Maytag MVWC465HW2 washer leaking

[Bjh_21]

Hello,

Hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. My 2-1/2 year old washer has begun leaking water from where the top cover ring mates to the plastic outer tub. The leaking only occurs during a spin cycle with wet laundry in the tub. It doesn’t leak when laundry isn’t present.

From what I can gather, though the drain pump seems to be working as it should, it’s as though it isn’t able to get rid of the spun-out water fast enough such that the water is riding up the outer tub wall and out between the cover/tub.

I noticed some washer models have a gasket between the cover and tub.  However, my model doesn’t nor is one shown on its parts diagram. 

I cleaned out the drain hose thinking it could have some buildup.  A little bit of crud came out, but nothing too crazy. Unfortunately, it didn’t stop the leaking.

There are times the washer will make screeching/squealing sounds when doing a large load. I assume it’s the belt slipping at times. Could a slightly loose belt cause the drain pump to under perform?

Any thoughts?

[Bjh_21]

I should add that any feedback here will be going directly to my repair tech. He’s the one who determined the leak source back on Thurs, but is stumped by the cause. He did perform a diagnostics check, but there weren’t any codes.

After spending about 2 hours of testing/diagnosing, he had to leave for another job. I spoke with him Fri evening to see if he had any updates. He said he spoke with other repair techs, but they too have not seen or heard of this before. He also tried calling Maytag support, but he had to give up after 45 min of waiting for someone to take his call as he had another job to get to.

He also pointed out that Maytag has since changed the p/n of the tub cover, but couldn’t tell whether the part has physically changed or not.

[Vance R]

Any error codes ?

[Bjh_21]

No

[Vance R]

Does the basket completely drain the water out before spinning the clothes?

[Bjh_21]

I'm leaning toward yes considering that it doesn't leak when a cycle is performed without any clothes in the basket.  I'll have to check to be certain.

[Bjh_21]

Got to thinking, could all of this just be a symptom of a dirty washer? I’ll be honest, I’ve never done a ”clean washer w/ affresh” cycle. The washer is only ever used with the cool water setting and with liquid detergent. It’s never been used with hot water nor bleach.

To test the theory, I picked up a box of  Affresh tablets. I’m going to do (3) back-to-back cleaning cycles per  Affresh’s recommendation considering it’s never been done in over 2.5 years.

[Vance R]

With Affresh i usually recommend double dose the first run then do couple of empty flushes. Then do the last tablet then do another flush cycle. 

May or may not help but can't hurt.

Edited December 11, 2022 by Vance R
added last sentence

[Bjh_21]

Thanks for the advice, Vance.  

Cycle 2 had just started when I got your message so I just dropped in a 2nd tablet.  I’ll do 2 rinse/spin cycles upon its finish.  I’ll then finish up with a final clean cycle followed by a rinse/spin cycle.

I’ll be doing a load of laundry tomorrow so will see if it made any difference. 

[Bjh_21]

Well, after doing the aforementioned affresh cleaning cycles last night, I did a load of bed sheets in the morning. Unfortunately, it still leaked, but not nearly as much as it has been.

This afternoon, I did a cleaning cycle with 1 qt bleach. I let the tub fill up and then paused the cycle as soon as the washing started. I let the mixture soak for 1 hr and then resumed the cycle. I then repeated the same process, but with 1 qt distilled white vinegar and 2 cups baking soda.

I then did a load of clothes about an hour later. I wasn’t home at the time to see it happen, but there was a tiny amount of water in the catch pan, about a tablespoon or so, near the front right leg when I got back.  

So, there’s definitely an improvement as it was leaking at least a cup of water per load prior to doing all of the cleaning cycles. Plus, the water would normally drip from the front and rear - sometimes from all sides.

 

[Bjh_21]

I'll continue to monitor it, but so far it looks like the leaking issue has been resolved.  The washer hasn't leaked the past several runs.  I've since installed a legit washer catch pan - was using (2) large Tupperware bin lids in the interim.  The new pan does make it difficult to look underneath the washer because of its lip.  However, I've been probing the front right corner of the pan with a paper towel after each run and so far it's come out dry.  It would always leak in that area before.

In addition to the previously mentioned performed cleaning cycles, I moved the water temperature selector to WARM from COOL.  Apparently we used to use the WARM setting, but it got changed to COOL some time ago.  Also, I moved the rinse selector to the "1 rinse w/ fabric softener" option.  It was previously set for the  "1 rinse" option.  Though we've always used it, I just realized our Tide liquid detergent includes Downy fabric softener.  Also, I don't believe it's an HE detergent as I don't see the "HE" symbol anywhere on the bottle.  The washer's owner manual states to only use HE detergents.  I'll have to check if our grocery store carries the HE version.

Too many variables to determine what actually fixed the problem, but I'd guess the various cleaning cycles probably had the greatest impact.

[StaggsHomeAppliance]

@Bjh_21 is your washer still leak free? I have a customer's washer in my shop now testing it for leaks. Same model, same leak areas, same part of the cycle when the leak occurs. 

[Bjh_21]

Yes unfortunately it does still leak.  However, it's no where near as bad as it had been.  Also, it seems to only leak when doing a large load.  Maybe too large? 

The cleaning cycles definitely made a difference.

Once it gets warmer outside, I plan on removing the basket to give it and the tub a good scrubbing and to check the drain pump filter for any obstructions/buildup.

[StaggsHomeAppliance]

@Bjh_21 I have removed the tub and although it has build up around it, I can't understand how that would make the water rise up the sides and leak out. I had four bath towels in there yesterday and it leaked anytime the machine went into spin even after it had drained completely. It will only leak with clothes, etc. in the tub spinning.

@Vance R What are your thoughts on this? 

[Vance R]

With the cabinet top off did you look around for water/ soap trails? Is there any sign of a leak at the left rear corner area? Could we see a picture of the bottom of the tub top? My first thought is if it leaks with only clothes in the tub is that water from the clothes is getting slung out in between the tub and tub top. The third picture of the tub show an open area in the left rear area near the suspension rod. 

[StaggsHomeAppliance]

Well, I cleaned it thoroughly and reassembled. I have a load of towels in there now. @Vance R I didn't see your reply until after I had reassembled. The outer tub has that same open area in all four corners. The tub top covers those areas. There is no seal in this tub top like I have seen in other models. The first step I took when I received this washer was to search for obvious signs of leaks like mineral/soap trails. There were none. I'll post the outcome of this trial run. 

[StaggsHomeAppliance]

Three loads and no leaks so far. 

[StaggsHomeAppliance]

Two more loads of laundry and no leaks. Customer is picking it up tomorrow. All that build up around the wash basket had to play a key role in causing it to force water up and over the top of the tub. 

[Bjh_21]

@StaggsHomeAppliance Glad to hear you got it resolved.  Also, nice job on the cleaning!  That tub and basket look brand spanking new!  I'll have to pass this information on to my repair man for his future reference.  He and his associates were baffled by this one.  I look forward to warmer days when I can get my washer outside to disassemble it and give it a thorough cleaning.