DE-701 Maintenance questions

[turquoisedude]

One of the many parts that I have managed to find recently was an original door seal for my Maytag DE-701 dryer that I picked up this summer. I am planning on getting that installed soon, but I have no prior experience working on Maytag dryers, so I am turning to our Maytag experts here...
For a DE-701, would I have to remove the entire dryer cabinet to replace the door seal? If so, is the removal procedure similar to a DE-306 (disconnect cabling to the motor, remove the cabinet screws, and then tilt and lift off the cabinet)? If I do have to take the cabinet apart, where would be critical areas to oil (blower, drum drive, etc)?
I figure if I am going to use this dryer, it would probably be wise to oil it...
All input and advice is appreciated (and needed, believe me!!).

 

[polkanut]

Attention K-Mart shoppers,

PAGING QSD-DAN!!!

 

[revvinkevin]

(OR).... Thank you for shopping at walmart.

PAGING REDCARPETDREW!!!

 

[qsd-dan]

For a DE-701, would I have to remove the entire dryer cabinet to replace the door seal?

Yeah, gotta remove the entire cabinet.

If so, is the removal procedure similar to a DE-306

Yeah, just more wires to label and disconnect.

A couple of critical procedures when dealing with electronic control models: Remove the carbon brush holder, carbon brush, and spring BEFORE removing the slip ring and rear felt seal. The spring and carbon brush are incredibly small and hard to find if either one of them shoot off into space.

When removing the rear felt seal and slip ring, don't loosen the tension on the slip ring to remove it, just gently work it off the seal. Same goes for installation.

where would be critical areas to oil

Turbine oil: Reduction pulley (lower right hand pulley), blower, and drum bushings. If the original round style motor is still present, it can be disassembled, cleaned, and oiled.

Grease: Grease the sliding shaft for idler pulley. You'll know what I'm talking about once get into the machine. It should already have some nasty old grease present.

If you're getting the far into the machine, replace the front felt seal. Replacing the rear felt seal might be a good idea on a machine this old, if you can still find it. They're becoming rather hard to come by now.

Work in an area where you can keep things organized. There are several fiber washers in front of/behind pulleys and what not. It sometimes gets confusing where they go when putting the machine back together for the first time. Having another HOH present (like your 306) for reference can really help out. There are also a few o-rings present that keep dust/dirt out of shafts and seals. They'll be rock hard, but will still do their job just fine.

You may want to tear into the 306 first since it's a bit simpler. After that, you'll be a pro and the process will make much more sense on the 701, even though there are a few more steps to the process.

 

[volvoguy87]

See my post.

On refurbishing our DE806,
Dave

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?28312

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Dan's pretty much nailed it. I would add that a camera with fresh memory cards is a must if you're a little unfamiliar with the process. Take plenty of picures as you go for reference as you reassemble the dryer. Those pics are also good for posting after the victory load of laundry!

RCD

 

[toploader55]

Holy Crap Dan,,,,

You're Awsome !!!!!!

 

[qsd-dan]

Here's the entire DE806 Maytag dryer breakdown and parts that I scanned a while back. I really need to re-scan them, along with the 806 washer breakdown w/parts and place them both on one post that can easily be pulled up on the Searchalator. More than 95% of the breakdown and parts are the same as the DE701. The only real differences are just thermostats and the electronic control unit.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?27304

 

[qsd-dan]

Here's RCD's thread on the CDE906.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2009/22497x48.htm

 

[qsd-dan]

Looking at the pics on RCD's 906 thread, a picture triggered another memory. The hook on the tension spring that connects to the reduction pulley should be facing to the right. Yes, it makes a big difference on the angle of tension. When faced the other way, the belts tends to slip quite a bit, sometime to the point that the drum refuses to come up to speed. Not to pick on RCD, but his is facing the wrong direction in this pic. Not his fault, it was previously installed incorrectly and he just installed it back the same way he initially found it.

 

[combo52]

MT HOH DRYERS

The door seal can be changed easily from the front of the dryer by loosing the four phillips screws around the door opening. I had thought this was the case although I haven't changed one in a while so I checked the MT service manuel and they said it can be done from the front.

 

[turquoisedude]

Archives... Why do I never think about checking the archives?
Thanks, Dan, I had seen the thread and it will be a great help!
John, thanks for the tip about the door seal replacement - I think I will still tear it apart to give it a greasing, though. It looks like the 'tags are poised to become the daily drivers this winter...

 

[gansky1]

I did my 906 a few years back and a 701 many years ago from the front as per the manual instructions.