[fishbowl365]

my old faithful clothes dryer is not doing a good job any longer. the element is fine. there are two thermo electric type [heat sensors/ heat start ?] things on the outside of the element. could these be my problem, if so how does one test them ?

 

[wickedinhere]

have you checked your vent line it may be clogged? what kind of dryer is it?

 

[fishbowl365]

vent line/exhaust is clear. kenmore

 

[wickedinhere]

do you get anyheat at all? if not more than likely a thermal fuse has blown on your heating element shroud caused by one of you heat senors not working properly. how did you test the element?

 

[wickedinhere]

if your not getting any heat at all make sure your breakers arent tripped it will run but not heat if one side if the 220 breaker is tripped.

 

[fishbowl365]

heats up for short periods. visual inspection of element a couple weeks ago showed no breaks in the coils.

 

[wickedinhere]

it could also be your blower wheel sometimes they will strip out on the motor shaft.
check to make sure you are getting a good hard air flow out of the vent line.if all that checks out good i would say one of you thermal sensors are cutting out to early.
i use to repair appliances i worked on them for 10 years. check that out we can go from there.

 

[Bay Gal]

It's the thermal coupler...I've had mine replaced twice and then the last time (3rd) I went to Sears hardware and bought one and replaced it myself.

$100 service charge if they do it, vs. $30 part when I did it.

Kenmore...go to Sears hardware, or their website and locate the part.

ps. Unplug prior to replacing cuz those coils are 'hot'.


The coupler is a safety that 'blows' to prevent overheating. You need to make sure your vent is not clogged up with lint or it will continue to blow the coupler.

 

[wickedinhere]

if the safety coupler blows the dryer will not heat at all and he says he gets heat. when you change the saftey coupler on the element shroud always change the sensor next to it. normally they come is a kit together.

 

[fishbowl365]

thanx, thats the way i've been leaning. i'll replace them and see what happens.