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Post# 184836   1/21/2007 at 20:35 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        

I've lamented many times that I was destined to never own a vintage washer. Every time I was close to swinging some deal the seller would back out or I'd lose the auction or whatever. I never was able to find a match to my old Maytag dryer or my Versatronic dryer. Well, thanks to the very kind Runematic, I have a vintage starter kit. A 806 pair. Not an identically matched pair, but close enough that nobody would notice.





Post# 184837 , Reply# 1   1/21/2007 at 20:36 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
A few issues

So now I'm going to have to learn how to maintain and fix these things. So if any of you Maytag experts out there can give me a hand now and then with advice so that I can slowly figure these contraptions out and be able to maintain them, I'd appreciate it.

So far, I have found two issues with the dryer. The door switch doesn't work, so the inside light doesn't come on and the tumbler keeps on tumbling when I open the door. I'm not all that concerned about that issue right now. The other issue is a little more pressing. When I push the dial in, the dryer start right up and seems to be fine. Shutting it off is the problem. When I push the dial in again, it doesn't shut off. Earlier in the evening it was shutting off after about 7 to 10 seconds, the dial would slowly come back out, like it was stuck or something and was slowly working it's way out, and then it would finally shut off. But now, it won't shut off at all even when the dial works it's way back out. The last time, I had to pull the plug.

Is this something you've seen before and can you offer me any advice on that?


Post# 184838 , Reply# 2   1/21/2007 at 20:37 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
Maybe an issue??

As for the washer, I gave it a test drive and I'm not sure if there's an issue or not. I feel like there is, but I could be mistaken. When the agitator kick on, it sounded funny to me, like it was stuggling. But maybe since I've heard a direct drive agitator for so long I don't know what this Maytag is supposed to sound like. Also, I peaked under the lid, and the agitator seemed to be moving very slowly, much more slowly than I was expected and didn't seems to make a full revolution. Now again, I'm not sure how fast these things are supposed to turn or how far around they turn, so I can't be 100 percent sure that it wasn't working correctly. Other than that, the rinse cycle, spin cycle, everything else seemed to work great. No problems.

So if anyone has any advice or guidance, please pass it along. By the way, I had the washer on the Regular Wash program, not the Gentle during this.

Thanks,

Versatronic.


Post# 184843 , Reply# 3   1/21/2007 at 21:19 (6,275 days old) by sharples ()        
Congrats!!

I was routing for you since i met you at Burning Bridge Antique mall. Sorry i couldnt help. My collection consists of 15 dryers and 4 washers. haha Yay for dryer's.

Post# 184844 , Reply# 4   1/21/2007 at 21:20 (6,275 days old) by sharples ()        
Pictures

Please post pictures of your vintage refrigerators and other dryers. It is awesome to see other peoples collections.

Post# 184849 , Reply# 5   1/21/2007 at 21:36 (6,275 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
The washer's regular action agitation speed should be about 63 oscillations/minute and 43 or 45 on gentle. As for the dryer, did you move the dial to damp dry? see if that will get it to stop. It SHOULD.

Post# 184850 , Reply# 6   1/21/2007 at 21:38 (6,275 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Also, if the washer has been sitting for a very long time &/or out in a very cold environment, it may take a while for the transmission to warm up or otehr things could be stiff, just my guess.

Post# 184852 , Reply# 7   1/21/2007 at 21:59 (6,275 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        
Nice Pair!

swestoyz's profile picture
Hey Mike, your 'new' Maytags sure look great - even in the great shade of Harvest! Typically, from what I've seen/used, if the operator needs to turn off the dryer manually on the '06/'07 series, one would simply just open the door. The door switch would then kill the dryer, then user could add/remove clothes if needed. You would be killing two birds with one stone if you took a look at the switch - I may have a spare.

Slow agitation on the washer: I just brought in a spare 806 for my parents a few weeks ago. The machine had sat outside for quite sometime, and wouldn't agitate to save it's own life. After letting it warm up inside, I noticed that there were flat spots on the rollers, and the slipping grease, well, wasn't allowing the motor to travel on the track. A new set of belts, roller grease and rollers, and she was back in service, ready for a family of 4. Before servicing this issue, make sure that the underside of the washer isn't coated in transmission grease - a little bit is okay, a LOT would be a cause of concern.

I also have some extra aqua washer panels, if needed. Just drop me a line.

Ben


Post# 184855 , Reply# 8   1/21/2007 at 22:10 (6,275 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
I doubt pushing the knob on the dryer is supposed to stop it. Typically on an electronic 806 or a 906, canceling a cycle requires opening the door. There is no Off selection or button. Or as Bob suggested, change it to Damp Dry, which should stop in less than 60 seconds (15 to 30 seconds?) with no clothes.

Post# 184916 , Reply# 9   1/22/2007 at 06:07 (6,275 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
If I am not totally mistaken.....

the sensors in this dryer are on the drum baffles, and a Maytag repairman suggested that I take a clean terrycloth and a very litte hot-ish water and rub the baffles vigorously to remove residue. Might help your shut-off issue, and it's a good maintenence thing to do anyway.

After I did this, on our DG502, it shut off reliably again.

Again, and this is just my opinion, this dryer and dryer sheets are NOT a good combination.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 184918 , Reply# 10   1/22/2007 at 06:11 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
Thank you

This is very helpful information. Very helpful. I don't have any manuals. Nothing. So I just assumed that you could shut the machine off by pushing in the dial. It's very possible when the dryer was shutting off earlier that it was on the Damp Dry cycle but that I had it on another cycle later on when I tried it again. I think I shut my heater off last night when I pulled the pigtail out of the socket while the dryer was running so I don't want to do that again. I thought the door switch was a minor concern that I could deal with later but now it seems that it is probably THE issue to get fixed. Yes, if anyone has a spare switch, please email me and I'll replace the one in the machine.

As for the washer, it was in an extremely cold environment prior to moving it inside. It did have some time to warm up, though. I'll give it another run through tonight and see if the agitator is running any faster.

Thank you all for your advice. My friend Appliguy Patrick said the color was California Yellow or something officially and he's trying to get me to paint them turquoise. The color is growing on me, though. So I may leave as-is.

Versa


Post# 184919 , Reply# 11   1/22/2007 at 06:17 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
For Sharples

I told a few people how I ran into you and it goes beyond cooincidence and happenstance. Just amazing, really. I'll post a pic of the versatronic and the maytag. I probably shouldn't put any pictures of friges in this forum. I forget what my profile says but I now only have two fridges. I had four 5 months ago but found very good homes for two of them. One when to a member of aw.org. I was so happy to find a good home for the 1948ish GE with someone right here.

Post# 184920 , Reply# 12   1/22/2007 at 06:22 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
For Sharples

And here's a pic of the Maytag dryer. I came so close to getting a match for this a few times. So close. You can kind of get a glimpse of my pink Coldspot refrigerator behind the Maytag. I have a turquoise Kelvinator in my Kitchen. I gound good homes for the two GEs.

Post# 184923 , Reply# 13   1/22/2007 at 07:28 (6,275 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Very nice machines! It sounds like you have some good advice for the minor issues you've seen, hopefully they'll work out with little trouble.

Post# 184926 , Reply# 14   1/22/2007 at 07:50 (6,275 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Versatronic:

Heed the advice of the other members who have shared. They are right on track. Bob(appnut) is exactly correct about the "Damp Dry" setting. It is the quickest and should shut off in about 10-45 seconds with no wet clothes in it.

The door switch must be fixed to turn the dryer off manually. (Has always been a pet peave of mine, Maytag should have put a "Cancel Cycle" button on their dryers)

Good luck, and you should visit Leabanon more often. I was there to runematics machines and almost fainted back in September 06.

Steve


Post# 184930 , Reply# 15   1/22/2007 at 08:11 (6,275 days old) by runematic (southcentral pa)        

runematic's profile picture
Mike, thanks for the visit yesterday. It was fun. I should have a door switch laying around for the dryer. Sorry about that. As for the washer, agitation is slow on these machines compared to some out there. Let me know if there are any other issues with it.

Also, thanks to Sharples for the visit yesterday as well. I hope that you enjoy the vintage dryers that you picked up from me.

Thanks again guys.


Post# 184934 , Reply# 16   1/22/2007 at 08:39 (6,275 days old) by gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        

Old 'Tags" start agitating slowly and it is nothing to worry about as long as after a minute or two it is up to speed.
My '64 Highlander is bad about it if it has not been used for a while---especially if the room is cold!

That is the key though----if the machine is in a cold room that old grease in the tranny makes it hard for the machine get up to speed.

The advice about fixing the door switch is consistent with the advice I have heard from others with the same problem----right here on this forum. Also, I seem to remember something about making sure the dryer is properly grounded.

Best wishes, and thanks for sharing the pix of your collection---those machines look beautiful. When you have a chance contact Gansky and get my contact information so I can share some information with you.


Post# 184944 , Reply# 17   1/22/2007 at 09:17 (6,275 days old) by appliguy (Oakton Va.)        
The color is california gold......

appliguy's profile picture
and you were right Mike they do look good in your utility room. PAT COFFEY

Post# 184960 , Reply# 18   1/22/2007 at 10:40 (6,275 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
congrats!

Post# 184979 , Reply# 19   1/22/2007 at 11:21 (6,275 days old) by versatronic ()        
I have the switch

Only a few blocks away from where I work is a place that has the words "Appliance Part" outside. I always wondered what was inside the place. I stopped in at lunch time and said I needed a door switch for a Maytag 806 Dryer and they sold me one. So I have a new switch right now. Thanks for the offers for a switch, it's just easier this way.

Two things. I'm a complete dummy with this stuff so try not to laugh too hard or roll your eyes when I ask really stupid questions.

Gyrofoam mentioned that it could be a grounding problem. I know the machine is supposed to be grounded and the 220 line is supposed to be grounded properly, BUT, is there any possibility that we got the wires on the pigtail switched around improperly? My brother and I put the pigtail I had on the Versatronic on the Maytag and we were greatly confused on which one went where. It we got the hot wire correctly mapped, but got the other two outside wires switched, is it conceivably that it could cause this issue, or would the unit not work at all if we did it wrong? I just want to rule out this possibility because we had doubts.

And then, to replace the switch, we have to pull the whole shell off the unit, correct? There's no easier way to get at the switch, correct?

Again, your help and support is and has been greatly appreciated.


Post# 184987 , Reply# 20   1/22/2007 at 11:51 (6,275 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Presuming your pigtail / flex cord is a 3 prong 3-wire type:

220v in this country requies TWO hots.

Just make sure the "center" wire (of the cord, the "white" one) goes to the WHITE wire post in the machine, which should also be the center post. The other two will be "hots" which can go on either remaining post (coded black and red, usually).

In this scenario there will probably be a copper grounding strap that ties the frame of the machine to the center (white) post. This is OK.


Hope this makes sense. Be careful with 220v. You don't want to be sending that (or even 110v)through the frame of the machine, and ultimately through you or a laundry-doer.

Let us know if you have a 4-wire flex cord connector. You'll have to do remove the grounding-strap and stick the green wire to the ground/frame.



Post# 185008 , Reply# 21   1/22/2007 at 14:41 (6,274 days old) by runematic (southcentral pa)        

runematic's profile picture
Mike, it's not to hard, just take your time. First make sure the unit is unplugged & pull it away from the wall. Next, remove the four screws located along the top of the back panel. Now gently pull up on the back of the main top and then GENTLY push the top forward about an inch to unhook the front. Now you want to lift the front of the top up & rest it on it's back on top of the dryer drum. BE VERY CAREFULL OF SHORT WIRES!! Now remove the door by opening & lifting off the hinges. Remove the four phillips screws around the drum opening. Now remove the 2 screws in the top hinge. reach down in from the top & lift up switch & wiring. replace switch. reverse steps for reassembly. AGAIN, BE VERY MINDFULL OF SHORT WIRING. MAKE SURE THE WIRES STAY ON THE REAR THERMS & TUB LIGHT SOCKET.

This is the shortcut method as taught to me by my senseis.


Post# 185029 , Reply# 22   1/22/2007 at 16:00 (6,274 days old) by versatronic ()        
3 Pronged with no color coding

Thanks Toggle and Runematic. I'll see what I can figure out tonight.

Post# 185034 , Reply# 23   1/22/2007 at 16:32 (6,274 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Someone with tiny hands is the best way to replace the door switch, they can be a PITA!
Also, as noted above, you need to run a seperate ground wire, from the dryer frame, to a cold water pipe, or another good ground source. 14GA.or similar is OK. Once you hook up the seperate ground,start the dryer on damp dry, with nothing inside. It should shut off within 90 seconds, I believe.

kennyGF


Post# 185071 , Reply# 24   1/22/2007 at 19:12 (6,274 days old) by versatronic ()        
Progress

I got the new switch in. It wasn't TOO bad of a job. I only ended up with one extra piece when I put everything back together. I plugged it in and the light didn't come on. I figured it was all for naught. I started the dryer up and opened the door and the drum stopped. So, at least that was successful. Even though I tested the light bulb the night before, I swapped it with another bulb. Still doesn't light up. I guess I have a bad socket or something. I can live without a light, though, I guess.

I put it on Damp Dry to see if it would shut off. It ran for a long time. Then there was a ding. Then it ran for about another minute or so until it finally shut itself down. I then cleaned the sensors as suggested by Maytagbear. I think I'll rerun the damp dry to see if it shuts off and sooner. Temperature seems normal. I don't suspect a problem.

I did verify that the pigtail was hooked up correctly. The center post has two wires from inside the washer connected to it. Is it really necessary to run a wire from the body of the dryer to some kind of pipe or something. That's not really possible where the dryer is located. The Versatronic was never grounded in that manner. What are the risks I run? I mean other than electrocution?

Well, I think the dryer is good to go now. The inside light won't come on, but I can live with that. Runematic, now you are my sensei. Some day I will snatch a pearl from your hand! Thanks again.

I cleaned the sensors as suggested by


Post# 185099 , Reply# 25   1/22/2007 at 20:16 (6,274 days old) by versatronic ()        
Well I'll be darned

The agitator is spinning just fine now and that "struggling" sound has vanished. We have agitation. Maybe it was just because it was cold. It took a while to get that thing hooked up, cutting splicing, stuff, and I figured it probably had warmed up by then, but maybe not. Maybe it really was the cold. You guys might know what you're talking about.

It looks like I'm ready for a virgin washload this coming weekend. Thank you one and all again, and especially to Runematic.


Post# 185233 , Reply# 26   1/23/2007 at 14:29 (6,273 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
You won't be electrocuted or anything, but the electronic control Maytag dryers need the seperate ground to work properly. Is there a plug nearby? The center screw that holds the cover on might work.

kennyGF


Post# 185346 , Reply# 27   1/23/2007 at 22:38 (6,273 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Congrats, Mike! A nice pair, to be sure. This bit of good fortune may lead to your finding a mate for your Versatronic dryer, as well.

Post# 185390 , Reply# 28   1/24/2007 at 06:14 (6,273 days old) by versatronic ()        
Grounding

When I replaced the switch, I might have pulled the wire from the socket off. Those wires were short. Or after I hooked the wires up to the switch, one of the wires might have come off the switch as I was securing the switch back to the door. I'll check this out this weekend.

Goatfarmer, as for the ground, there really is nothing close by to use for a ground. There is an electrical outlet about four feet away, but a ground wire would be pretty unsightly there. Are you saying I can ground the dryer to itself? From the frame to a screw in the back top of the dryer? Or do you mean the center screw that holds the cover of the 220 plug?

Thanks Mr. Frigilux. If I found a matching pair from the late 50's early 60's in good condition, I could give up the search for the Versatronic match.


Post# 185555 , Reply# 29   1/24/2007 at 17:45 (6,272 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
You need to run a seperate wire, from the frame of the dryer, to something that's grounded, such as a pipe,a piece of conduit,the center screw that holds the cover on a plug "might" work OK. Otherwise, the dryer may not shut off properly, or at all.

Post# 185560 , Reply# 30   1/24/2007 at 17:54 (6,272 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
BTW Mike,, do you still have that oil powered washer?

(duckznruns)


Post# 185673 , Reply# 31   1/24/2007 at 22:02 (6,272 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
it was a dryer dear....

:0


Post# 185762 , Reply# 32   1/25/2007 at 06:39 (6,272 days old) by versatronic ()        
A real commodian

Goatfarmer, thanks for the clarification and expert advice. I'll see what I can do to rig something up. The dryer will shut off on it's own now, but it takes a loooooong time. Rigging up a ground is definitely worth the effort if it solves that issue.

Pete, very funny. Actually, if you remember, the versatronic was hard wired into a 220 conduit. At the advice of people here, I got a 220 line plug put on the conduit and put a pigtail on the versatronic last year. I sure am glad I did that because it made connecting up the Maytag much easier. I guess I will never live that down.



Post# 185788 , Reply# 33   1/25/2007 at 08:08 (6,272 days old) by retromom ()        
Congrats Mike!

Awesome!! There's nothing like getting that first vintage appliance!! I hope you enjoy it for many years to come!!

Todd: You are a gentleman and a scholar, and there's darned few of us left! ;-) Your generosity speaks volumes!

Have fun guys!



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