A part missing???

[adinafloyd]

Ok, folks, I went into the back of the dryer last night and replaced the element, thermostat, and sensor. I started it with the back off so I could see the thermostat cut the element off. It all worked fine but I am pretty sure something is missing. I have never opened a dryer before but shouldn't the heating element be completely covered?? there are screw holes but no shield. If there is one supposed to be there can anyone point me in the direction to get one?? Thanks in advance

 

[tomturbomatic]

If it were completely covered how would air get sucked through the heater housing?

 

[yogitunes]

puzzled....is the heating element exposed?...doesn't appear to be in the pics

some snap/clip into place, others have a screw holding it in position...

 

[adinafloyd]

Not completely closed off, just covered. I cant help but wonder what the screw holes are for

 

[adinafloyd]

the lower wires on the heating coil are out. they aren't under any type of shield, just didn't think they were that exposed in there.

 

[yogitunes]

not every hole necessarily needs a screw/bolt....

sometimes you will find holes for equipment that your model doesn't come with....usually they will stamp a part like this, one part for all models, ready if it calls for it, blank if it doesn't...

would not be cost effective to stamp out a panel specific for every single model/feature/option...

another reason why many parts are interchangeable....

 

[yogitunes]

was there a cover/shield when you took it apart?...

when you put it back together, how many extra pieces did you have left over?

I would be more concerned of not having a cover over the electrical block or a strain relief on the wire...

 

[combo52]

Nothing Is Missing

But you do have a problem, the heater element should NOT be that HOT, the element box also shows signs of severe  overheating.

 

You either have a clogged vent, Clog in the lint filter housing, very worn-bad rear drum seal and there are several other possibilities.

 

!st test to do is run the dryer with the vent hose disconnected to see how hot the heater runs, if the heater barely glows then you know you have a restricted-clogged vent system to deal with.

 

Keep in mind, the thermostat on the heater box should NEVER cycle the heater off if the dryer is operating properly, this is a safety back-up thermostat that only comes into play when something else is wrong.

 

Another thing to keep in mind on electric dryers, When a heater element  or safety thermostat fails SOMETHING else is also wrong,

 

For safety and proper performance you must replace the bad parts and fix the problem that caused the parts to fail, under good conditions and proper installation a dryer should never need a new heater in its lifetime.

 

 

John L.

 

[syndets2000]

Yes there is a shield of sorts that is attached to the heater box, basically shaped like a large wide L
It allows about one t two inches clearance
from the opening of the heater box. Check out the parts list for your model #...
Till then, keep the back panel attached to the back of your dryer...

 

[adinafloyd]

There were no extra pieces, The back panel along with the power block cover are off in this pic. I am also not sure if anyone left any “pieces” off before I got it. I just didn’t realize that you could see the heating element. I could see the glow through all the little holes on the back and I’ve never seen that in other dryers. Like I could spots of orange glow on the wall behind the dryer (with the back on) I thought I would check and see if the heating area looks normal to someone who works on these as I’ve never seen the inside area before.

 

[adinafloyd]

Thanks John, I will do that this evening and see what happens...

 

[adinafloyd]

UPDATE*** John, you were right. I pulled off the vent hose and it ran good with only a slight glow to the element. I removed the vent system from the wall and found the end of the hose was crushed closed. I cut off that piece and reconnected and its running great. It was cutting off from overheating until I did this, now it completes the cycle with no issues. Not sure why it didn't affect the new model dryer I removed? Now I need to work on quieting it down, I guess I need to replace the rollers... Thank you again sir, you have been most helpful.