uncle Will in In. said:
They weren't two cycle engines, but most of them smoked worse than a Harley Davidson.
They were 4 cycle on early Maytags and they were one cylinder (I used engine off one on homebuilt gokart as a kid), but later Maytags (white ones) were 2 cycle and 2 cylinder. I know, I had one. It did smoke. We had one goat that loved to come over and sniff the fumes. Didnt seem to hurt her.
To convert an electric you want a small 1 1/2 or 2hp Honda or BS engine (well unless you can get an original kick start type engine made for washing machine--they are pricey in good shape) Easiest to convert the older open frame washers but the ones with a skirt can be converted. You can buy stainless flex tubing to run exhaust outdoors, but make sure make connections tight and check for leaks. Dont gas yourself.
Oh if you arent real picky, I remember an article in old TMEN where a couple had their Maytag up against the wall inside their house, cut a slot through the wall to run the belt and had the engine outside on porch, mounted on a hinged board to provide tension. Interesting solution to problem of fumes inside the house. People can be very creative when they have to be.
And if you can make it fit, anything from 1 1/2 hp to 5 hp engine or even bigger if thats what you have should work. Bigger the engine the thirstier. Course you could change pulleys around and run 5hp at slower speed to turn washer at same rpm since it has more torque.
