I assumed that since the previous (electric) dryer worked well, the vents must be clear! I cleared out the inside hose when I attached the gas dryer. The one place I did not check was the last bend outside the wall.

Now the gas fires up and stays lit for at least 60 seconds (I shut it off, since I am out of dirty clothes). Very different behavior from previous attempts!

Well, at least I have spare parts (thermostat and coils) for the next go-round.

Thanks for you site and your troubleshooting.

(Maybe my experience will resonate with another reader).

Thomas