Thread Number: 85045  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Maytag LA511 washer
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Post# 1095365   11/1/2020 at 00:33 (1,271 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

Hi everyone, I just picked up a Maytag LA511 washer (for FREE!) to match my LDE512 dryer. They're both almond. However buttons & knob don't match.

Please check out the album and let me know if there's anything I should address before putting this to work.

ALBUM - imgur.com/a/W2LSRdB...

I guess I'll be keeping the A885 for myself ;) - www.automaticwasher.org/c...


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Post# 1095393 , Reply# 1   11/1/2020 at 09:58 (1,271 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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I have the same LA511 washer that has been going strong since I bought it new in 1984. Only repair was a $28 motor coupling. I would never get rid of it for todays new crap. Your dryer is slightly newer than the washer but both are real Maytags from Newton. I'd just hook them up and use them.

Post# 1095407 , Reply# 2   11/1/2020 at 12:16 (1,270 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

The grease line right below the tub is a little disconcerting. Does the tranny need a top up and a new seal?

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Post# 1095413 , Reply# 3   11/1/2020 at 13:20 (1,270 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
Does the tranny need a top up

Probably leaking from the trans gasket.

Not a major problem by itself but the machine looks like its got some miles on it so preventive maintenance wouldn't be a bad ideal.
However, there is no way to top off the trans oil and getting the trans removed, cleaned for new gear oil/gasket is a big job.



Post# 1095414 , Reply# 4   11/1/2020 at 13:32 (1,270 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        

Just looked at the photo to album..

Yeah, that machine needs some attention if you're planning to keep it. Water injector hose kit is shot, lower trans oil seal is leaking, damper pads are probably dry as the Sahara.

Not saying it won't run as is but some things are better fixed sooner rather than later, especially damper pads and stem seal.



Post# 1095429 , Reply# 5   11/1/2020 at 16:23 (1,270 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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I had an A510 and a DE 408 dryer as daily drivers for a lot of years. Set of belts is all I ever did to the washer, after pulling it from a trade in pile.


Post# 1095481 , Reply# 6   11/1/2020 at 22:44 (1,270 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

I’ve cleaned it up a bit and will test it out later this week. I’ll run it as is for the time being to get a better idea of what’s in dire need of replacing.

I just cleared some space on my phone so maybe I’ll post a full cycle on YouTube.


Post# 1095532 , Reply# 7   11/2/2020 at 09:40 (1,270 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

Just wanted to add that it looks like most of the water damage was caused by the outer tub drain hole being clogged. Any water that escaped the inner tub had no where to go. Pretty unfortunate since this is easily avoidable but just inspecting and cleaning the machine every few years.

While I have the machine open what can I do about the rust? Should I clean up with rust with naval jelly and cover the bolts with poly lube? I’m thinking of conditioning rubber hoses with silicone lube. Anyone try this?


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Post# 1095629 , Reply# 8   11/3/2020 at 00:30 (1,269 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
cover the bolts with poly lube?

Tub band bolts can be changed out with stainless steel items replacements.

General crud can be cleaned with Bon Ami, hard water deposit can be removed with 50/50 of solution of Muriatic acid and water, flush well with a garden hose and cover the motor with a plastic bag.

Hosed can be treated with rubber condition but if really hard replacements may be in order.

You definitely need a new water injector hose kit.






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Post# 1095677 , Reply# 9   11/3/2020 at 12:31 (1,268 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

Can you provide a link or size for the tub band nut & bolt?

Post# 1095681 , Reply# 10   11/3/2020 at 12:45 (1,268 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
size for the tub band nut & bolt?

It's a pan head slotted 1/4 inch bolt/screw with a square nut as I recall.

I would just remove the old one and match it up in stainless steel at the hardware store.


Post# 1096131 , Reply# 11   11/6/2020 at 20:54 (1,265 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

Finally taking it for a spin.






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Post# 1096138 , Reply# 12   11/6/2020 at 21:36 (1,265 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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Sounds the same as my 511, goes to warp speed. Mine does that with a full load and sometimes rattles whats on the shelf above it.

Post# 1096139 , Reply# 13   11/6/2020 at 21:38 (1,265 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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FabricMatic model.  1-speed, Delicate cycle is intermittent agitation.


Post# 1096151 , Reply# 14   11/6/2020 at 23:03 (1,265 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

It leaks around the outer tub seal. I’ll have to do another run to see if it’s the full hose. How do I fix this?

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Post# 1096157 , Reply# 15   11/7/2020 at 00:43 (1,265 days old) by robbinsandmyers (Conn)        

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That made my day. I love how smooth and silent all the mechanicals are. Gives me inspiration.

Post# 1096257 , Reply# 16   11/7/2020 at 17:11 (1,264 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

They’re multiplying. Help.

Actually I might get rid of the almond set in favor of the stackable SQs. I don’t have time to troubleshoot the washer and I’m looking for something quiet and contemporary to match the design of the house.


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Post# 1096542 , Reply# 17   11/9/2020 at 14:38 (1,262 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
the full hose. How do I fix this?

Looks like it is leaking from the injector hose, if so get a new one.

If leaking from the tub ring seal you'll have to disassemble and carefully clean the lip of rust, paint it with POR or similar, then put it back together using some RTV sealant in the really bad spots if necessary


Post# 1096544 , Reply# 18   11/9/2020 at 15:03 (1,262 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
I don’t have time to troubleshoot

If you're after a matching set you could swap the entire Almond cabinet right onto the the white washers base.

In fact, you could even use the white washers console to match the almond dryer.

Thus, you would get the higher end features of the much better condition white washer in the cabinet of the almond unit.

Wouldn't be that difficult to to do at all.

Just disconnect the wires to the motor, inlet valve and the hoses, undo the base plate screws and lift the top cover and cabinet right off.

Reverse the procedure to reassemble.


Post# 1096547 , Reply# 19   11/9/2020 at 15:40 (1,262 days old) by wa9aLqTh (Bay Area Northern California)        

I'll probably keep the white washer for myself and use it at home. I already have a Speed Queen AWN 2017 but I like the idea of a lint trap since we hang dry. It'll greatly decrease the lint on our clothes without having to toss them in the dryer after line drying.

The almond set will be released back into the wild. I wish I could keep them but I really need a more contemporary & quiet set for to match the house.

Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions. If I have time I'll seal up the LA511 before its let go. Let me know if you're in the Sacramento CA area.



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