August 2008

Getting Started in the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums: The Movie

August 18, 2008 Forum

The Samurai Appliance Repair Forums are where you can get interactive help with your appliance problem. I get lots of emails from folks who are new to compooters and/or new to online forums and can’t figger out how to get help in the repair forum. Since he is compassionate and of great gootness, the Samurai [...]

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Replacing the Thermostat in a Gas Range with Standing Pilot Ignition

August 11, 2008 Oven Repair

Gas ranges use one of two types of ignition systems for the oven: pilot flame ignition or hot surface. You can read about each kind and how they work in this scroll from the Appliantology scriptures. Here’s an excerpt: Within the the world of pilot ignition ovens, two types of pilot flame systems are used: [...]

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How to Repair a Leaking Evaporator in Your Refrigerator

August 11, 2008 Refrigerator Repair

Before you even think about undertaking this repair, you’ll want to read this excerpt from The Complete DIY Refrigerator Repair Reference: If you’ve confirmed a Freon leak and you think you have the huevos to do the sealed system work yourself, you absolutely need this refrigeration service training DVD from Electrolux. (The compressor, its associated [...]

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The Classic Ameedican Dilemma: Where to Run the Dryer Vent?

August 11, 2008 Dryer Repair

Jerry wrote: We added a fourth story to our house, which is attached on both sides. There is a bathroom there with a washer and a gas dryer. The contractor wants to vent it into a “wet box.” It’s some sort of venting kit. The architect says it should be vented up through the roof. [...]

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Amana Refrigerator, Less Than Four Years Old, DOA and Amana Won’t Honor the Warranty

August 8, 2008 Refrigerator Repair

I’ve been talking with a grasshopper, AngryatAmana, via email about his Amana refrigerator (now a Whirlpool brand) with a sealed system failure. The refrigerator is less than four years old, still under warranty (the sealed system, which was the problem in this case, has a five year warranty) and Amana (Whirlpool) is refusing to honor [...]

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Ice Maker Ice Mold Flaking Off Crud into the Ice

August 7, 2008 Ice Maker Repair

Noticing some weird crud in the ice from your icemaker lately? You may have a defective mold, like the one shown here. A healthy ice maker should NOT look like this. This rough appearance is caused by the teflon coating on the ice maker mold flaking off, depositing Teflon flakes into your ice. Very hazardous [...]

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How to Replace the Ignitor in a Gas Oven: A Pictorial Guide

August 6, 2008 Oven Repair

If your gas oven isn’t firing up, start your diagnosis by checking the ignitor for the proper current draw. “Uh, do what?” you ax, with glazed eyes. Don’t be intimidated by techie-sounding procedures. This is simple stuff– if you can fog a mirror, you can measure current draw. This article explains how to make simple [...]

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Replacing the Wire Harness in the Maytag Dishwashers Included in the Recall

August 5, 2008 Dishwasher Repair

Several months ago, Maytag announced a massive recall on several dozen models of its Maytag and Jenn-Air branded dishwashers. You can see one of the reasons for the recall in this post. The corrective action in the recall was to replace the wire harness. This short video shows you how to do it. To learn [...]

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War Story: Whirlpool Duet Sport Washer Full of Water and Won’t Pump Out

August 4, 2008 Washer Repair

It was a lazy summer afternoon when the call came in on the Samurai Hotline. I awoke from my saké-induced slumber and reached for my iPhone. “Who gave you this number?” I demanded and then immediately hacked up a hairball. Musta been playing with the cats again whilst I was under the influence of the [...]

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Gas Oven Taking Longer to Pre-Heat

August 2, 2008 Oven Repair

Dave wrote: My maytag gas oven is taking longer to pre-heat. What do I check? You need a new ignitor, such as the one shown here in the thumbhail pic. Click it to git it, install it and you’re good to go. Slam dunk. Some background reading, if you want to know more: Troubleshooting a [...]

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Replacing the Belt on a Maytag Dryer – Model LDE9824ACE

August 1, 2008 Dryer Repair

Sublime Master Trying to help offers some indispensable tips on this repair to a young apprentice in the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums, including a link to the service manual. Come on, let’s listen in… If you need to buy the belt or any other part for your dryer, buy your appliance parts here. Domo! To [...]

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