Fix or Replace: top load washer

[PandaBear]

94 Maytag LAT3914AAE with broken timer. I'm pretty sure the "contacts" inside are bad. The replacement timer is $91 on ebay (New in box but not from a reseller, probably some left over from a parts house closing or someone bought a spare).

For a 24 yr old Maytag top loader, the replacement will likely be another basic top loader. Are they "not made like they used to"? or about the same? This will likely be around $500-600 these days.

Alternative would be to "upgrade" to a basic but durable front loader (Speed Queen?). Want something durable to justify the cost. Wife would probably be happy for less clothes damage due no agitator, and the water saving too. I'd imagine they would cost around $900 for something reasonable, like left over model.

What would you pick instead?

 

[wymi516]

Any way to take the timer apart and see if it can be fixed? I'd try that first, it's already busted. Then if that doesn't work your under our $100.00 or less repair rule we would follow on an item like that for it's age.

 

[Doc8404]

We have a top loader without agitator.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

If you take it apart you can bend the contacts, they are just finger contacts. I would keep.

I would rebuild IF the tub is in good shape. It is after all, a REAL Maytag.

When Maytag started putting the plastic tubs in around the 2000ish mark, those where the last of the real ones to me. Them other ones after that are "Magic Tags" or "Norgetags" as I like to call them. I also refuse to buy one of these Maypools, Sears Tagmores, or Whirltags out now.

 

[Cujet]

I prefer the older non efficiency washing machines, they are very effective and fast, plus they may do a better job getting smells out. If it's in reasonably good shape, it's probably worth fixing.

I saw some timers for $50.

 

[bullwinkle]

I would fix it, the old Maytags were pretty indestructible-until they sold out, might as well be Whirlpool now. Front loaders (other than Speed Queen) are trouble, they don't hold up as well as top loaders (IMO).

 

[jakewells]

I would repair it unless you want a new junky washer that doesn't clean that well and takes forever to wash a load.

 

[barkingspider]

I have a 17 year old Maytag top loader, still going strong and does 3-4 loads a week. I would fix yours, it’ll last another life time

 

[maxdustington]

Buy the part, start saving up for the Speed Queen.

I see a lot of talking about the SQ here on BITOG but no one ever pulls the trigger. I want that to change.

 

[9050lx]

Is that Maytag a direct drive like whirlpool?If so I would fix it.Speed Queens are now redesigned from what I understand.

 

[Rand]

speed queen toploaders are now not nearly as good as the 2017 model.. read all about it. google.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: maxdustington
Buy the part, start saving up for the Speed Queen.

I see a lot of talking about the SQ here on BITOG but no one ever pulls the trigger. I want that to change.


My dad has one, but it is a coin op commercial unit in an apartment building. It is well build.

 

[skyactiv]

Originally Posted By: maxdustington
Buy the part, start saving up for the Speed Queen.

I see a lot of talking about the SQ here on BITOG but no one ever pulls the trigger. I want that to change.


I have a Speedqueen. I have well water, so no worries on that for me.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4641625/1

Maytag does make a heavy duty top loader for about $800.

 

[WobblyElvis]

I bought new Inglis washer n dryer when we bought this house in 86. Raised 4 kids, and the washer and drier lasted until 2008. I thought since they didn't owe us anything I may as well replace the leaking washer with a new Samsung high efficiency unit. BIG BIG mistake. The new stuff is donkey droppings. Give me a time machine and I'll go back and fix the old machine before I'd ever buy a new one.

 

[Rolla07]

If you were happy with the performance of it, Id fix it.

 

[thooks]

All new appliances from a retail store suck.

 

[MParr]

The model you listed is a belt drive. That’s a good thing. If it were one of those direct drive Whirlpool clones, I’d say get rid of it. It may work out to repair it. If not, GE has some really good top loaders, equipped with agitators. They are belt drive too.

 

[JMJNet]

The timer is usually burnt at that age.

I will replace the timer assuming there is no other part that is bad.

 

[spackard]

Problem is you live in California.
Going to be facing a 55 gal/day indoor water usage restriction.
Assembly Bill 1668 and Senate Bill 606

 

[PimTac]

Another vote for fixing it.