Maytag DE608 Dryer Dryness Adjustment

[cycla-fabric]

Question for you guys, I have aquired a matching maytag 608 set and have been using them on a regular basis. My question has to do with the dryer(drying clothes by electronic sensor and no timed drying cycle) that it seems to overdry everything on the regular and permanent press dry cycles, regardless of the size of the load(it will run at the minimum of 45 min before signalling to shut off) Yet when set for damp dry it does just that, makes them damp dry. I know the sensor works fine and that the machine is clean inside and out as I have checked it out. I was wondering if there is an adjustment for the dryness control to make it shut down sooner. I thought I read a past posting about a similar situation but doing a search on it turned up nothing. So your thoughts would be appreciated on whether I can make the adjustment or do I call for service or just keep on doing what I have been doing, setting the timer on the microwave and checking the load after 35 minutes of drying time. Thanks,
Cycla-Fabric

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Electronic Sensors:

Have you checked and cleaned the Sensors that are on the Baffles in the Drum? They might have a build-up of Fabric Softener from Dryer Sheets on them, not allowing proper Sensing of the items being Dried.

You should for also the same reason, check the Lint Filter, by running Water over the Mesh, if it doesn't run through at all or just somewhat, take something like a Scotch-Brite Pad {but for Teflon Coated} items, or a semi-soft Bristle Brush and some Dish Soap to clean the Screen, Rinse real well and Dry the Screen. See if these might help, before attempting to try any Adjustments for the Sensor Drying.

Peace and Happy Maytag Laundring, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[gansky1]

Does the machine shut itself off eventually? (signal chime rings) Normal Dryness button is depressed?

The dryness control can't be adjusted, only replaced if faulty.

 

[goatfarmer]

Make sure you have a seperate ground wire,from the frame of the dryer,to a water pipe,or similar.

kennyGF

 

[tomturbomatic]

One way of testing the control is to set it at Damp Dry with the drum empty and then start it. It should shut down within 10 seconds. The Permanent Press setting is actually the only way to make it dry clothes "drier" since it allows the dried load to rise to the temperature where the baked-in memory restores the fabrics' original look.

There is also the matter of the brush that travels over a conductive strip on the outside of the drum to pick up the signal from the sensors inside the drum. It's possible that it could be worn or misaligned. See if you can find info from one of the Maytag service manuals that some of the members have to see what I am talking about and to check out other causes for this problem. I hope that you enjoy the set. Don't ever part with them because you can't buy quality like that anymore.

 

[cycla-fabric]

Thanks Guys, I will check the lint filter and make sure that it is clean by doing the water check. I have cleaned the sensors a few times from what I have learned from previous posting here. Yes the machine does chime and shut off on normal dryness usually takes 45 minutes or so, but most times loads are completely dry in 35 minutes. I will try the damp dry test to see what happens there. I know I have used the damp dry setting, and when the load is done and I didn't like the results I would start the damp dry setting again, and the dryer would chime and shut off in like 20 seconds or so. Will give it a try, and thanks for the suggestions. As for getting rid of them, they would have to fall apart before I will part with them HA HA!! They are a great set!!

 

[tomturbomatic]

The HOH machine has a cool down thermostat that keeps the dryer running until the load has cooled. It is mounted in the blower housing and under certain conditions that heavy piece of metal can stay warm for a while, keeping the cool down thermostat from cooling and shutting off the dryer. Someone could have put a thermostat that has to cool to a lower temperature in your dryer, like I did in mine, to give a better cool down. You would have to meter the current draw or keep checking the exhaust temperature to find out if the dryer is really over-drying or just taking a long time to cool down, unless your dryer has a chime signal. My 806 rings a chime when the cool down started in Regular and keeps chiming through the final minutes of cool down on Permanent Press. I like to remove shirts one at a time and button the collar and put them on hangers. One thing I had to learn to do with this and other electronic dryers without a timer is to reset it for Air Fluff once I had opened the door because to start it up again on the PP Cycle would start it heating again.

I believe that the HOH dryers could also be fitted with a capacitor that would make the machine produce dryer clothes. Consumer Reports mentioned the availability of this remedy the first time they tested the electronic dry control dryer. I do not know if it was still available when your dryer was first put into use, but it might be something to check. It's possible that someone in a humid climate wanted the clothes bone dry so that they would not mildew. The next generation of electronic dry control had the 4 buttons for high or low heat and regular or extra dry to add some flexibility to the settings on the dial.

 

[coldspot]

I own this same dryer. One thing like Tom said. When the dryer is done it dings but runs for about 5 min to cool down then shuts off. It takes mine about 35 min to dry then the 5 min to cool down.

 

[spinout]

Do you need a diagram/schematic for the DG608? I have one that shows the revisions and component values used for those that might be interested. An ET or someone with an electronics background should be able to repair or modify the electronic control.

Joe

 

[super32]

truth be known

It realy doesnt sound like there is anything wrong with the dryer. 45min til done sounds about right depending on how much and how heavy. I noticed he said he has a 608, not a 606. While alot of the electronic control components I believe were the same, the drum sensor is different. The 608 is not a halo, it is cousin to the 710,810, and 712. Checking the thermostats and or monitoring the exaust temp may not be a bad idea just to see if things are going as they should, though i've never had to replace a thermostat on one of these dryers. If trouble occurs, its usally always with the "start switch" or a grounded heating element.

Just my thoughts
hope it helps

Scott

 

[coldspot]

Oh I could have been wrong on your dryer. I have the de606. But think they might work about the same.

 

[cycla-fabric]

Again thanks for the input. I will check the exhaust temp, and I am pretty sure it is running at the correct drying temperatures. It might be that this is the way that Maytag dryers function as I have never had one before. I am used to drying in a Kenmore which dryed a load of clothes faster than the Maytag. But they are a nice set as they are the last of the center dial "BIG LOAD" models from 1980. When I got them they were complete right down to the original bill of sale from the store they were purchased from. So it is easy to date the machines. And what more can you say as they are a matching pair which is always nice. Thanks again
Cycla-Fabric

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have seen some of the first dryers with the gold band under the control panel that were still HOH. I thought it was HOH because Doug said that there was no adjustment for the electronic control and the new generation of electronic dryness control had 4 buttons to modify the cycles: Regular & Delicate Heat and Normal Dry/Extra Dry. The HOH definitely dries slower than a WP-made dryer. The heating element is around 4400 watts, I thnk. They had to keep it at a lower wattage to avoid burning clothing since the heating element is so close to the front of the drum where the heated air comes in. If it is the New Generation dryer, you might want to check the front and rear drum seals. Sand and grit can fall into them and grind holes in them which could lead to non-heated air being sucked in to the drum and slowing the drying.

 

[Carla]

I need image of dial for Maytag DE 608.

I was gifted a Maytag dryer Model DE 608 but the settings on dial have rubbed off. Help The part and image of the part are no longer available from Maytag.

 

[goatfarmer]

I "may" have one. Let me check.