Clothes dryer repair

[LizStreithorst]

I decided to give it a try myself.  I found a tutorial on my exact dryer!  I took off the top but then started feeling like a sissy when I came to removing the drum.  I figure I could get it out OK but the fear of putting it back together came upon me.  It's either mouse nibbled wires or the heating element.  I suspect the meece but I can't examine the wires without getting the drum out.  I'll break down and call a repair man tomorrow.  Soon it will too cold for laundry to dry outside in one day.

[Mugwump]

I decided to give it a try myself.  I found a tutorial on my exact dryer!  I took off the top but then started feeling like a sissy when I came to removing the drum.  I figure I could get it out OK but the fear of putting it back together came upon me.  It's either mouse nibbled wires or the heating element.  I suspect the meece but I can't examine the wires without getting the drum out.  I'll break down and call a repair man tomorrow.  Soon it will too cold for laundry to dry outside in one day.

I don't blame you..... .....wondering tho, can you see anything from the bottom.

[LizStreithorst]

Ah....You mean turning it on it's side and removing the bottom plate?  I never thought about that.  I just leaned it against the wall and took a look.  It will involve removing the control panel and the side panels but I can do that.  Just screws.  I could put it back together to.  I won't call the repair man tomorrow.  It would give me great joy to be able to fix it myself.  I've been told that dryers are easy and straight forward to fix but I've never tried repairing an appliance so I'm a little afraid of trying

[Rjb3]

Just watch for sharp edges. Those back panels don't have finished edges. At least the ones I took apart didn't.

You could also snap a few pictures before you take it apart. I do that with shooting irons sometimes. Comes in handy when you ask yourself "Now which way did this go?".

[LizStreithorst]

Good idea, My Captain about taking pics to refresh my memory.  I know about the razor sharp edges.  I know that I should wear long sleeves and gloves.  I prefer to work without protecting my skin.  I can feel stuff better without gloves.  I will be careful and if I get cut the cut will heal.

[BillT]

Besides the heater element, I have had dryer problems in the past that were due to a bad thermostat.

[LizStreithorst]

If it's the thermostat or the heating element the repair will be too much for me to tale on.  I'll be satisfied if I can determine if it's mouse chewed wiring.  That I can fix.  If not I'll call the repair man. 

[LizStreithorst]

I finally got around to calling the repair man.  I've been lucky so far with the weather and have been able to dry clothes outside.  He let me watch him.  I love to watch people do what they are good at doing.  I could never have figured it out myself.  He used a volt meter.  I know nothing about electricity!  Turns out the problem  was with the switch in the motor.  It got power in but couldn't send it out.  He said that it was likely due to the meece peeing and pooping on it (he was polite, he called it "using the bathroom" lol)  It won't cost too much more to replace than have repaired.

I asked his advice on what brand to buy.  He said Amana.  They have the exact same parts as Maytag. because they are built by the same company.  They may not have as many features.  Big deal.  I con't care about features.  I get to buy myself another big gift tomorrow.  I am so spoiled