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Thread Number: 4640
A606 At Last |
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Post# 104079 1/16/2006 at 15:08 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster  (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Just picked up an older A606 today... a pre-'76 model, I think. It has the pilot light as well as the absence of the dreaded "cold rinse" buttons. It was free, but the previous owner stated that he thinks it may need a new belt, since it's making kind of heated rubber sounds and doesn't agitate/spin properly. We looked at the belts and they do look a bit loose. I'm not sure what genuine Maytag belts are supposed to look like, but I'll try getting some new ones at the local appliance store this week... Oh yeah, and it's missing the "Small" load level button. Any idea if one can get this replaced? 
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Post# 104080 , Reply# 1 1/16/2006 at 15:09 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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The beautiful control dial | ||
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Post# 104082 , Reply# 2 1/16/2006 at 15:17 (6,672 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Post# 104083 , Reply# 3 1/16/2006 at 15:18 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Lint filter in need of cleaning | ||
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Post# 104089 , Reply# 5 1/16/2006 at 15:41 (6,672 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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Rich!!
You LUCKY dog! That is a 1966 or VERY early 1967 A606!! If you check the serial number the second to the last digit should be a B. It has the early 06 series mesh lint filter, along with the EARLY 8 fin Powerfin agitator! I've been looking high and low for an 8 fin agitator for my 1966 A806 - looks like you have scored. Buttons are available on other free, about-to-be-crushed machines, or possibly check with Maytag. I'll post PN's later tonight. BTW - that dial looks AWESOME!! Ben | ||
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Post# 104091 , Reply# 6 1/16/2006 at 15:44 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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| Post# 104096 , Reply# 7 1/16/2006 at 16:30 (6,672 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm) | ||
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Date Code = January 1967 | ||
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Post# 104100 , Reply# 8 1/16/2006 at 16:58 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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| Post# 104102 , Reply# 9 1/16/2006 at 17:20 (6,672 days old) by drmitch () | ||
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Great find! along with new belts you might check the spring tensioners on the motor and make sure the motor can slide freely in its chassis. | ||
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Post# 104104 , Reply# 10 1/16/2006 at 17:32 (6,672 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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A606 Panel | ||
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Post# 104105 , Reply# 11 1/16/2006 at 17:33 (6,672 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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#2 | ||
| Post# 104111 , Reply# 12 1/16/2006 at 18:38 (6,672 days old) by bpetersxx (laf in on the banks of the Wabash River) | ||
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Post# 104116 , Reply# 13 1/16/2006 at 19:10 (6,672 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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Post# 104122 , Reply# 14 1/16/2006 at 19:26 (6,672 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Post# 104125 , Reply# 15 1/16/2006 at 20:18 (6,672 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Ben, Thanks much for the control panel parts diagram and list. Mitch, That I will do. There is some grease splatter under the chassis; I'm hoping that's just from the lubrication for the motor slide, and not transmission grease/oil. We'll see. I'll have to pull off the front panel to take a closer look, but perhaps not till next weekend. Bob, Too bad about your hose burst. I make a habit of turning off the water to the washer when I'm through with a laundry session. That plus SS braided hoses gives a little peace of mind. All, Looks like I'm going to have to create a laundry area outside of my laundry closet. My former collection of two: Neptune 7500 washer and '78 GE Filter-Flo has been doubled with the addition of the Frigmore and now the A606. And I'm not done yet... would love to have a rigid-mount deco Bendix, as well as a Rollermatic. | ||
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Post# 104151 , Reply# 16 1/16/2006 at 22:27 (6,672 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Post# 104360 , Reply# 18 1/18/2006 at 00:34 (6,671 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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I used water pressure
And some good old fashioned hand-rubbing to loosen and remove the bulk of the lint stuck to the filter. It wasn't all that bad. However I notice some stringly lint wound around the top of the agitator post under the lint filter area. How do I remove the agitator to get at that? Just pull straight up? The belts do seem rather loose to me... and they don't appear to be anything special; they look like typical automotive fan belts. So I'm thinking maybe they aren't genuine Maytag belts? I haven't yet tried turning the pump separately... I will also be taking off the front panel to see if there is grease/oil dripping from the tranny. The previous owner said they hadn't noticed any oil on the floor, which is good. Later on this week I'll check with my local appliance parts distributor about the buttons and belts and anything else this lovely thing needs. The control panel needs a re-spray to cover up the worn area on the upper right hand portion. Is there any particular color code to ask for? It looks like a sort of cream/off-white. It's interesting that the whole piece seems to be chromed underneath... | ||
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Post# 104428 , Reply# 20 1/18/2006 at 13:04 (6,670 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands) |
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Post# 104504 , Reply# 21 1/18/2006 at 19:53 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 104526 , Reply# 23 1/18/2006 at 21:31 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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I have good news, and bad news...
Fixerman, The bad news first. The agitator is quite stuck onto the post. I'll have to wait until the weekend when I can wheel this washer over to a hot water supply to try to loosen it up. The good news is that while there is grease flung around the underside of the machine, the transmission itself is spotless, with absolutely no sign of leakage. My guess that the flung grease under the washer is from a previous transmission failure, and that this one is a replacement. This is corroborated by signs of someone cleaning old grease off the top of the base, inside the machine. They probably did that when they replaced the tranny. Unless the trannies leak through the shaft that connects to the bottom pulley, I think this one's in great mechanical shape. Additionally, the outside of the outer tub is spotless - no sign of rust, not even any sign of overflow or dripping. The motor glides quite nicely on its tracks, and the springs are spotless. There's even some clear grease showing on the tracks. The motor looks original, with the original metal shroud and drip cover. I say this because the motor I purchased to fix an older Maytag (500 series?) came with a plastic drip cover. Anyway, the belts are genuine Maytag, but are quite glazed. So I will be shopping for new belts, as well as the load size button kit. Before I install the new belts, I'm going to clean all traces of old grease from the underside the machine. Everything spins easily - the drain pulley, the tub, even the tranny. Well, that has some resistance but that's to be expected, I suppose. I'll know more after I renew the belts, hook it up to the nearest tap, and give it a workout. | ||
| Post# 104531 , Reply# 24 1/18/2006 at 21:46 (6,670 days old) by rickr (.) | ||
Sorry to tell you this,but... | ||
| Post# 104533 , Reply# 25 1/18/2006 at 21:54 (6,670 days old) by rickr (.) | ||
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and it runs out on the pulley...
Which spins the oil all over the belts,floor and inside the cabinet. This unit did not leak,but it had sat unused for 30+ years so I had all the seals,and trans. oil replaced anyway. I guess some guys just switch the nice vintage Maytag center timer cabinet with a "junker donor" machine that doesn't leak, instead of replacing the seals. These machines still seem to turn up quite often,so perhaps that may be an option for you. Best of luck! Rick 
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Post# 104536 , Reply# 26 1/18/2006 at 22:04 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Rick, Thanks for the information. I'm still thinking that this machine once had a tranny leak but that it was fixed... there is evidence that there was grease in the upper part of the cabinet, which was cleaned up. Like I say, when I replace the belts and clean up all traces of grease from under the cabinet (and what's left in the upper cabinet), I'll keep a close eye on it and check for any additional leakage. In any case, it sounds like I'll have to run the thing anyway to loosen up the agitator. Some good STPP in the mix could help to dissolve any corrosion holding that thing on so tight. It's possible the previous owner cleaned up the grease in the upper cabinet... but I think he would have told me. After all, he was giving the thing away. I did ask him if the machine dripped any oil, and he said definitely not. Also, the belts themselves are not greasy... I don't mind rebuilding this machine if it needs it, but I'm thinking it doesn't need much more than new belts. Time will tell! | ||
| Post# 104539 , Reply# 27 1/18/2006 at 22:16 (6,670 days old) by rickr (.) | ||
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I could be wrong,but... | ||
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Post# 104547 , Reply# 28 1/18/2006 at 22:45 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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seeing is believing... | ||
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Post# 104549 , Reply# 29 1/18/2006 at 22:52 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Seeing is believing... | ||
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Post# 104552 , Reply# 30 1/18/2006 at 23:01 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Seeing is believing... | ||
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Post# 104576 , Reply# 32 1/19/2006 at 01:19 (6,670 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 104703 , Reply# 34 1/19/2006 at 20:41 (6,669 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Thanks, Bobby. I did some checking for parts availability on Parts Select. These belts aren't cheap - about $25 each (the machine takes two). But a necessary expenditure, I think. If hot water doesn't work to loosen up the agitator, does anyone have a hint as to what else to try? I'm a little concerned I might damage the agitator if I pull on it too vigorously... it's kind of bendy at the bottom... If the seals need replacing, I would consider that a learning experience... | ||
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Post# 104716 , Reply# 35 1/19/2006 at 21:21 (6,669 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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| Post# 104736 , Reply# 37 1/19/2006 at 23:17 (6,669 days old) by brettsomers () | ||
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agitator do NOT pull from the bottom! pull the centerpost! | ||
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Post# 104738 , Reply# 39 1/19/2006 at 23:21 (6,669 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 104741 , Reply# 40 1/20/2006 at 00:20 (6,669 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Bobby, Taking a closer look at the blue plastic agitator... it looks like it's in two pieces. Is this correct? The upper agitator seems to rock a bit from side to side, but won't pull up. If I look down into the center hole, I can see what looks like a crudded-up rubber gasket, then around that is the lower blue plastic agitator - which is kind of like a cone. Does any of this make sense? | ||
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Post# 104909 , Reply# 41 1/21/2006 at 15:20 (6,667 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Button, button, who's got the button?
Well, Appliance Parts Distributor, in San Leandro, CA, that's who! I went there today to pick up a belt set and a button set for the A606. After a considerable amount of cross checking (the parts list that Bobby gave me is apparently superceded), the kindly counterman finally emerged from the rows of parts shelving with a little packet bearing the missing "Small" button, as well as the "Normal" and "Large" buttons. Score! They also had the belt kit, of course, two for the price that one usually goes for. Score! The buttons are now in place, and I'm going to replace the belts as soon as I get around to cleaning off all the old grease and chunked rubber on the pulley. In last night's chat, Erik was kind enough to steer me through checking the little rubber cap on the very bottom of the tranny pulley, and lo and behold, while it held some grease, there was no sign of oil overflow. Erik says that means the tranny is not leaking, and that's good enough for me. So I looks now that I have a "complete" A606, ready to be hooked up and given its first run in its new home. Heck, I might even eject the Neptune temporarily from its berth so I can enjoy the sights and sounds of a real top loader again... | ||
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Post# 104939 , Reply# 42 1/21/2006 at 18:42 (6,667 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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Post# 104993 , Reply# 43 1/22/2006 at 07:23 (6,667 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY) |
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| Post# 104995 , Reply# 44 1/22/2006 at 07:27 (6,667 days old) by stainfighter (Columbia, SC) | ||
eject your Neppie?! | ||
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Post# 105029 , Reply# 45 1/22/2006 at 11:57 (6,666 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 105118 , Reply# 46 1/22/2006 at 22:43 (6,666 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Sudssaving? | ||
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Post# 105119 , Reply# 47 1/22/2006 at 22:59 (6,666 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA) |
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Post# 105126 , Reply# 48 1/22/2006 at 23:55 (6,666 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 106227 , Reply# 50 1/27/2006 at 22:01 (6,661 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Bobby, Well, the blue agitator feels like it has two parts. Erik explained to me that the lower part is called the "skirt". It's completely covered by the agitator part, which extends all the way down to the bottom of the tub. I can see the skirt if I view down the middle of the agitator (lint filter removed), and I can feel its outer edges if I hook my fingers under the lower part of the main agitator. I've temporarily given up trying to remove the agitator. Based on Erik's advice, it looks like this tranny is not leaking. I'm hoping to give this washer a test this Sunday (when the rain is supposed to end) and also it's twin, an A606S I recently picked up. | ||
| Post# 106524 , Reply# 51 1/29/2006 at 08:16 (6,659 days old) by dale7905 () | ||
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Maytag A606 Serial #305408KZ Hello All, I just discovered this site and thread and wondered if anyone can give me an idea of the age of this Maytag A606 machine with the serial number 305408KZ? Thanks, Dale7905 | ||
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Post# 106526 , Reply# 52 1/29/2006 at 08:42 (6,659 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts) |
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age | ||
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Post# 106607 , Reply# 54 1/29/2006 at 15:13 (6,659 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Bad upper agitator shaft bearing?
Bob, That sounds reasonable if the machine was eating belts. Time will tell. As I write, the machine is on it's "maiden" run in my courtyard.... cold water from the garden hose... Kirkland "HE Compatible" liquid detergent... washing two very thick terry bathrobes... It doesn't seem to have any problem agitating during the wash cycle, or spinning out the wash water. The turnover is excellent, better than I remember with my old '83 Whirlpool. I cleaned off the bottom of the machine, and the pulley, before putting on new belts. I will check the underside after the wash cycle is complete to see if there is any new grease fling. There is some chirping from the belts at the start of agitation and also the start of the spin, but this may be normal for a Maytag (I don't know), or it may be that I didn't thoroughly rinse off the hand dish detergent/TSP mixture I used to clean the pulleys and underside of the machine with. The machine also isn't exactly level, tilting to the left rear (due to the slope of the courtyard). But I'm thinking, at this point, that the agitator shaft bearing is just fine. Probably wouldn't hurt to service it anyway. Time will tell. Plus, I have another amost identical machine, the A606S, to test. Supposedly this works just fine, although it's not in as good cosmetic shape as the A606. | ||
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Post# 106623 , Reply# 56 1/29/2006 at 17:48 (6,659 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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I just finished testing the A606S, and it runs just fine. The suds saver feature even works. Although the cheesy non-stock suds saver hose has a permanent kink in it, which restricts the restore suds flow. The machine doesn't chirp at all... so I went back to the A606, and did a more thorough job of cleaning the pulleys and also gave the belts a good scrub in plain water with a dish brush. I used some brake cleaner on the pulleys, which along with gentle scraping took off a fair amount of melted rubber adhering to them. The motor pulley was particularly encrusted. I'm about to re-test the A606, as soon as the A606S finishes its wash. I just couldn't let those suds go to waste :-) Pictures may follow. | ||
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Post# 106641 , Reply# 58 1/29/2006 at 19:05 (6,659 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Dueling A606's
In the left corner, the pristine A606. On the right corner, the frugal A606S. Both came out swinging their transmissions mightily. First the A606 showed what it could do with new belts. Then the A606S selectively expelled its sudsy wash water into a special container, then sucked it back up for the next load. The A606 scored points for its nearly flawless finish, both inside and out. The A606S scored points for having a squeaky clean transmission, and that its suds saver valving and circuitry worked so well. The A606 lose a few points because it needs to have its water level adjusted (too low). The A606S needs to have its non-original suds saver hose replaced - the permanent kink in it restricts its ability to suck the wash water back up. The decision: it's a tie! 
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Post# 106642 , Reply# 59 1/29/2006 at 19:07 (6,659 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Suckin' Suds | ||
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Post# 106707 , Reply# 60 1/29/2006 at 23:42 (6,659 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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BTW, after I recleaned the pulleys and scraped/dissolved off all the melted rubber, the A606 ran quietly with no squeaking. In fact it seems to me it's running quieter overall than the A606S. The A606 also ran at full agitation speed with no hesitation. It switched easily between gentle and regular action, with a clear change in speed. So I think the upper agitator bearing is ok for now. Anybody know how to increase the water level in a Maytag? Is it as simple as raising the level sensor (which I assume is attached to a air tube)? | ||
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Post# 108492 , Reply# 65 2/8/2006 at 06:16 (6,650 days old) by kenwashesmonday (Carlstadt, NJ) |
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I have the manual, I'll look for it after work today. Ken | ||
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