Lost Screw while converting Plug

Dryer Repair
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1

After moving into a new house, we discovered that the electric outlet was a 3 prong rather than the 4 prong plug currently on the dryer.

In the process of changing over to a 3 prong, when we plugged it in after connecting it to the dryer there was an immediate smell of burning. We hurried to unplug it (yes, we had made sure the two hot wires were on the outside and the neutral was in the middle), and then disconnect the 3 prong plug.

While taking the screw off of one of the hot connections, it slipped off the screw driver and fell down into the dryer. I have tried to no avail to get the screw from the bottom of the dryer, and I have since been to Home Depot, Lowes, Sears and a special appliance store, all of which said they do not carry these special screws.

So I have two questions:

1st: Why on earth was the connector smelling as if it was burning if it was hooked up properly.

and

2nd: Where can we find a new screw so that we can attempt to re-connect the 3 prong cable again?

Edit:
Model Number: LE4307W

2

[QUOTE=p4intthestars;556834]…So I have two questions:

1st: Why on earth was the connector smelling as if it was burning if it was hooked up properly.

and

2nd: Where can we find a new screw so that we can attempt to re-connect the 3 prong cable again?..[/QUOTE]

1st: Very likely something was wrong with the ground connections. You can find more useful information in one of our previous threads: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/dryer-repair/313070-whirlpool-3-prong-4-prong-neutral-conductor.html

2nd: You can order it from APP.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for AMANA LE4307W DRYER- ELE | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

3

Thank you SO much!

4

I dropped a screw when connecting the dryer cord and now it is rattling. Do I need to get the screw out?

5

If there is a loose screw down inside the dryer drum it will eventually cause a problem and you should remove it