I have a Kenmore dryer over 12 years old. Have cleaned out the inside cavity of the dryer, vent hose, and the vent that goes up through the attic. It takes a long time to dry, more about two cycles (roughly 1hr 45min.). When I check the clothes, it’s hot inside, but humid. Checked the heating coil for continuity, checked fine. While inspecting the inside, turned it on, coil heats up to orange, goes out, after a while, heats up to orange and then goes out. The blower wheel works. Seems to be good air flow.
Just to be sure it is not a vent problem.
Unplug the unit and disconnect it from the vent system.
Now try a run.
If it now dries OK odds are the vent system needs checking/cleaning.
Be sure to check that the louvers on the outside of the house open correctly.
If you do not want any lint in the house.
Take a pair of pantyhose.
Put one leg into the other and then attach this to the dryer’s vent.
Leave enough room so the pantyhose can balloon out like a windsock.
Both the above will let you check the temperature and the air flow.
Note: The above is not recommended for gas dryers due to carbon monoxide concerns.
If it is not a vent check that the blower wheel is clean,
[quote=denman;689103]Just to be sure it is not a vent problem.
Unplug the unit and disconnect it from the vent system.
Now try a run.
If it now dries OK odds are the vent system needs checking/cleaning.
Be sure to check that the louvers on the outside of the house open correctly.
If you do not want any lint in the house.
Take a pair of pantyhose.
Put one leg into the other and then attach this to the dryer’s vent.
Leave enough room so the pantyhose can balloon out like a windsock.
Both the above will let you check the temperature and the air flow.
Note: The above is not recommended for gas dryers due to carbon monoxide concerns.
If it is not a vent check that the blower wheel is clean,[/quote]
I have tried the “pantyhose” test, the air does not seem to be getting hot. How much air should be coming out the back? Also, air seems to be real humid. Anyhow, any advice is greatly appreciated.
[COLOR=“DarkRed”]I have tried the “pantyhose” test, the air does not seem to be getting hot. How much air should be coming out the back?[/COLOR]
There should be lots of air it should inflate the pantyhose so it looks like a windsock.
[COLOR=“DarkRed”]Also, air seems to be real humid.[/COLOR]
With wet clothes in the unit it will be very humid even with no heat.
Your symptoms seem to have changed as now you have no heat.
I would re-check the heater.
This time remove both wires fron the coil and check it’s resistance, usually 10 to 13 ohms.
Then check from each coil connector to the frame, both should be infinite ohms. If not then the coil is touching the case and needs to be replaced.
Also check the thermostats on the heater, both should be 0 ohms.
Probably not a bad idea to check the power to the unit to be sure it is getting 240 volts.
[COLOR=“Red”]Be very, very careful as 240 is lethal.[/COLOR]
Just found out something new. It drys poorly when using “timed” dry on high for cotton. But, if I use “More Dry” on the other side of the dial, it dries completely in an appropriate amount of time.
