Maytag Twins or 'Look-a-Likes'?

A minor but significant difference in the overall appearance of the twin was the use of several styles of air intake tubes (part #3965). The #3965 was the most common design, but there were others. Most collectors are familiar with the #3965, but other styles have surfaced as the photo indicates. (See photo #2.)

Unfortunately, research has failed to uncover the reasons for these style changes. Most of these air tubes, other than the #3965, lived a short life. The #3965 was in service for an extensive period of time. Over the years I have had considerable experience with different styles of the air intake tubes, and in my humble opinion, there was very little noticeable difference in the performance of the twin regardless of the type air tube used. I was also informed by some so-called Maytag experts that most of the air tubes, other than the #3965, were experimental models.

On my recent trip to the engine show held in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, I discovered another somewhat different air tube. This tube is owned by Richard Bond of Richland, Iowa. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a decent photo. This air tube was manufactured by the Le-Claire Co., and it was held in place on the twin with two long fine threaded bolts. It also contained what appeared to be a small fiber filter. One would have to suppose the filter was to clean the air as it entered the mixer of the twin. I might add at this point, LeClaire Co. manufactured various castings, and was not connected with the Maytag Company.

Maytag also used an aluminum muffler cast by LeClaire. The company was located in LeClaire, Iowa. See photos #1 and #4 for views of the round aluminum muffler cast by LeClaire. The mufflers used on the twin vary in design and their intended uses are still something of a mystery. No doubt most collectors are familiar with the long flex hose with the round cast iron, ball-type muffler attached on the end of the flex hose. This system was very popular and common, on both the twin and the single cylinder Maytag. The flex hose could be ordered in any length. The length of the flex hose always depended on the location of the washing machine or other machinery being used. Since the twin was, on more than one occasion, used inside a building or home, it was thus necessary to have a flex hose long enough to safely exhaust the fumes outdoors. A number of twins, for various reasons, were not equipped with the popular flex hose system. These types of mufflers, as shown in the photos (#1, #3 and #4) were unique in design and also gave the twin a melodic sound.