[SNIKAJ]

When I first place the wet clothes in the dryer, the dryer will run through the normal cycle. However, if the clothes are still a little damp, I try to turn the dryer back on and it will not run at that time. I will then wait for a while, normally an hour or so, then I can turn it back on. At that time, the dryer will then only run for a few minutes, no longer than 5 minutes, and then shut down and will not restart. It appears that the dryer senses that the laundry must be dry, so it won't start. During the time that the dryer is running for that less than five minutes, the clothes inside seem like, to the touch, that they are extremely hot (while still being damp) and the front of the dryer, right above the door gets really hot to the touch. This just happened a little over a week ago, it was working fine until that time. Not sure where to really start with the repairs. However, as it is close to the holidays, really don't want to call out a repairman to pay their fees. Please help in determining if you think that I should replace the heating element, thermostats, motor, or whatever to make it work. I really would like it to work.
Thanks for all of your help!

Kim

[sidfink43]

It sounds very much like lint or other debris has obstructed your venting system. This is causing the dryer to heat up too much and the motor to overheat.

You should disconnect the dryer from the outside vent and clean the outside vent completely.

Then, take out the two screws that are under the lint screen and take off the back. Then take out the four screws that hold the lint chute on and take it off. You may need to pop the top, which you can do by inserting a putting knife or screw drivers between the top and the front near the edges and prying up.

You can now clean the lint chute, and the blower and make certain the blower is not broken and is turning correctly. Also stick a vac down the side of the drum with the top up and such out all the lint and debris that may be around the motor.

Once you have it cleaned out thoroughly, put it back together and see if your problem is solved.