Dryer overheats - Old GE

[cardinal24]

How can I describe this?

... Dryer overheats ...

Dryer spins but gets SO hot, you can't touch the sides and top.

Model # - DDE_7109_VM_LAD (underscores inserted for readability)

Attached are 3 photos.

Most importantly ... THANK YOU. You guys/gals helped us fix our ancient GE washer. She now works fine. What fun!

http://https//www.google.com/search?q=ge+dde7109&safe=off&client=opera&hs=Qgx&biw=1012&bih=590&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0kYerwoXQAhWj64MKHeCwD9wQ_AUIBygA&dpr=1

 

[gansky1]

Sounds like airflow are first checks...

Is there a strong flow of air coming out of the exhaust? Is it the same, or nearly the same at the vent cap outside?

With a flashlight, check the channel below the lint filter leading to the fan and from the rear of the dryer, the vent inside the machine. If these checks are OK, you may have to pull the front of the dryer off of the cabinet and check the fan operation and fan chamber. I have seen GE dryers of this style that have fan blades packed with lint when previously run on poor or clogged vent systems.

 

[joeypete]

I'm sure someone will know better than I...but maybe the thermostat? Maybe it's not turning off...I dunno. I have this same design, a late '87 model. It's been great so far but I did replace some things on it. It purrs like a kitten but I won't leave it on when I'm not home, just for the reason you are having problems...in case it overheats. I just don't trust these old dryers.

 

[cardinal24]

At is coming out of the exhaust. I intend to open it up, clean it out, and possibly replace the thermostat. I'll have to research how to open it up.
Thank you

 

[bendixmark]

overheating

You most definitely need a thermostat those dryers were famous for that.Easy to replace.

 

[cardinal24]

How can I find a thermostat?

The model number is DDE7109vmlad. (shown in my second picture).
When I search this number on Amazon or eBay, I don't get any hits.
When I search just DDE7109, I get too many hits.
Any suggestions on how to find a thermostat?
Thanks

 

[goatfarmer]

See if there is a part # on the old one.

 

[ken]

High Limit Thermostat

Is part #WE4X584. Here's a link to Easy Appliance Parts site showing exploded views and parts lists for your model number dryer. I have found them to be the most inexpensive other than ebay.

http://www.easyapplianceparts.com/A...E7109VML&mfgModelNum=&fkMfgID=2&SourceCode=11

Here's the link for the thermostat.

http://www.easyapplianceparts.com/P...DDE7109VML&ModelNum=DDE7109VML&ModelID=323536

Here's a search on ebay for the switch listed loswest price first. Some are used.

We4x584 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for We4x584 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[bendixmark]

thermostat

You need the main operating thermostat located in the exhaust stream near the lint filter not the hi limit that isn't the problem.You can try calling Marcone appliance parts.

 

[ken]

My apologies

for the misinformation concerning the thermostat. Here's the link to the page showing the cycling thermostat. There are two available. 135 degree and 145 degree. They are part # WE4X601 and WE4X600 respectively. 315 and 316 in the part listing.

http://www.easyapplianceparts.com/ModelSections.aspx?ModelID=325050&ModelNum=DDE7109VML&mfgModelNum=&ManufactureID=2&Selected=00009195i04&Position=5&mfg=GE&Type=Dryer&Mark=4

 

[stevet]

Wait before ordering...

We had a GE gas dryer in the mid 70s that started overheating and the problem turned out to be an accumulation of lint around the thermostats located in that lint filter housing. It was scary sometimes how hot the dryer would get but once I took them both out and cleaned them, the dryer worked like new again. We had very hard water at the time and the lint was also encrusted with the lime scale as well. Just had to gently clean them and the housing and it was all done.

I say try that first and see if it helps before buying new ones. If nothing else, you will maybe find the part number on them but you should be able to determine the operating temps on them.if you decide to replace them, buy both of them.

 

[cardinal24]

(My dryer and my gratitude

I've always been, shall we say: "thrifty". And obstinate. And a tinkerer. I don't like throwing mechanical machines out.
We paid $20 for a GE washer AND dryer. (We paid $50 or so to bring it here).
They were, I think, later 80s GE models.
Suddenly, the dryer began to get hot-as-heck.
What did I do? I researched and stumbled upon AutomaticWasher.com, the coolest site in cyberspace.
And I wrote about my oh-so-hot dryer. And folks said "air flow". So, I pulled the dryer hose off the back (the dryer is short, perhaps 10 ft to the outside) and felt the air-flow. I thought the air-flow was good, and so-posted.
Then I went on a thermostat kick, and learned how to test thermostats and bought some band-aids for the cuts I incurred.
And then folks (seeming to almost ignore) me said: "air flow". Then they said: "there's a problem with air-flow". And I was (dope) sure they were wrong.

Finally, after weeks, I got unlazy, laid her on her back, and took her apart. And lo-and-behold there was lint! (Just like maybe 8 people said).
I cleaned her out pretty good, replaced the while-plastic hose with a metal one, made sure there were few bends, and I tested her. (I didn't lube the bearings. Lazy)
Works magnificently and reinforces my love for AW.ORG and the masters who help dopes like me.
Thank you AW.ORG. Thank you.