23:56 (5,547 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

I too find Calypso's rinse very well, and wash just as well, too. Just have to know how to use one. After 8 years, mine still works as well as it did when it was new! I'd buy one all over again......

Now this Maytag...she's just a beauty in every way.


Post# 325188 , Reply# 26   1/19/2009 at 00:25 (5,547 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts)        

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No stop ring after 86'? They did away with the stop ring and went to the set screw. That is an awsume washer. I had a set of 9904 which was the succesor model to the 9900. If you come across a load sensor or one of the newer double action agitators from a newer dependable care washer, drop it in and try it. Thats what i did with mine.

Post# 325200 , Reply# 27   1/19/2009 at 08:10 (5,547 days old) by repair-man (Pittsburgh PA)        
What a nice machine !

I like the electronic control a little more on the black face than the later white one. I never knew how flexible the cycles are. BTW all Maytag's from the '12' series on (about 1984-1985) fill with the lid up. I have never seen this machine except in the book. The white panel ones where a little more common around here. In fact I have only run across one or two A9800. Seems everyone bought the A9700.

Post# 325201 , Reply# 28   1/19/2009 at 08:13 (5,547 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        
Always wanted one of these too!

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Very nice!

Love the "UNBALANCED" indicator tipped to one side!

I'll stack the computer controlled Whirlpool up against that orbital any day for washing ability - take the load from the WP and put it in the 'Tag. I wonder if there's an "UNCLE" indicator light on that display? Hahaha!

The 80's brown-button Maytags I've had and sold all filled with the lid open, had you not seen that before?


Post# 325203 , Reply# 29   1/19/2009 at 08:37 (5,547 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
UNCLE!

swestoyz's profile picture
The 80's brown-button Maytags I've had and sold all filled with the lid open, had you not seen that before?

I must admit that I really never played with a Maytag made after 1980 until a few days ago. When I read through the Service Lit for this machine I thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread - and also that the lid open filling was an option just for this machine. Little did I know that a few pages later the same feature was listed for the other models as well.....

Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I the Computer-Controld Maytag will sit next to the Rapid Advance KitchenAid. I suspect this will happen quite often actually!

I like the electronic control a little more on the black face than the later white one...

At first I thought that I liked the white better, but after seeing this machine, and knowing that the white can turn yellow - I really prefer the earlier black now. So sleek!




Post# 325258 , Reply# 30   1/19/2009 at 11:29 (5,547 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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It doesn't NEED a stop ring for the agitator, but in cases where there is a little too much play in the agitator, I've used a stop ring in addition to the set screw.

Since you have it partially disassembled, now is the time to check a weak spot before it gets ugly. I would pull the spin tub and check that boot seal under the tub drive block. If it's clean with no signs of rust, put back together and call it good. If there is ANY sign of rust or water contamination, I'd think about replacing the mounting stem/boot BEFORE it gets bad enough to warrant pulling the outer tub and doing a tub bearing job. This will be a small investment now in a machine you'll have for a LONG time. Congrats on the find! A A9900 set has always been on my short list of wishes!

RCD


Post# 325291 , Reply# 31   1/19/2009 at 13:46 (5,547 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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RCD, how would you rate the reliability of these electronic consoles? Have you had to replace a console or any boards?

Post# 325315 , Reply# 32   1/19/2009 at 16:03 (5,547 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

Very nice machine. I remember seeing those at Lechmere..long dead store. Anyways the LoadSensor agitator will turn a much larger load over in this washer. I have that in my LAT9357 and it does very well. Or and i know I am going to get scolded here...you can get a stop ring and put an original PowerFin agitator in that and watch. Those larger vanes turn a load over like nobodys business and washes very very well. Plus with a filter in the barrel you can have the best of both worlds with a self clean filter and a manual clean one. I have done that with mine and not had a problem.
Or you can also put in a PowerFlex 12 agitator. I have that as well and it does clean well and gives some splashing drama.
That washer was worth a trip to Chicago!


Post# 325316 , Reply# 33   1/19/2009 at 16:17 (5,547 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

Here is a scan from a training manual for the agitator.

Post# 325317 , Reply# 34   1/19/2009 at 16:18 (5,547 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

And another

Post# 325318 , Reply# 35   1/19/2009 at 16:22 (5,547 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

Inside of the machine. Granted they tweaked it some.

Post# 325319 , Reply# 36   1/19/2009 at 16:26 (5,547 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

and another

Post# 325371 , Reply# 37   1/19/2009 at 19:20 (5,546 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
The control boards were SOLID!

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I've had to replace only 1 washer board due to a dropped neutral. However, What I commonly see is the button faces wearing out on the panel, exposing the actual buttons on the control board. Exactly like they do on the Whirlpool 'clean touch' washer panel.

I get a kick out of the lid balls on the washer. I always brag about my Maytag being the only washer 'with a set of balls that just won't quit...' LOL

RCD


Post# 325580 , Reply# 38   1/20/2009 at 14:21 (5,546 days old) by nmaineman36 ()        

more scans of the manual

Post# 325591 , Reply# 39   1/20/2009 at 14:56 (5,546 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Great catch, Ben!

I do love this machine.


If I had room, it would definitely be on my list.


Very happy for you.



Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 325618 , Reply# 40   1/20/2009 at 16:55 (5,546 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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Post# 325649 , Reply# 41   1/20/2009 at 19:11 (5,545 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
See what I mean?

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That set on C/L shows that common problem. If you look at the console, there is a couple of buttons worn thru which shows what buttons the user pushed the most. The panel can be replaced for about $80-100 for the part.

RCD


Post# 325665 , Reply# 42   1/20/2009 at 20:35 (5,545 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Thanks for the scans Mike! Recently I picked up some late 80's and mid to late 90's sales brochures on my last visit to Newton; but did not see this one.

RCD - you are very right about the touch pad. This one is in pretty good shape, although I can see where the water temp button was liberally used over the years and is starting to wear through. I *think* I found the right part on Parts Select for 44 bucks, but without the actual Maytag PN's and breakdowns, I cannot be sure. Might grab a spare set of relays, reversing contactors, and a transformer for this as well. Shoot, it has a special water switch. Talk about fancy stuff!

I appreciate your heeded warning. When I get a spare time in the next few months I'll tear out the tub to see what shape the boot and stem are. When you mention rust - are you talking about rust on the outer tub, or somewhere else?

Ben


Post# 325765 , Reply# 43   1/21/2009 at 09:20 (5,545 days old) by rayjay (Carteret, New Jersey)        
Maytag Manuals

Ben, I had the exact same machine. Replaced it 5 years ago with an LG front loader. I think I still have the original operating manuals. (I do have to check first). If you want them let me know. You can email me privately

Ray


Post# 325766 , Reply# 44   1/21/2009 at 09:23 (5,545 days old) by rayjay (Carteret, New Jersey)        

Ben, When I had the machine, I replaced the agitator with a spiral dual action one. I ordered it from Maytag. It made the turnover so much better.

Post# 325770 , Reply# 45   1/21/2009 at 09:34 (5,545 days old) by rayjay (Carteret, New Jersey)        
LoadSensor Agitator

Correction. I had the load sensor agitator. The only thing I did not like about the machine was the spin. It washed well. The pre-soak is nice in that it will soak up to 20 min, then go into the wash cycle. The other soak option fills, agitates then shuts off. You have to do a spin. But it is great for overnight soaking.

Let me check when I get home today for the operatin manual. If I find it, it is yours if you want.

I bought the machine in 1992 from a small appliance store. It had a big scratch on the side. (The side next to the dryer). I got a huge discount. It was Maytag's most expensive machine at the time. I think I paid a little over $500.00 in 1992.


Ray

Let me know

Ray


Post# 325771 , Reply# 46   1/21/2009 at 09:37 (5,545 days old) by brettsomers ()        

I placed the standard capacity version of that same agitator your computer model has in my moms Dependable Care. Love how quiet it is compared to the noisy-post type. And its most similar to the classic Power-Fin.

It would be interesting to see it perform in a deep-tub machine.

Cool pics, Ben.


Post# 326361 , Reply# 47   1/23/2009 at 17:21 (5,542 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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When you pull the accordian like boot seal (looks like a black bellows) from under the mounting stem look for traces of water contamination or rust along the inside of the bellows. It should be obvious if it has been weeping.

The part # for your button panel S/B 207235.

RCD


Post# 326362 , Reply# 48   1/23/2009 at 17:48 (5,542 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Panel Breakdown

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Picture first. Sorry, the scanner's being a dink again so the picture's a little off...

Post# 326364 , Reply# 49   1/23/2009 at 17:49 (5,542 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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and the parts list to go with it...

RCD


Post# 326367 , Reply# 50   1/23/2009 at 18:17 (5,542 days old) by joeinfl (Wesley Chapel FL)        

There is a PC Board on eBay that may not be a bad idea to grab. It's Buy-It-Now is $39.99 with $14.00 shipping. That's one thing I see as being a potential problem that could be expensive to fix. It's new in package.

Awesome machine by the way, I'd love to find one!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO joeinfl's LINK on eBay


Post# 326451 , Reply# 51   1/24/2009 at 10:36 (5,542 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Thanks RCD!

I wasn't sure if you meant the hub area for the bearing when you mention a check for rust - your explanation is perfectly clear now. I plan on having this machine around for quite sometime, so I'll make sure that everything looks good.

The parts list scan is awesome! Strange for me to see these later Maytag PN's. Is the 208751 a revised PN for the water pressure switch? Time to set the ebay search filters....... ;-)

I appreciate all the kind comments guys. I really like this washer. Every time I've over at the house I'll run a quick cycle through it. The coolness factor completely wipes away any notion that I am wasting good city water!

Ben


Post# 326454 , Reply# 52   1/24/2009 at 11:18 (5,542 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

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Yes, that p/n is the revised sub number BUT it does not hurt to search under the old number as well as EBAY sellers will not search the new numbers and list just what's on the bag...

RCD



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