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Kenmore 80 Series Gas Dryer, Flame goes out after 5 min
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Brand: Kenmore Age: More than 10 years
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Gigs28  
#1 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 10:40:45 AM(UTC)
Gigs28

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Hi everyone, hopefully someone can help me solve this. I have Kenmore 80 series gas dryer, which I bought new in 1999. My previous research tells me it was made by Whirlpool. It stopped working, and would not start. I replaced the thermal fuse, and it now runs, but the flame in the blower only lasts about five minutes, so I'm not getting nearly enough heat to dry clothes.

I don't have the model number with me at the moment. (I thought I did, but in fact it's the motor model number I have, and I don't expect that will be of any help.)

Any ideas what I should check next? I'm a novice to fixing dryers.

Thanks.
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magician59  
#2 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 11:56:03 AM(UTC)
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Does it have an inspection panel or a plug you can remove to see the flame? If so, watch as it cycles, and tell us whether the igniter glows and cycles off.
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Gigs28  
#3 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 1:31:23 PM(UTC)
Gigs28

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Thanks for the quick response. Yes, it has a small plug in the front for watching the igniter. When I start the dryer up, the igniter does glow, and it does ignite the gas. The flame then lasts for about five minutes, then the flame goes out and does not re-ignite unless the dryer is shut off and restarted.
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magician59  
#4 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 4:45:14 PM(UTC)
magician59

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If, after the flame goes out, the igniter continues to glow, then go out, then glow, etc., you probably have weak coils. These are the electromechanical (solenoid) gas valve controls. They should be replaced.
Part number: AP3094251
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Gigs28  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 5:00:48 PM(UTC)
Gigs28

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Thanks, I'll take a look and see if the igniter does glow again after the flame goes out. I did not see it do that last time, but I may not have watched long enough. Would it indicate a different problem if the igniter does not glow again?
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magician59  
#6 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 5:16:58 PM(UTC)
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That would be an indication of a different problem.
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Gigs28  
#7 Posted : Tuesday, October 5, 2010 5:43:56 PM(UTC)
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Well, I gave it a good look, and the igniter does light up again and go off, like you expected.

There are a few other things I noticed that I want to mention before I proceed to replace the coils:

1) There was an initial successful ignition, then after that went out, a second successful ignition. Then, I watched the igniter glow and go out two times.

2) When I opened the dryer, it was fairly warm, and there was a mild burnt rubber smell. Should I be replacing the belt and the idler pulley? (In fact, my dryer has the old style idler that doesn't even have a pulley -- just a smooth area for the belt to glide over.

Thanks again.
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magician59  
#8 Posted : Wednesday, October 6, 2010 5:40:53 AM(UTC)
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It never hurts to replace the belt. Your idler is probably just fine, but a replacement (with a pulley) is not that expensive. While you havethe cabinet open, it is highly recommended that you also clean out all the lint that made it past the filter screen.
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Gigs28  
#9 Posted : Wednesday, October 6, 2010 5:46:43 AM(UTC)
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I appreciate the help, Magician59. I'll replace those coils and post back to let you know how it works out.

All the best.
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Gigs28  
#10 Posted : Monday, October 11, 2010 3:54:23 AM(UTC)
Gigs28

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Well, I switched out the coils and that solved the heating issue, but now I have another problem. I also replaced the belt and put in the new belt tensioner.

The dryer runs and gets plenty hot enough. However, after about 15-20 minutes, it just stops, even if the load is not yet dry.

I checked the drum rollers when I had the machine opened up, and they spun freely.

I'm concerned it may be the motor. The drum is difficult to rotate by hand. It is especially difficult to turn clockwise, but turns a bit more easily counter-clockwise.

Are there any possibilities other than a motor problem? Should I take the info I've written here and make it into a new post to get some wider feedback?
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