Maytag wringer won't come off/sit down--stuck!

[aarmstro]

I recently was gifted an old Maytag wringer washer (E2L) and am working on bringing it back to life as a gift for a friend. I have sanded/scraped/painted it, replaced multiple bits and pieces, agonized over the motor, etc. etc and it's now in working order. EXCEPT that while trying to get the motor installed/working (laying May on her side/back up again) the wringer has come out of the wringer arm (for lack of proper term). It says in the manual that it should be able to come out completely (not happening despite my efforts). I can't get it to come out or to sit down flush like it was! Any suggestions? i have tried jiggling, wiggling, etc. w/ the knob in the appropriate position.
Thanks for any possible suggestions...

[Cabin Fever]

If I remember right (we sold our Maytag wringer a few years ago), the "wringer head" has to be at about a 45º angle to the front of the machine before it will slide down into its socket.

[davel745]

The ringer needs to be turned and held in alignment till the drive bar can engage the wringer. I have had to turn the dam thing upside down to get it to engage. Don’t force it. It will go together easily. Be careful when turning it upside down, I may have laid it on its side. The drive rod is greasy try not to wipe it away, as this helps to lubricate the connection between the drive shaft and the wringer. Also the drive shaft will come out if it is turned upside down. Be careful.

Good luck

Dave

[aarmstro]

Thank you both...davel745--can you tell me exactly what i need to do? when you say turn the wringer do you mean the actual rollers? i have moved it, twisted it all kinds of way, on its side, etc. (not upside down yet!) in all kinds of positions and it's just not going...wondering if i need to have it turned on while i'm doing this? thank you again.

[davel745]

Hi
I just went up and took ours apart. Here goes. Please read the whole post before you begin.

Unplug the washer. No Electricity.

There should be a little lever located were the wringer attaches to the washer.

Try this first.
Push the lever down and turn the wringer it should drop onto the drive shaft. There are slots on the washer that allows a pin to drop to hold the wringer in place.

If this doesn’t work you should be able to lift the wringer straight up and off the machine.

You can see the drive shaft. If you turn the wringer over you can see the hole were the drive shaft must fit into. It’s up inside a little bit.

Ok your job is to get the wringer to set down on the drive shaft. It can be tricky I had to turn the washer on its side and using a paper towel I was able to reach up underneath the washer and put the drive shaft in place. Set the washer on its feet and push the lever down and turn the wringer and it should set down onto the drive shaft. To swing the wringer push the lever down and you will be able to position the wringer to a new position.

Make sure there is a glob of grease on the end of the drive shaft so it will stay lubricated.

Also make sure the wringer rolls are in the released position.

It should go back together. Do not force it these machines are very well built and are made to come apart..

The rollers need a dollop of grease about the size of a half of a pea on there bearing surfaces. On each end of the rolls.

You may also write to me at davel745@verizon.net.

Good luck and I will monitor this post and feel free to email me.

Best regards,

Dave

[davel745]

The wringer may be bound or rusted to the pivot on the washer. Holding the lever down it should turn. Unless someone had done damage to the unit.

Dave again

[aarmstro]

Thank you Dave! We think a pin broke inside so we're working on getting that out and replaced. It'd be great to have a schematic of sorts but those don't seem to be easy to come by. The previous owner thinks the rollers weren't functioning anyway when I got it so I'm going to work on that too. I'll email if I have more questions--you have been more than helpful. Thank you!

[davel745]

Hello

I think the rollers will work if the drive shaft is properly engaged.

As far as the pin is concerned is it the one that is used to attach the lever to the shaft that goes inside, or is it the one that engages the ring that keeps the wringer in place.

If it is the pin that holds the lever in place, a hardware store will have this pin.

If it is the pin that holds the wringer in place that isn’t available and would have to be made at a machine shop. Maybe $25.00

Good luck.

We have had our wringer washer for 3 years now. I think I will keep it just in case.

Best regards,

Dave

[davel745]

some parts are available on Ebay

Dave