Repairs to Maytag DG806 gas dryer?

[davemortenson]

Our new house came with a very clean, almost completely working Maytag 806 washer/gas dryer pair. Unfortunately, when the gas was shut off during the process of rewiring the house, the pilot light went out in the DG 806 dryer and the internal valve doesn't want to open again so that the pilot can be re-lit. Every other function of the dryer is still operable, and the washer works fine. So far, two Gas Co. workers have been unable to get enough gas to flow through the valve to relight the pilot. Any suggestions how to get the pilot light lit on one of these cool, old space-age appliances?

 

[bpetersxx]

Let see how good an explainer I am

Not too good

I can always do it again that's the good thing about digital

 

[jeff_adelphi]

I bet your problem is that you have air in the gas line to the dryer. You will need to bleed the line to remove all the air before the pilot will light. This can be done by holding the lever in open position for several minutes. I have found that a screw driver handle can be placed between the lever and the valve body to hold the valve open. Wait until you smell gas, then close the valve and wait a few minutes before trying to light the pilot.

 

[bpetersxx]

I looked at the video

Stupid posted the wrong video

I`ll fix it and put up the right video

 

[bpetersxx]

video

hink this is the right one this time

 

[pturo]

The Maytag Halo of Heat gas dryers used a capillary tube filled with mercury that expanded when lit and heated, holding open the pilot valve and subsequent main burner valve.

I have a DG906 that is my daily driver, but I did have to replace said capillary tube, which was tricky, but not impossible. Seems over time, mercury can leach into the metal and there is not enough expansion pressure to hold open the pilot.

The part number is MAC 312483 and I ordered it from Partsstore.com or call them at 1.866.925.7278.

Attached is a photo of what it looks like.

Good luck,

Phil

View attachment 10-24-2008-17-12-21--pturo.jpg

 

[pturo]

Capillary Tube

Sorry,

Forgot Picture

 

[goatfarmer]

I'm betting on the air in the system. The screwdriver trick is a good one.

 

[davemortenson]

thank you for the advice so far

Ok, I tried the "screwdriver trick," and after almost 10 minutes, I was still not really smelling gas. The guy from the Gas co. suggested that the pilot was no longer able to stay open, although I did not fully understand his explanation. It sounds like he was talking about the capillary tube having failed. If there are any other ideas, I would be stoked to hear them, but it sounds like I need to see about buying the capillary tube as suggested above. Thanks all.

 

[qsd-dan]

I believe I have a couple of spare capillary tubes around here somewhere. If I find the stash, you can have one for free.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I KNOW you do, Dan...

There were 2-3 new ones in that stuff you picked up... I might have to go to you someday. LOL

RCD

 

[qsd-dan]

Yeah, I have to find out which "stash" they're in. I divided up the Maytag parts into 3 different sections. The "Will" use section, the "Maybe" use section, and the probably "Won't" use section. I'll find 'em.

BTW, is there a quick and dirty way to bench test the capillary tube? I'd hate to send out a faulty part.

 

[qsd-dan]

Found one

Send me your full address and I'll ship it out to you.

 

[davemortenson]

Thanks, Dan!

That's really cool of you! I have to admit, the 806 washer dryer pair and the GE "Liberator" electric range were a part of why we bought our house, so it was definitely disappointing when the dryer would no longer operate after being shut off.

I didn't see a way in your profile to email you my address (which could have more to do with my natural incompatibility with computers than the profile). My email is included in my profile, could you email me so I can reply with my mailing address? Thanks, Dave

 

[pturo]

Dave,

If you need instructions for replacement, I have the Maytag Factory instructions I could fax you if you give me a number.

Phil

p.s. Welcome to being a Tag Hag,they are the best machines ever built.