Electronic Sensor in 76 Kenmore Dryer not working

[scoots]

I have a 1976 Kenmore Dryer (Model 110.76490600 Serial F42104927) and I'm having a problem with it.

1: My "automatic" settings don't work: The dryer runs indefinitely. Any suggestions on a remedy, or can you point me in the direction of the correct Ephemera repair booklet? I read some where that the ground needs to be very good, or the electronics will not sense that the cloths are done. Does that apply to a Kenmore?

2. Operational question: I'm forced to used the timed settings. If I open the door to check the dryness, close the door, and press start again, will the machine resume from the last spot in the program, or does that reset the timer and I'm now going to re-dry for say 60 minutes?

3. Request for parts: If anybody has an applicable operation or repair manual for this dryer, I'd be happy to purchase or pay copying fees. Also if you have a drying shelf that fits this drum, I'd be willing to purchase an extra if you have one in your collection.

Thanks

Bill

 

[scoots]

I indended to include some photos....

so here they are.

 

[washdaddy]

If you're using the timed drying cycle provided the timer is counting down and moving towards the off position on the dial you should have the remaining time left for drying.

 

[scoots]

Rick...

... that's the odd thing about this dryer: the knob is stationary, with distinct clicks at each station. I don't think the dial is intended to advance. When on a timed cycle, it shuts off properly.

 

[combo52]

1974 Fully Electronic LKM Dryer

Hi Bill, I have had the gas version of this great dryer as a daily driver for well over 20 years and fortunately the electronic dryness cycle has always worked so I seldom ever use the timed settings. [ Note, this dryer does not have a mechanical timer at all, the control dial never moves ] I am honestly not sure if you open the door and restart the dryer if it continues the countdown from where it left off but I believe it does, this would be very easy to test by putting it on 20 minutes and interrupting the cycle after 10 minutes and restarting the dryer and seeing if it runs 10 or 20 minutes.

This was one of the most advanced dryers ever made when it was introduced, for example if it is running on the auto dry cycles it will shut down the dryer if dry clothing is not sensed within 110 minutes, I believe this was the first use of this now common safety feature. This dryer also figured out how long the cool-down period should be by calculating how long the clothing took to dry, by doing this they eliminated the troublesome system of using a mechanical cool-down thromostat like they had previously done which sometimes caused dryers to never shutoff in a very warm room.

Bill the only thing to check for is short in the wire that goes from the sensor to the control, and yes this dryer must be grounded but that is done through the cord if you have a standard 3 wire cord on the dryer [ when using a 3 WC the machine will not run at all if it is not grounded ]

Other than a shorted sensor strip or wire you have a bad electronic control, unfortunately these are NLA from WP, but you may be able to find either a new or used on line or maybe even get it rebuilt, the control is not too complicated.

 

[scoots]

Thanks John for the info...

You mentioned looking for a short that connects the electronic control to the sensor as a possible reason the dryer is not sensing dry clothes. Which wire is that on the schematic? I think it is middle right marked YR SENSOR. Does YR=Yellow Red wire?

Thanks

Bill

 

[washdaddy]

Bill-

Sorry for the misinformation. With that "OFF" marker at the end of the timed portion on the dial I thought the timer would have advanced towards it once you started a timed cycle. I wasn't aware that the timer was completely electronic.

Good luck with getting your problem corrected. John is an excellent guide and source in what you need to address.

Good luck,
Rick