Gas not igniting in dryer

[suds14]

Hi Guys,

My Whirlpool dryer model#LG5781XK today while doing laundry the first 2 load dried fine. On the third load I notice there as steam out side and I went to make sure I reset the timer, the timer was set on the Automatic Regular cycle. I opened the door and found the clothes were cold. I opened the bottom panel and watch for a few minutes. The ignitor would come on and glow red but when the gas should ignite nothing happens. Every so often the gas would ignite and would stay on for about 3 minutes. I tried all 3 cycles and all 3 temperature settings. Any idea on what could be causing this or what part I need to replace. I will get this dryer fixed it has given no problem in the 25 years I have been using it. The dryer was my wife's Grandmothers and I called Whirlpool when we first got married and found this dryer was bought in between 1982 &1984. This is one great dryer they do not make like this today, Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

David

 

[akronman]

hmmmm

Well, before, during and after any other repairs anybody suggests, clean ALL lint out of every single place it can collect. Various tubes and pipes, the blower assembly, the entire run of venting that heads outdoors, the vent outside the house, underneath the filter in the machine, deep inside, etc.

 

[combo52]

Non Heating WP Gas Dryer

Unless you have a very restricted-clogged vent you need new valve coils on the gas burner assembly.

 

If you are unsure about the vent system try running a load without the vent pipe connected.

 

[wayupnorth]

I had a Kenmore gas dryer that did the same thing. Come to find out, ice and snow pinched the gas line going into the house to it. You never know.

 

[duke]

GAS Dryer combo52 ??--Try running a load without the vent pipe connected?Is that the advice we want to give new folks dealing with gas??I am not a pro maytag guy,I AM a master hvac guy.Somehow I am confused about carbon monoxide.I will get another beer out of fridge and do a shot as I am dizzy.[this post was last edited: 1/7/2017-22:08]

 

[suds14]

I just cleaned the vent and the lint from the exhaust duct in November. Also vacuumed the lint from base of dryer and around the burner. Always do this in the fall I hardly use the dryer from April until November.

John is it hard to replace the valve coils? I am learning some basic repairs but I am still am still note sure about all. I have a belt to replace on my Whirlpool washer but am not sure I can replace it. I may just need to call a repairman, but am worried they will just say replace the dryer it is old. Please let me know.

Thanks

David

 

[arbilab]

The valve coils are easy to replace.  Don't think I even cussed.  Unlike when I changed the Kenmore belt, neighbors learned some new words.

 

[goatfarmer]

<blockquote>
GAS Dryer combo52 ??--Try running a load without the vent pipe connected?Is that the advice we want to give new folks dealing with gas??I am not a pro maytag guy,I AM a master hvac guy.Somehow I am confused about carbon monoxide.I will get another beer out of fridge and do a shot as I am dizzy. 

</blockquote>
John's not saying disconnect the vent for ever more. He said disconnect the vent, and run the dryer, to see if the vent pipe is plugged. maybe for 10-15 minutes. Restricted airflow is one reason a gas dryer might not ignite.

 

 

 

[eronie]

No heat

Gas valve coil kit. Very easy repair.

 

[suds14]

I ordered the parts this morning, supposed to be delivered by Wed.
Now I am going down the cellar to pick up all the clothes that are hanging on the lines. Just my luck for the dryer had to break down in January in stead of June at least in June I have my back up solar dryer.
Thanks for the help.

 

[combo52]

Gas Dryers and Carbon Monoxide

Hi Duke, have you ever tested how much CM a gas dryer produces? I can tell you it is a fraction of what a gas range produces, a gas oven is allowed 300 PPM coming out the oven vent, think about how many people turn on their oven every day without it being vented outside.

 

In the colder months we often test gas dryers without connecting them to the outside vent [ we use a pillow case cover for catching excess lint ] and I have never had any reading on the CM meter, but when a pre-heat a gas oven in the same shop area to 350F we usually get a reading of around 35 PPM in the shop.

 

I have seen many gas dryers that were never vented outside and have never run a service call for CM that was traced to the dryer, now Water heaters, gas boilers and furnaces and gas ranges are another story.

 

[moparwash]

The same thing happened on my Maytag gas dryer, where the igniter would glow but the flame would not stay lit. I changed the high-limit thermostat and it fixed that problem

 

[searsbest]

Whirlpool part number 279834...will solve your problem

 

[mattl]

I second combo52's comments.  I have a non-vented gas dryer in the basement, been using it that way for over  year, I have 2 CO2 detectors in the basement, one with a readout and nary a blip from either of them.  I'm sure my gas cooktop puts out much more CO2 and it gets used every day, the dryer once or twice every few weeks.  I consider it a non-issue.

 

Back to the OP's topic, I had the same problem with the afore mentioned gas dryer.  It acted the same.  Replaced the coils, and nothing.  Gas valve went bad.  Replaced it with a used one from eBay, $25 fix.

 

[oldskool]

Had same problem....

....ordered the coils from searspartsdirect.com then watched a couple Youtube tutorial videos and voila.... it was done. Been drying like a champ ever since. Youtube has "how to" videos on many repairs - some more or less detailed - but another option to help us "visual" learners. Reading a manual doesn't work as well for me, but if I can watch someone else do it, I'm good.

Best of luck.

John

 

[suds14]

Thanks for all the input a7 help, Parts should be here tomorrow or wed. Will keep you guys posted.

 

[duke]

John,
After some research,I stand corrected,respecfully--Duke

 

[suds14]

Parts arrived today. Did watch a video on you tube looks easy. I will look at the dryer Thursday. Tomorrow I am going to visit my baby granddaughters.

 

[suds14]

Well I went to fix the dryer today and discovered the parts do not fit my dryer. The coils in my dryer have the wires attached and there is no way to disconnect them. I have an email to an appliance repair shop to see if the have the exact part I need. However when I reconnected the old coils I tested the dryer and the gas did ignite twice. I will see how it works on Monday when I wash.