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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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