63 Lady Kenmore Dryer Help

[countryford]

The heating element just went out on my 1963 Lady Kenmore electric dryer. I called an appliance parts store here in the area and they said that the element is no longer being made and that there are no replacements for it. The model number of the dryer is 6308803. If anyone knows where I can get another heating element or know of what part number can be used as a replacement I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Justin

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Hey Justin -

Dang, you're having your issues with that set, aren't you?

Sears says that elements 237750 and 297393 will work for your dryer. I have seen these on ebay in the past, but nothing shows up now. If I were you I'd put them on a favorites search and see if anything shows up.

Also, some folks here on the site may have one of these, but we'll have to see. If you were local I'd loan you one of my dryers to use in the interim....

Are you certain it's the element you need?

Gordon

 

[countryford]

Gordon: I'm 99.9% sure its the heating element. The drum turns, the blower still blows, but the air is cold. When I pulled the clothes out they weren't warm like they should be and I checked the end of the vent and the air was cold. So my first thought is the heating element. I will check those part numbers and see if anything comes up. Also there is a used appliance place in the area that has a kenmore dryer about the same vintage just not the lady kenmore. Last time I checked they wanted 50 for it. If I can't find the element I may end up just buying that for parts.

 

[appnut]

Justin, could it be a thermostat? Did you check the circuit breaker too?

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Justin -

Two updates for ya....

First, before you get a dryer for parts, we need to verify that the element in that dryer fits yours. Later model dryers I wouldn't worry about so much, but back in the 60s dryers had 3600, 4400, 5200, and 5600 watt elements, and some others. Oddly, the 63 Lady K, at least yours and mine too, both use 3600 watt elements. The high-speed dryers like the 63 600 and 63 70 series use different elements I do believe. Also, there are 7 model revisions of the 63 Lady K dryer (110.6308801 to 110.6308807) and they use several different elements, so it's important that you use the correct one.

I have the dryer pictured here in my garage. It is an exact copy of one my grandmother had so when it appeared on ebay last spring I nabbed it. After it got here, I tried to snap up as many spares for it as I could, and guess what? I have two 237750 elements in my parts supplies. They are Gemline elements vs. Whirlpool FSP elements, but I wanted to have something for the machine so I took what I could find (I am a real stickler for genuine parts for my washers and my cars, but I buy aftermarket when I have to). I'm happy to share with you if you want. Just call my cell or write me and we'll work out the details.

Gordon

 

[countryford]

Gordon: I have only your work number? Do you have my cell number still? If so call me and we can discuss this. Thanks.

 

[combo52]

KM element

1963 LKM dryers have a dual heating element take out your old element and see if its broken. These elements can be restrung if nessary i am sure i have a good used one if nessary

 

[goatfarmer]

Make sure there isn't a burnt connection somewhere.

 

[powerfin64]

wattage elements...

My high-speed 62-65 Kenmore dryers all have 6000 watt elements, this includes my 65 electronic Lady K, (isn't labeled as a High-speed, but are the same drum design and configuration as the high-speeds) that have the sensors mounted through-out the middle of the drum.

I would look at the metal tag on the bottom of the door opening, to see if and what wattage your dryer has it marked at.

Rich

 

[countryford]

Just took apart the back of the dryer and checked and the heating element is good. One of the thermostats is bad. So my next step is to locate another thermostat. Does anyone know what the part number is?

 

[appnut]

YAY, I'm glad it's only the t-stat!!!

 

[countryford]

More good news. I just checked one of the local appliance part stores online and they have on in stock. So first thing tomorrow I'll be heading down there to buy it. Thank you everyone for all your help.

 

[qsd-dan]

Keep an eye out for a new heating element. These parts are not going to get any easier as time passes by!

 

[northwesty]

I was able to get a 1969 heating element to fit into my 1951 machine with just a bit of gerry-rigging and it as been working just fine. Re-stringing the old coil or even a new one, well, I had issues with it burning out at the part where it connected to the wires. It wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out for a parts machine.

 

[countryford]

Good news. I got the new thermostat this morning and installed it. And the dryer works as good as new. I will keep my eye out for another 63 lady kenmore dryer for parts. Again I want to thank everyone for your help.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

That's GREAT Justin. I have an element here in case you ever need it!

Gordon