I have a Maytag electric dryer (about 1981 or 82) (GDE 308) that suddenly won't work. - Son was using it when it stopped working. VERY large load :( Husband has had it apart for days checking everything he can.
Things he's done or checked...
- There is power to the dryer.
- Bypassed timer, bypassed thermostats - both seem fine.
- Switch (centrifical switch? ) on motor was manually depressed and the heater heats, the timer goes, and the engine hums but doesn't turn.

He's 'thinking' the overload switch may be the issue...
- What causes overload switch to turn on? Any way to reset it or must/can it be replaced? Is it part of motor or part of plastic junction?
- Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!!

Take the belt off the motor and then see if the motor will run. Also post Exact model number

Model is GDE308

I took the belt off. Motor turns easily by hand, as it did before I took the belt off. Still no luck. No power goes through the system until I push down on what I think is the centrifical switch on the motor, which releases the button on the bottom of the "junction box" (for lack of the correct term). Everything but the motor seems to work: heater, timer, door switch, etc. Wiring looks good.

jb2510- Here's some things to check( if dryer does not work; Un plug the dryer when you test the overload protector;; #1 NO power at wall receptical, SAID YOU DO #2Defective door switch- Or out of adjustment;; #3- Open circuit in the power cord,or at the terminal block:: #4 Faulty start switch;; #5- Faulty motor:: To test the motor overload protector< Make sure power cord is not plugged in :: #1- Wiyh VOLY-OHM meter set at RX1 scale< (a) disconnect a lead from the part ,clip the meter probs on the terminals, if meter reads (ZERO) ohms ,part is OK, if not ,the part is defective { replace }#2- Check the centrifugal switch{ if it has burnt terminals and it is externally mounted ,REPLACE IT ALSO} NOTE - REMOVE THE MOTOR AND TAKE IT TO A APPLIANCE REPAIRMAN AND HAVE THEM TESTED THERE AND IF NEED TO <REPLACE THE MOTOR AND SWITCH : I HOPE this has helped out , if not come back on this post and holleer:: Good day and GOD BLESS:: F.B.E.