Thread Number: 83953  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
My little maytag laundromat adds another
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Post# 1083014   7/29/2020 at 21:56 (1,338 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

About 3 weeks ago my friend chris from Oneida found a set of maytags in Connecticut, and here I am thinking to myself, “like I need another”. Before we drove all the way out there, he originally wanted them but we agreed to “calmly” discuss it when we got then loaded up in my van because we are both maytag people, he’s more of a Westinghouse person 🤫. Well we got there and before I could get out of the van he was putting the lid (ball hinges disintegrated) and the paperwork in the van and he said “I think I’m taking these”. Needless to say I wound up with them. They fit right in!
The washer is model A103 from October of 1965 and the dryer is a DE102 from December of 65.
Both machines show little to no wear, they are extremely clean. The washer needs the usual hoses, ball hinges and glides replaced but otherwise it’s all original down to the belts which are still in good shape. The dryer needed just a quick wipe out and that was it.


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Post# 1083016 , Reply# 1   7/29/2020 at 22:00 (1,338 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

Getting into the washer...
it had a very thin coat of dust and oily residue which wiped out almost instantly, this has to be one of the absolute cleanest sets I have ever come across.


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Post# 1083031 , Reply# 2   7/30/2020 at 01:08 (1,337 days old) by hoover28 (Oneida NY)        
they were a fantastic find

I should have keep d them. but I had no room for them.



Chris


Post# 1083032 , Reply# 3   7/30/2020 at 01:14 (1,337 days old) by robbinsandmyers (Conn)        

robbinsandmyers's profile picture
Where in CT were those?

Post# 1083058 , Reply# 4   7/30/2020 at 06:46 (1,337 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
WOW

combo52's profile picture

What is the story behind these that they are almost unused ?

 

Back in the 70s I worked on so many MT Highlanders and they never looked that good 40 years ago.

 

Glad you rescued these.

 

John L.


 


Post# 1083062 , Reply# 5   7/30/2020 at 07:10 (1,337 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Congrats, these are in wonderful shape. Very nice addition to your collection.

Post# 1083065 , Reply# 6   7/30/2020 at 07:18 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

We seem to think they were owned by a “little old lady” who very seldom used them... basically they bought a cape cod back in the 60s With the hopes of Creating an apartment for the in-laws upstairs. The in-laws passed before construction was completed and the construction was halted leaving a lot NIB. Everything in the house according to the realtor was immaculate and the house was a time capsule. By the looks of both the washer and dryer, they definitely weren’t used much at all.

As far as location, Wolcott Connecticut. There is a 50s era frigidaire range on there too for $150. Sadly I had no room for that. If anyone has Facebook, check out the market place in Wolcott Connecticut


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Post# 1083067 , Reply# 7   7/30/2020 at 07:43 (1,337 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
Congratulations on obtaining another nice Maytag set!

Post# 1083083 , Reply# 8   7/30/2020 at 10:20 (1,337 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Amazing and astonishing.


Post# 1083084 , Reply# 9   7/30/2020 at 10:26 (1,337 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Mike, I'm speechless. Awesome. Fantastic!!

Post# 1083093 , Reply# 10   7/30/2020 at 11:34 (1,337 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Wow those are absolutely stunning! Congratulations x 100!

Post# 1083094 , Reply# 11   7/30/2020 at 11:45 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

Thank you for the kind compliments! The parts have been ordered for the washer and all should be here tomorrow. Cost all of $45 for the fill hose, ball hinges and motor glides so hopefully by tomorrow night I’ll be washing a load of towels in it.

Now one question is... was it common to see the wringer style agitator in the BOL machines?


Post# 1083132 , Reply# 12   7/30/2020 at 18:04 (1,337 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Wringer Style Agitator In MT High-Lander Washers

combo52's profile picture

It was not only common but in fact every HL had this agitator except the one or two fancier HL models.

 

The first MT Helical Drive washer model in 1956 [ model 123 ] had this agitator as did the majority of HL models, you can put the lint filter agitator in of corse but you lose a little capacity.

 

John L.


Post# 1083133 , Reply# 13   7/30/2020 at 18:13 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

well with that being said! I have 2 model 142 washers, one from 58' and the other from 60', both have the lint filter style, and the A502 from 64' also has the lint filter style.

here is a question you might know the answer to as well

I have the opportunity to get the selector switch for the DE502 dryer, however the switch is to a DE500. both switches have the same 4 cycles but the part numbers are different. The wire terminals seem to be the same too. although they look the same do you think it would be a wise idea to get a spare and do you think that the DE500 cycle selector switch will work in the DE502?


Post# 1083134 , Reply# 14   7/30/2020 at 18:15 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

well with that being said! I have 2 model 142 washers, one from 58' and the other from 60', both have the lint filter style, and the A502 from 64' also has the lint filter style.

here is a question you might know the answer to as well

I have the opportunity to get the selector switch for the DE502 dryer, however the switch is to a DE500. both switches have the same 4 cycles but the part numbers are different. The wire terminals seem to be the same too. although they look the same do you think it would be a wise idea to get a spare and do you think that the DE500 cycle selector switch will work in the DE502?


Post# 1083135 , Reply# 15   7/30/2020 at 18:15 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

sorry for the double post


Post# 1083137 , Reply# 16   7/30/2020 at 18:25 (1,337 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)        

ultramatic's profile picture

 

 

My God, they're immaculate! Congratulations!


Post# 1083173 , Reply# 17   7/30/2020 at 22:00 (1,337 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
These are in remarkable condition - just look at that tub! Congrats!

What part do you need for the switch? I have several used 500/502 switches on hand that need to find homes.

Ben



Post# 1083177 , Reply# 18   7/30/2020 at 22:14 (1,337 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

I actually ordered the cycle selector tonight as there was a NOS one on eBay for $20. Technically I don’t need it but if I can get parts together I can hopefully keep these running for another 30 years or so. Not sure of the condition of the timer motor on the A103 just yet though, I might be on the lookout for one if this one is seized from sitting.

Post# 1083220 , Reply# 19   7/31/2020 at 09:01 (1,336 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        
congratulations on your beautiful new babies.

I like the look of your A103. It's like my A102 but with more buttons. Mine has a secret switch on the back that is for the replacement two speed motor we installed after the original went bad. I never liked the 500 series.


Post# 1083242 , Reply# 20   7/31/2020 at 11:30 (1,336 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        
Tom

The thing that appealed to me with the 502s was the logo/color and features. For something that seems middle of the line they are a very unique yet very simple set of machines. Those also came out of a house that was a complete time warp and are just about as immaculate as the A103 and DE102. I like the looks of the 103 as well and after tonight I should be able to see it in action! the suspense is killing me to see how well this machine works after sitting for so long. currently the dryer is hooked to 120v and seems to heat pretty quickly, actually it seems to heat a little quicker than my DE806.

Post# 1083244 , Reply# 21   7/31/2020 at 11:38 (1,336 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Seems To Heat A Little Quicker Than My DE806

combo52's profile picture

Is the 806 also connected to 120 volts ?

 

If so the older dryer will heat quicker if properly wired for 120 volt operation because the older dryer still had a 2 piece heating element and it gave more heat on 120 volts instead of the 1,200 watts that the later dryers gave when connected to to 120 volt power.

 

John L.


Post# 1083253 , Reply# 22   7/31/2020 at 12:10 (1,336 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Both of my Maytags, the A806 and the Baby A102, have 50 cycle pulleys and belts for kick ass agitation. That old tub design with the blank section opposite the fins really drives the water up for great turnover. Of course, I guess a great argument can be made for the newer style tub in the Power Fin machines in that the holes all the way down allow the agitator to force water through the fabrics and out through the holes.


Post# 1083259 , Reply# 23   7/31/2020 at 12:34 (1,336 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

yes, I had the 806 connected to 120 as I only have one 240 at the moment in the basement. I will be putting another outlet in the basement soon as I have another 240 line that was supposed to be for an electric range and it isn't being used as I have a gas range. now that you mention it, when I took apart my 642 dryer the other night to give it a good clean out and service I did notice the element being a 2 piece! what is the possibility of finding another 2 piece element to hold onto as a spare and also what is this 50 cycle pulley you speak of? Seems like something Id love to look into putting one of the machines.


Post# 1083280 , Reply# 24   7/31/2020 at 14:48 (1,336 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

good news and bad news

good news is that I got the ball hinges and glides, Bad news is that the injector part 206154 is NLA as of last year. I knew I should have ordered more than 2 when I had the chance!


Post# 1083284 , Reply# 25   7/31/2020 at 15:07 (1,336 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Post# 1083287 , Reply# 26   7/31/2020 at 15:27 (1,336 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        
206154 is NLA as of last year

qsd-dan's profile picture
Good God, those used to be flooded all over Ebay for under $5.00. How times quickly change.

Post# 1083291 , Reply# 27   7/31/2020 at 15:42 (1,336 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

Oh, I know! I used to get them from the appliance place I used to work at for $15!
Thanks so much Robert for the link, I just called and got one from a place about 2 miles from my house for $45 which I’m not happy about but considering I need to get these back together tonight, beggars can’t be choosers!


Post# 1083345 , Reply# 28   7/31/2020 at 23:10 (1,336 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

All back together and although it runs like new, it needs valves as these are too far gone from sitting with hard water in them, and the timer motor is shot, it’s possible that it might have been defective hence the lack of wear and tear on the machine. What surprises me more than anything is that the motor itself has not one speck of dust in it nor does it show any signs of use and the belts are original. I ordered a new set of NOS valves for it and a NOS timer motor to the tune of $84.

Post# 1083376 , Reply# 29   8/1/2020 at 07:04 (1,335 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Reply #28

combo52's profile picture

Good progress, You may want to save the original inlet valve, it can be rebuilt by replacing the rubber valve diaphragms.

 

This is about the earliest MT washer I have seen after MT started using the crappy Kingston timers, the timer motors in these fail just from time, if this washer would have had the Mallory timer it would have been just fine.

 

This was always the worst thing about MT was that they often used 2nd tier parts suppliers, if MT had not used Westinghouse motors, Kingston timers, Robertshaw water-level switches & inlet valves their machines would have been even more reliable, But I guess that they needed to keep the lonely repairman from being too lonely, LOL

 

Fortunately your machine got the very good GE motor.

 

John L.


Post# 1083397 , Reply# 30   8/1/2020 at 11:04 (1,335 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

Hi john
I plan on keeping the original inlet valve, actually it does indeed need the rubber diaphgrams, I did take them apart and clean them to the best of my capabilities and the hot side works flawlessly, the cold side just drips in then the valve opens. Does anyone know where to get the diaphgrams? As for the timer, I noticed that the original timer motor when finagled by hand will spin freely and then bind up on something broken within it. You can definitely tell where costs were cut when building this machine.


Post# 1083399 , Reply# 31   8/1/2020 at 11:18 (1,335 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
These are my go-to kits for water valve rebuilding:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dexter-water-va...


Post# 1083403 , Reply# 32   8/1/2020 at 11:59 (1,335 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

Thank you ben! I could have saved a few bucks and rebuilt my other 3 valves for what I spent on the NOS valves, although it might have been worth getting the new valve only for the fact that id have a spare.

Post# 1083408 , Reply# 33   8/1/2020 at 12:39 (1,335 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver)        

ultralux88's profile picture
This thread has me lusting after a vintage Maytag set. I know it’s inlikely, but I really want a 900 series set!!

Post# 1083413 , Reply# 34   8/1/2020 at 13:21 (1,335 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Reply #30

combo52's profile picture

Thanks Ben, these are the kits you need, the only problem we have had with this kits is the little metal plunger can rust and then allow the valve to stick open and flood, they are not as good as the original SS plungers, we had quite a few return calls and floods with these.

 

If you use these kits use the original SS plungers, who knows maybe they fixed the problem by now, if you want to use the new plungers make sure they are not magnetic.

 

John L.


Post# 1083556 , Reply# 35   8/2/2020 at 08:03 (1,334 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
A103 Washer

WOW! Great find! Seeing this washer brought back the memories. The washer looks like the only my mother bought, also in 1965.March 1965 to be exact. It came with the black wringer style agitator. It was a great machine and lasted 24 years before the transmission failed and the machine was replaced.

Yours in a model A103 and if I'm seeing the control panel correctly it looks like a single speed machine. My mom's had NORMAN ACTION GENTLE ACTION. So would that have been a model A203? Hers also had a suds return but I don't think that changed the model number.


Post# 1084494 , Reply# 36   8/9/2020 at 17:42 (1,327 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

All the parts that needed to be replaced have been replaced with no hassle and the A-103 is back in business once again. I have a strong feeling this thing was used for less than a year before being put away.

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Post# 1084496 , Reply# 37   8/9/2020 at 18:27 (1,327 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

WOWIE ZOWIE! What a treasure. I am very happy for you.

Post# 1084509 , Reply# 38   8/9/2020 at 20:11 (1,327 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Mike, swoon!! Love the shot of the Gyrafoam with a full water level. Neighbor's mother bought a used one of those for their weekend house. I saw it about 1968 or 1969. Have never forgotten such a mesmerizing sight.

Post# 1084516 , Reply# 39   8/9/2020 at 20:49 (1,327 days old) by Electroluxxxx (Syracuse NY)        

I would like to upload a full cycle on YouTube of all 3 maytags at some point as there are no vids on the 142C, the A-502 and the A-103. For the agitator to be so basic, it definitely moves some clothes and makes some nice turnover. It’s very impressive.

Post# 1084518 , Reply# 40   8/9/2020 at 20:58 (1,327 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
Great news that you have the Maytag in good operating condition once again.

Post# 1084574 , Reply# 41   8/10/2020 at 10:30 (1,326 days old) by mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

I like it. I remember seeing one when I was very young, and it was mesmerizing. It's a keeper!!!

Barry



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