Washer: Maytag
Model: PAV5157AWW
Serial: 17345773AX
Rev: 17


I inherited my Grammy's old Maytag washer... The kind you never throw away... you rebuild them! Unfortunately, after a battle with a rat infestation, the washer took some damage. In addition to the tub and drain hose, they apparently liked the taste of the water flume and chewed the sides of it that has now caused a leak.

Looking at the parts sites, the flume I have (21001854) is NLA.
Parts lists shows 2 different flumes (depending on series), but mine is the type WITH (2) thermostats mounted on the under-side. The other type of flume (WP21001760) looks identical except it does NOT have the screw holes to mount those thermostats.

So here's my thoughts:

1. Get the WP21001760 flume and make my own mounting studs for the thermostats (Marine Tex or similar). Or glue on a piece of plastic I can thread into..

2. Take the thermostat half of my flume and mount to the WP21001760 flume. I can't tell until I have it in my hand, but it looks like they'll snap together.

OR my preferred fix:

3. After studying the schematic, I think those thermostats are part of the 60/40 water system? They are what tells the water inlet valves to shut on and off according to the water temperature going into the tub?

I understand the 60/40 system was done for energy efficiency, but the Wife and I don't do enough laundry to worry about it. Typically we use cold water for regular clothes and hot for whites. Rarely would we use warm. I don't see the point of a 60/40 system unless you're doing a LOT of washing.

So in other words - can I bypass those thermostats and get rid of the 60/40 all together? Or did I misinterpret something? Most older washers I've worked on didn't have thermostats at the flume or water outlet.

UPDATE:

4. It also occurred to me today I can make my own flume outlet from a piece of plastic or Teflon stock. (Being a retired machinist with my own machine shop has its advantages...lol).

I didn't think about this idea until I was looking at 90-degree connectors at the hardware store today. I think it would be pretty simple to machine my own outlet that can eliminate the need for a custom-bent hose. I can either use a pre-made 90-degree barbed connector, or drill the block 90-degrees so I can use a straight connector. Easy peazy. I could also counter-sink the backside to accommodate those thermostats.

I doubt there is high demand for a flume like this, but I could make a few extra if someone was interested.

I would still prefer to eliminate those thermostats all together if I can.


Thoughts?

Thank you,

Edited by user Sunday, March 20, 2022 5:42:46 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified