Thread Number: 91905  /  Tag: Wringer Washers
Maytag J2L
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 1164410   11/20/2022 at 16:00 (521 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Hi all.

A few years ago, I had a ton of questions for you, as I was about to acquire a J2L which I knew nothing about.
I only know very slightly more about them now. And the machine I was getting never got anything more than a thorough cleaning.
Now, I'm trying to get myself into even more trouble.
I found another J2L that's in danger of being hauled off for scrap. So, of course, Mr. Hoarder here is trying to save it.
I know, before ever even seeing it in person, it's going to have at least all the same problems that my first one has. Leaking tub seal, agitator frozen on, etc.
This one appears to be older than my other one, as this one has red knobs and release bar, and a black agitator. My first one, circa 1966, has all turquoise. And, there's no guarantee that I'm going to get this one, but I'm trying.
I told you all that, just so I could ask this question. The only thing that I know for sure is missing from this one, is the black rubber piece that goes around the outer edge of the lid.
I just thought I'd ask what you think the chances are of finding one of those; provided I get the washer.
I know it's really the least of my worries. But, one of my idiosyncrasies is that I don't like to see obvious missing pieces.
Thanks for reading this, and for any possible assistance!

Barry





Post# 1164428 , Reply# 1   11/20/2022 at 18:40 (520 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
You may have to purchase an entire new lid, NOS or used.

Happily one or both are rather easily found.

cottagecraftworks.com/maytag-wri...


Post# 1164432 , Reply# 2   11/20/2022 at 19:03 (520 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Thank you, Launderess!
It looks like they might even sell just the lid band.
If I end up getting the machine, I'll definitely check with them!

Barry


Post# 1165627 , Reply# 3   12/5/2022 at 09:16 (506 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        
Update

justjunque's profile picture
Well, after a couple/few weeks of trying to figure out the best and most cost effective way to move the machine, I finally gave in and rented a truck.
The old girl is now in our basement. (The Maytag. Not the rental truck.)
I haven't had a chance to get into it much, but I'll share what I know.
It's definitely in a little rougher cosmetic condition than my first one.
But, lo and behold, the agitator lifts right off with only slight effort!
It appears to be a Bakelite agitator.
I looked for a serial number stamped into the metal, just below the black rubber piece that separates the tub from the base. That's where it is on my other one. This one doesn't have it. I do see a small metal tag riveted on the very bottom of the base, next to the left rear leg. I haven't confirmed it yet, but I'm guessing that's where I'll find the serial number.
This one also needs a ton more cleaning than my first one. And, the power cord has lots of little cracks in the outer covering. I don't know how I feel about attempting to plug it in to hear how the motor sounds.
I'll share more information, and of course pictures, as I can.

Barry


Post# 1165628 , Reply# 4   12/5/2022 at 09:49 (506 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
"And, the power cord has lots of little cracks in the outer covering"

Welcome to my world! *LOL*

Good number of my vintage washers arrived with dried out brittle power cords. It's just what happens to old coating used back then.

Long as insulation is intact, area and cord are dry plugging it in to test motor should be fine.


Post# 1165644 , Reply# 5   12/5/2022 at 11:52 (506 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        
A couple of pictures.

justjunque's profile picture
That aforementioned tag is, in deed, where the serial number is located. But, those of you with more knowledge of these machines already knew that!
I don't seem to be able to get a good picture of it. After several attempts, this is the best I got. To me, I see 216512F. Does that make sense? Does anyone else see it differently?
And, here's the markings on the underside of the agitator.
Before I even post them, I'm going to apologize in advance if they come out oriented all wonky. I know even less about techy things than I do vintage appliances. And, that's saying something!


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 1165658 , Reply# 6   12/5/2022 at 15:06 (506 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Thank you again, Launderess.
That's good to know. I'm not going to plug anything in, nor do any serious cleaning of the finish, until I thoroughly vacuum away the majority of the dirt, dust, and spider condos that are all over it.
But, since the basement and the machine are most definitely dry, I'll eventually give it a go.

Barry


Post# 1165963 , Reply# 7   12/7/2022 at 18:47 (503 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Would anyone be able to tell me when this machine was born, based on the serial number?
Provided you can make it out.
Thanks!


Post# 1165987 , Reply# 8   12/8/2022 at 04:26 (503 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
It pays to wander into the archives...

launderess's profile picture
Decoding Maytag wringer serial numbers has been discussed many times previously.

www.automaticwasher.org/c...


Post# 1165992 , Reply# 9   12/8/2022 at 07:23 (503 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        
Thank you again!

justjunque's profile picture
I usually ask for help with serial numbers, because I have a tendency to get it wrong.
An element of the autism? I don't know. But, numbers are not my friends.
If I'm correctly reading that chart that you linked, and, if I'm reading my serial number correctly, this washer was born in July of 1947.
I appreciate the help!

Barry


Post# 1165996 , Reply# 10   12/8/2022 at 08:09 (503 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
That do be it!

launderess's profile picture
We have a winner! Give that man a Kewpie doll!

*LOL*


Post# 1166000 , Reply# 11   12/8/2022 at 10:04 (503 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
I'm guessing that means that the agitator must have been replaced at some point. I read somewhere, in another thread, that the black Bakelite agitator was used from some time in the 1950s, until the early 1960s.
I would have liked if it had a red agitator. I really like the look of those. But, this black one appears to be in great condition. And I'm just happy that it's not frozen onto the post!


Post# 1166015 , Reply# 12   12/8/2022 at 16:00 (503 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Here's a quick picture of her, next to my 1966; warts and all.
This is pretty much just how it came out of the previous owner's basement. I have vacuumed off some loose dirt and spider webs.
Just out of curiosity; should the '47 have a Maytag logo on the front? Maybe that sexy red cursive type that I've seen on some?
Lacking any trace of mechanical ability, I may never get any farther with either of them than just shining them up. But, I just think they're so beautiful. Am I crazy? Both of them were at serious risk of being scrapped. I figured, even just sitting unused in my laundry room was better than that.
Here I go again with the sideways picture. I apologize.


  View Full Size
Post# 1166016 , Reply# 13   12/8/2022 at 16:02 (503 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
At some point in future you may want to consider obtaining the newer (and last incarnation) of Maytag turquoise agitator for wringer washers.

www.automaticwasher.org/c...

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/...

Some don't like them, but Maytag had a reason behind the madness. The turquoise agitators have a cup at base which helps keep water from getting down past tub seals.


Post# 1166028 , Reply# 14   12/8/2022 at 17:39 (502 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
If I ever get to a point where I'm able to actually use one of my wringers, I think I would be open to using the type with the cup. Anything to help keep water from getting where it doesn't belong.
I believe I saw a post where someone had one of the black agitators with that same design. That would be better yet, as, in my opinion anyway, it would coordinate better with the machine than the turquoise color. But, I believe they also stated that the black plastic version with the cup was very rare.
Don't get me wrong; I think the turquoise agitator looks great in the newer machine that has the turquoise knobs and release bar.


Post# 1166218 , Reply# 15   12/10/2022 at 19:29 (500 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Well, I finally got it cleaned off enough to try plugging it in.
The motor started right up, and sounds nice and quiet.
I pulled the knob to engage the agitator, and it too, seems to work fine.
The only thing that didn't function was the wringer. When you engage it, there's a clunk, so something is engaging. And, the rollers move slightly upwards. I'm guessing there's something rusty and crusty enough in the works to prevent the rollers from turning.
Still, not too bad for a 1947 that's been sitting neglected in a basement for at least 17 years.
I'm not having much luck with making it look pretty either. I guess what this one really needs is for someone to completely tear it down and restore it the right way.
That's way beyond my capabilities.


Post# 1166228 , Reply# 16   12/10/2022 at 22:06 (500 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
If haven't already consult owners manual to ensure you have gears set for wringer to work.






Post# 1166282 , Reply# 17   12/11/2022 at 13:31 (500 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
I've actually watched that video recently!
I wondered why his machine makes that constant knocking sound.
I'm not sure that I'm understanding what you mean by having the gears set.
I did it the same way that I did when I tested my '66.
Motor running. Agitator disengaged. Wringer head locked into position. Then, moved the lever to the forward position. The rollers didn't roll.
Moved the lever to the rearward position. The rollers didn't roll.
Is there a step that I'm missing?
I'll be the first to admit that I know very little about these machines. But, the basic operation seemed pretty simple and straightforward. Plus, on my other machine, everything functions when done that way.
Like I said; if there's a step that I'm missing, please let me know. I'm here to learn!


Post# 1166298 , Reply# 18   12/11/2022 at 14:54 (500 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Sounds like you've got things cracked.

launderess's profile picture
You may want to lift wringer head off post, laying it down on floor (something underneath of course to absorb grease), then watch to see if gears are turning that drive wringer.

If everything looks good from that point of view, then issue could be within wringer head itself.

Common issue with wringer rollers not turning is that tension has been released and not reset properly.

To prevent rollers from sticking to each other Maytag came up with a procedure where tension is released on rollers, then they are raised apart from each other. To use wringer again the procedure is reversed with tension reset and rollers dropping into position.

www.automaticwasher.org/c...

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/...

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/...


Post# 1166348 , Reply# 19   12/11/2022 at 19:13 (499 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
I actually keep both of mine separated like that. Unfortunately, previous owners didn't do that, so the damage is done on both machines. But, at least I can feel like I'm doing my part.
I did put them back in place before attempting to operate them.
I'll have to try your suggestion of running it with the wringer head removed. That's interesting.


Post# 1166418 , Reply# 20   12/12/2022 at 16:36 (499 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
I just noticed, while trying to familiarize myself with the tub of the '47; there doesn't appear to be the rubber ring on the agitator post that I've seen and heard mentioned. I believe its function is to prevent the agitator from floating off the post when the tub is full of water. This machine just seems to have a little metal band, about where I believe the rubber ring would go.
Here's what I'm wondering, and please correct me if I'm wrong.
It's my understanding that the '47 would have originally had an aluminum agitator. Although I've never seen one in person, I've heard that they were quite heavy. Perhaps the rubber ring wasn't needed in that case, as the agitator would have been too heavy to float.
My tub is also very stained, and nothing that I've tried has even touched it. I'll post a picture or two eventually. The tub of the '66 is immaculate, so I was disappointed when I saw this one. But, I thought it would come right off with some Bon Ami or Bar Keeper's Friend or something.
I was wrong. 🙁
I'm starting to think someone may have done something bad to this tub at some point, and it's permanently discolored.


Post# 1166422 , Reply# 21   12/12/2022 at 17:16 (499 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Early stop rings were a metal band. I don't know the exact timeframe on when Maytag switched over to the rubber version, but if I had to guess it was probably around when the automatic was introduced. The metal one should be popped off and a new rubber ring installed if you end up putting the '47 in use.

Can you post photos of the stains on the inside of the '47 tub?

Ben


Post# 1166423 , Reply# 22   12/12/2022 at 17:27 (498 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        
Tub staining

justjunque's profile picture
Here ya go!
It did come from a house that used well water. So, I don't know if that would have anything to do with it.
It's very shiny, even in the stained ares. It sounds crazy, but I'm wondering if, instead of getting rid of the stains; could someone have put some sort of a clear coat or sealer over it?


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 1166468 , Reply# 23   12/13/2022 at 12:50 (498 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        
Decal/logo on '47

justjunque's profile picture
Granted, it's the least of my problems. But, I took a really close look at the front of the '47. And, in the right light, from just the right angle, I can just barely see where the "Maytag" decal used to be.
I can see that it wasn't the more slick looking red script that I was asking about. It's the one that looks a little more like calligraphy or something. Bad description, but I don't know how else to describe it.


Post# 1166470 , Reply# 24   12/13/2022 at 12:57 (498 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
When I was a teenager we had well water that had a high iron content. The toilets would get stained like your Maytag tub is stained. My Mom used Whink Rust Remover to remove the rust stains and it worked like a charm. Whink is available at many stores, get a bottle and give it a try.

You just need to squirt it on the stain and the rust disappears like magic.

Eddie


CLICK HERE TO GO TO ea56's LINK




This post was last edited 12/13/2022 at 13:22
Post# 1166473 , Reply# 25   12/13/2022 at 13:19 (498 days old) by Frigidaireguy (Wiston-Salem, NC)        

I had a stained tub in a maytag automatic and I used "Rust Out" It is a powder that you can get at ACE Hardware. It worked well for me.

Bob


Post# 1166484 , Reply# 26   12/13/2022 at 14:15 (498 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Thanks Eddie and Bob!
I will see if I can find one or both of those products.


Post# 1166487 , Reply# 27   12/13/2022 at 14:52 (498 days old) by JustJunque (Western MA)        

justjunque's profile picture
Eddie,

I just looked at Whink on Amazon. There's a foaming version available in a trigger sprayer. Have you ever tried that one? It must be slightly different from the original version, because, I believe the original has a warning not to use it on bathtubs. But, the foaming version says tubs, tile, etc.
Also; is there any part of the washer tub that I should avoid getting either of these products on? The bare metal area around the agitator post, etc?


Post# 1166488 , Reply# 28   12/13/2022 at 15:22 (498 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Barry,
I’ve not used the foaming version. I do know that the original liquid in the squeeze bottle didn’t damage our toilets, and they were covered with porcelain. Just to be on the safe side I’d cover the agitator post and other bare metal with plastic and duck tape before applying Whink. You might also want to test a small inconspicuous area first before applying to all the rest of the stained areas.

HTH,
Eddie




This post was last edited 12/13/2022 at 15:47

Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy