1937 Maytag Washing Machine Engine - Will it Run?

[@Offthechartsoffroad]

I have the same engine at home! I got it from my father-in-law when he passed, and it almost looks new!

[@Slidog]

I have one too.

[@Larry-jv6he]

love the maytag motors.you are a braver man than i to hold those spark plugs.

[@johnbender1596]

I have been working with these engines for 50 years. Very interesting design, and a great project! One word of caution that I have experienced. The crankshaft on these units are ver fragile, and when you add 80-90 years of age to the metal stress cracks will appear. Starting the engine with the pedal puts a lot of stress into the crankshaft, and they will break. I just wrap a rope around the v pulley and start it that way. These engines are very easy to start if in good condition. Hope you enjoy the project, and thanks for sharing it with the community!

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Thanks John! I will keep that in mind. What oil do you recommend?

[@johnbender1596]

I have always used a good outboard motor oil, however mine never ran under a load of any kind. I have in my possession a sealed qt. of genuine Maytag multi motor oil that I found at a old Maytag dealer in VA. The container does not have any oil weight or spec.

[@TheMillwright1980]

Looks like Black Diamond nitrile gloves from Tacoma Screw!

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Different company, "Infi-Touch", Amazon specials.

[@billroberts3864]

That is a nifty garage sale find and nice to hear it run smoothly. It would look great if you fully restore this little two cylinder Maytag engine. My friend here in Oregon has an operating Maytag washing machine that he demonstrates at our Powerland Steam Up every July. It is nice to save these old time machines from the scrap heap.

[@larrykrise3609]

sounds good.some time ago i had 2 of these and a single.

[@richardowens9170]

What a cool antique! A great example of the durability of simplicity in design. Perhaps that little thing is the original boxer engine. Now you just need an appropriately sized motorcycle to put it in!

[@Jason1Pa]

I've always wanted a complete gas powered Maytag washer. It may get me excited to even do laundry! 😆 Great video as always. Sounds good!

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Right! Thanks.

[@vernonearl]

There is a company called Flywheel Supply that has an extensive list of parts for Maytags. They list a starter pedal for the Model 72 for less than $20. One warning on these engines, don't crank them over without grounding the plug wires, the coil can be easily damaged.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Thank you. $20 sounds like a good price.

[@brianferguson6278]

That is an amazing find ..they still have parts for these machines. I think the part he wants is on Page 3 Gear pedal with gear $55.00. Must be NEW OLD stock?

[@vernonearl]

@@brianferguson6278 The printed catalog I have has more listed than the web page, but it is 3 years old so maybe they don't carry as many parts now.

[@BonnieKay13]

I always put in a new set of rings in these small engines, also bigger ones, grind rod caps 'tll they fit snug, good cleanup or sand blast, then the paint, decals if available and there you are, just like new.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

Thanks!

[@artr8285]

Nice find! An option was a long flexible exhaust hose to put outside. Kept the noise and exhaust away from the washer. Also, look for a straight 30w non-detergent oil. Fewer additives that don't combust well.

[@matthewpiper1421]

Love the maytag's , i have a 92 that i found in a barn and got running, i am not restoring it because i like the patina, and it runs perfect.

[@steventhornton4716]

Would make a handy little generator engine with a belt

[@bigk9673]

I have always wanted one

[@3870TheDad]

I think it would be great if you really fully restored the old motor. Would be amazing if you could find an old washing machine to attach it to. Just for demonstration.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

That would be fun.

[@brianferguson6278]

On your starter lever with the broken lower part. Can you remove and file flat upper half, then take solid metal stock and make a bearing cap to replace the broken missing lower part. Drill through holes to bolt new lower part to upper part. Thinking like a main bearing holds crank to an engine block. Boxer engine runs smooth , one would expect it to shake off the table, yet it just did it's think.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

I will think about that.

[@shannonking3201]

You can buy a new one for a little nothing

[@mattbalik2585]

Obviously that's why the washing machines were outside on the porch, keep the fumes and noise outside. That engine runs pretty fast, it must have driven an agitator vertically? I would think if it spun the tub the centrifugal force would force the clothes to the wall of the tub and wouldn't wash them very well. Do you know how the machine operated?

[@vernonearl]

The drivetrain did include more gears to slow it down. Wringer washers didn't spin, they only had the agitator. When you were done washing you would shift the drive to power the wringer to squeeze the water out of the clothes instead of spinning them like todays machines.

[@DRNEGOLICIS]

I have to admit I had a mini heart attack when I saw him approaching the flywheel with that puller.

[@adnacraigo6590]

Never seen one of those.

[@dirtbag7921]

Any idea what HP that thing has? Hook it up to your grain mill for homebrewing.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

5/8 hp I believe. That would definitely mill some grain.

[@duginvirginia5737]

Nice !

[@DatBlueHusky]

modern oils for 2 stroke are far far superior than what these engines used to run. You can run any type of oil fine with it but if you want no smoke, run synthetic oil.

[@shannonking3201]

Modern two stoke oil is designed for needle bearings,these are full cast bronze bearings,30 weight non detergent oil is what they were designed to use,if you run that shit in these engines it does not lubricate them well,and synthetic oil is a bad idea all together,just run what Maytag designed them to use you'll have no problems

[@rickhall4318]

restore it!

[@vanhelsing3225]

this simple engine must be designed by smart man.

[@AntiqueCarsandStuff]

I agree. I think it is well engineered.

[@shannonking3201]

FL Maytag was a very intelligent man