Ok. So here’s yet another thread from me. I’ve been a busy boy this week! From what I can find online, I believe this GE large drum Americana dryer was made August, 1973. I’ll include a photo of the serial and model numbers below. On a subjective note I will say that, never again, will I underestimate the ability of a dryer being every bit as disgusting as a washer. This thing was filthy!!!
I’m not quite as type A as many of you are but I broke this thing almost completely down and did a pretty thorough cleaning. Since it didn’t appear to be heating very well, I went with the assumption that it had a bad element. That pretty much requires a tear down to replace so just as well. The elements arrived today so I wasted no more time and jumped right in. This was my first time doing a removal and restoring of heating elements.
So, apart it came and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much lint and debris. Even my ‘68 that sat outside for years wasn’t this bad! Also a lot of rust on this cabinet so I’m wondering if this machine spent some quality time on the western coastline.
With the drum extracted I was able to inspect the elements noting lots more lint trapped within the coils and, sure enough, a broken outer coil. After carefully disconnecting the wires from coil terminals, I was able to remove the entire heating component. Carefully restrung new coils and a good cleaning of course. This part went better than expected. Just wanted to be sure the coils were evenly spaced and apart so no hot spots would prematurely burn up the new elements.
Went ahead and installed a new exhaust pipe as the existing one was a bunch of pieces together ones and appeared to have been leaking condensation causing rust. New pipe is one piece so that won’t be an issue and less lint buildup.
Back together we go and hooked up for a quick test. Success! Much hotter and works both delicate (single inner element) and high speed (both elements). Hopefully the Versatronic moisture sensor and timer function properly so clothes dry adequately. Running shop towels as we speak so we shall find out soon!
Thanks for looking and enjoy the photos!
I’m not quite as type A as many of you are but I broke this thing almost completely down and did a pretty thorough cleaning. Since it didn’t appear to be heating very well, I went with the assumption that it had a bad element. That pretty much requires a tear down to replace so just as well. The elements arrived today so I wasted no more time and jumped right in. This was my first time doing a removal and restoring of heating elements.
So, apart it came and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much lint and debris. Even my ‘68 that sat outside for years wasn’t this bad! Also a lot of rust on this cabinet so I’m wondering if this machine spent some quality time on the western coastline.
With the drum extracted I was able to inspect the elements noting lots more lint trapped within the coils and, sure enough, a broken outer coil. After carefully disconnecting the wires from coil terminals, I was able to remove the entire heating component. Carefully restrung new coils and a good cleaning of course. This part went better than expected. Just wanted to be sure the coils were evenly spaced and apart so no hot spots would prematurely burn up the new elements.
Went ahead and installed a new exhaust pipe as the existing one was a bunch of pieces together ones and appeared to have been leaking condensation causing rust. New pipe is one piece so that won’t be an issue and less lint buildup.
Back together we go and hooked up for a quick test. Success! Much hotter and works both delicate (single inner element) and high speed (both elements). Hopefully the Versatronic moisture sensor and timer function properly so clothes dry adequately. Running shop towels as we speak so we shall find out soon!
Thanks for looking and enjoy the photos!
