damn dryer! any ideas?

joehahn · joehahn's Garage

..hey fellas, first time ive popped over here, kinda cool (i particularly like the chicks and skinned animal on hood). anyway gas dryer stopped heating and i can't figure out why. wife says get new one but i am usually inclined to take things apart (and break them so can't be fixed....ever). so i got it all apart and i can't tell what would be the problem? there is no pilot "light" per say is there? aren't these gas dryers electronically ignited? any thoughts appreciated. on a side note i bent over and started working on it with crack out (purposely) and that got kind of a laugh from the wife.

joe 68 L

MotoSook · 09-24-2003, 04:05 PM

Try the safety valve..is gas on?..there is likely a thermcouple that keeps the gas to the burner after ignition...it's a safety to prevent filling your house with gas should you loose flame..similar to that in your furnas...

Might just need a new thermocouple..pull old one out and go to the hardware store. Ignitor working?

Just some gues from a guy who's messed around with gas equipment before...but never a dryer.

MotoSook · 09-24-2003, 04:06 PM

Forgot..if that fixes it, we wanna see YOUR wife on on a fur rug on top of the Porsche!

(just kidding)

joehahn · joehahn's Garage

...she's actually pretty hot...if this works i'll post the pics!

MotoSook · 09-24-2003, 04:57 PM

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

How old is your gas dryer? I've only owned Maytag wash/dry machines but they always go at least 10 years before issues arise. If it runs but does not get hot -

1. while running open the access door (should be in front) and see that the gas burner is on. If not then you do indeed have a ignitor/burner issue

2. Last resort - check to make sure your dryer vent is not clogged with lint/debris. After 5 years our old dryer was not drying clothes anymore. It took all of 15 minutes (and $100) to diagnose a clogged vent line.

Good luck.

RickM · RickM's Garage

I've fixed a couple in my day. Troubleshooting is basically a process of elimination.

First, you should see some type of access door to allow you to light a pilot light. Usually instructions are on a piece of paper glued to the access panel. If newer it could be lit by a piezo igniter...but I doubt it.

If the pilot or ignitor is functioning properly then determine if gas is getting to the burner. I once replaced a solenoid valve that could not be actuated, therefore, gas would not flow to the "burner". You can use a voltmeter to determine if electrical current is reaching the solenoid. If it is then you should here a click as the valve opens. Remember that gas does not always flow to the burner because.............There is a thermostat that shuts off the solenoid valve when it's too hot. Then allows current back through when things cool off. You may want to jump that switch to and "always on" (Always cool) state for testing purposes. An Ohm meter will also test if the switch is good.

Belt is broken or slipping. Does the motor spin with when you turn the dryer on? Some machines have a safety to prevent anything from working under this condition.

Door switch..test it. If not working it wouldn't allow the above-mentioned systems to function.

If in doubt call the tech support of the manufacturer or a local appliance parts place to ask if it has pilot, ignitor, common cause of failure for the model. Most places would be happy to help because they'll most likely get your business for the part.

BGCarrera32 · 09-25-2003, 11:32 AM

I know some of the electric models have had little thermoswitches near the exhaust such that if it gets plugged with lint that you can't see it prevents any heat or heats only for a few seconds so the lint doesn't get caught on fire. Is it getting ANY heat at all? (Like shut door, start, check in 30 seconds) If it doesn't make a lick of heat it probably is something mentioned in one of the posts above.

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

string up a line in the back yard, hang up the clothes. take wife for a spin in porsche, when you come home, clothes will be dry, wife happy, spend dryer money on car.

joehahn · joehahn's Garage

you guys are too much! thanks a lot for the help. i really appreciate it.

joe (inept dryer repair guy)

pwd72s · 09-25-2003, 06:56 PM

"I've only owned Maytag wash/dry machines but they always go at least 10 years before issues arise. "

Dave? NOT the Maytag "neptune" washer! I'm pissed that I paid close to a grand for one of those, and in 6 years, 4 repair jobs. It's now in the nearest landfill...and another brand of front loading washer is in it's place. The matching dryer, electric, bought at the same time, is still functioning well.