70s Maytag dryer

[dawnie]

I have a 70s Maytag washer/dryer set. (I found this picture online.) Last night the dryer quit heating. It is running fine. My question is, can it be fixed? Are parts still available for these old machines? I hope this is the right place to ask for advice.

 

[appliguy]

Did you check the circuit breaker Dawnie?

A 220/240 volt circuit breaker is usually 2 110 volt switches that sometimes are connected together by a bar across the two switches so they act as one switch. Occasionally you will find a 220 volt circuit breaker where the two switches are NOT connected together. In a case like that the one that provides the current to the heating elements in the dryer may have tripped where as the one that controls the main motor, timer motor and drum light (if you dryer has one) may not have tripped and that would explain why your dryer still runs but does not heat. Check that first. If that is the case than you have to ask what caused the heating element to trip the circuit in the first place and go from there......PATRICK COFFEY

 

[goatfarmer]

Many times it's as simple as fixing a burned wiring connection. Most parts, should they be needed, are still available.

 

[washerlover]

I've got a late 70s Maytag dryer that won't heat, either. Parts are still available -- I've priced new heating elements online and they run approx $80-100. I haven't had time to purchase and replace mine yet.

 

[combo52]

1970s MT Dryer heating elements

The element in these dryers can be restrung for less than $20 if you buy just the element.

 

[dawnie]

Thanks for the info! I'm still deciding if I want to fix it or just go ahead and replace both the washer and dryer and be done with it. The washer still works but I'd hate to fix the dryer and then have the washer go out next week. Decisions, decisions. I hate giving them up though - they are so cool.

 

[macboy91si]

Wiring

As Goatfarmer said it could be wiring. These Maytags use brass terminals surrounded by ceramic that go through the heater can and the wires have eyelets that go over the terminal studs. These can over the years come lose and/or degrade and burn through. I just worked on a DE408 dryer, the same as yours that where the wire from the high-limit thermostat to the heater terminal burned through. The nut was not fully secured and it has been arcing for a while. the wire had disintegrated. A nice heavy gauge jumper wire and some ends and she was back on the road for less than $5 in parts. I charged $50 for the call altogether which was much cheaper than a new dryer and if you can do some basic electricals, even cheaper!

 

You can also purchase that jumper wire, the Whirlpool P/N is 304693. Below is a link from APP that has it.

 

Here is a pic of the wire from the 408 that "just stopped heating"...

 

 

 

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/whirlpool-jumper-wire-item-number-ap4289877.aspx