Frigidaire DCIF-64

[combo52]

1964 FD Vent Free Dryer

These dryers used a little different element than standard FD dryers, it was a little lower wattage for one thing around 3900 watts I believe.

 

The element is an open style strung through ceramic insulators, depending on the condition of yours they can sometimes be repaired or a new similar wattage coil installed. I may even have a good used one for one of these dryers.

 

[philr]

The 1961 and late Filtrator dryers are quite different from the 1960 and earlier models.

The belt for the lower blower is similar to what Whirlpool used in their old dryers and still available. It's a bit shorter than the original but it works. They are clear rather than black.

This video is from a 1967 Filtrator but it's quite similar to a 1964.


I also have a 1964 Deluxe dryer but I wish I had a Custom Imperial like yours! Do you have the matching washer?!

 

[philr]

Here are some pictures I took from my 1964 Tech Talk, the heater in Filtrators is 4100 watts, slightly less than the heater in the economy vented model which is 4400 watts.

I took pics of the wiring diagrams, not very clear but I hope it helps.

 

[jgrey]

I believe I've found the problem. The heating element is definitely broken.

 

[jetcone]

i can just hear the sound of Launderess

clutching her pearls !!

 

 

[combo52]

Broken Heating Element

Yay, you found it, if the broken element looks good otherwise and is not too brittle where it failed you can mend it with a small steel nut and bolt and a couple of steel washers.

 

[helicaldrive]

Aaaaaahh

Smart. Very smart. Not to mention creative.

 

[jgrey]

Hey, I had an emergency come up this weekend and didn't have time to do any work on the dryer. What do you mean by using a bolt/washer/nut to fix the coil. Do you mean to thread the bolt into the coil so the ends line up again and using a washer and nut to hold it in place?

Phil, no I don't have the matching washer. I wish I did though; the pair looks pretty slick together.

 

[trainguy]

Checkin' In

Jacob,

Did you get the dryer working yet?

Rich

 

[jgrey]

Hey guys. I finally had some time today to work on the dryer. I used small metal crimp over the broken ends of the coil. There's a small load in there now and it seems to be working (ie lots of heat).

Who knows how long the crimp will last but at least it's working for the time being.

 

[philr]

Lots of heat and steam when you open the door in mid-cycle is normal!

You might see some water dripping from the right side of the dryer which isn't normal but a common problem with these dryers that's fairly easy to fix if it bothers you!

Another common problem is the small blower fins that expand and make a scratching noise when the temperature rises in the dryer. This noise should disappear as soon as you turn off the heat (by pressing the "no heat" button). It's less likely to happen on "Delicate" setting. You can always bend the fins of the blower to avoid getting that noise for a while if it happens...

 

[jgrey]

It actually runs super quiet; no scratching of any kind. There is a little bit of water that leaks from the right side of the condenser. Not a lot, just enough to dampen the cardboard slightly.

Rich put me in touch with a vendor that happens to have a new heating element as well as a few other parts I need to get it into perfect working condition. I'm going to place an order just as soon as I get back from vacation.