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Heat element turns on and off, never heats much
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Model: LG7801XSW1 Brand: Whirlpool Age: More than 10 years
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tomgreever  
#1 Posted : Sunday, September 7, 2008 12:28:20 PM(UTC)
tomgreever

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My gas dryer kicks on and begins to heat, but never gets very hot. If it does get hot at all, it will not stay hot enough to dry a load.

I checked the vents/duct and everything is clear, good air flow.

I have removed the front bottom panel and watched as the heating element (sorry, don't know the lingo) lit and got really bright. Right at it's brightest point, it died. It did this over and over: getting bright and then turning off, about every 2 minutes.

From reading on this forum, I guess it could be the coils. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks!
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tomgreever  
#2 Posted : Sunday, September 7, 2008 12:38:47 PM(UTC)
tomgreever

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I just ran the dryer again after it had cooled off. The 'heating element' that I mentioned which was glowing is actually where the flame should be. When I ran the dryer just now, I could see the flame... so is the problem that the dryer thinks it is getting too hot?

So now I am wondering if it is the thermostat, since it seems to be cutting off the flame if it gets too hot? (just a guess)...
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Drags1998  
#3 Posted : Sunday, September 7, 2008 2:06:57 PM(UTC)
Drags1998

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Thats the GLOW-BAR you see, It sounds like the GAS-VALVE SOLONOIDS are not opening, Therefore, no gas flame= NO heat, You need to have the solonoids checked, I'll bet thats your problem!!!
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tomgreever  
#4 Posted : Sunday, September 7, 2008 3:17:57 PM(UTC)
tomgreever

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Thanks for the reply. I do see a flame, so does that mean that the solonoids are not the problem?

If the dryer is cool, it will produce a flame. If it has been running, The glow bar turns on and off.
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Drags1998  
#5 Posted : Sunday, September 7, 2008 3:55:55 PM(UTC)
Drags1998

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You have bad solonoids, Each time the glow bar lites, The solonoids SHOULD open the gas valve. SOMETIMES the solonoids will work until they get hot, then they will stop working. Replace both solonoids and you should be OK!!!
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tomgreever  
#6 Posted : Monday, September 8, 2008 4:09:41 AM(UTC)
tomgreever

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Ok, I can't seem to find a part called a solonoid.

Is there a second opinion from anyone?
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Drags1998  
#7 Posted : Monday, September 8, 2008 11:32:17 AM(UTC)
Drags1998

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The solonoids or maybe called COILS are mounted to the GAS VALVE, 1 has 2 wires the other has 3 wires,I gotta be honest with you though, perhaps you would be better hiring a PRO
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