HELP! Frigidaire 1-18 dryer that won't heat!

[76speedqueen]

I have a circa 1978 avocado frigidaire 1-18 washer and dryer that I love but the dryer has been heating at what seems to be low heat and taking longer than normal to dry for months, but now it heats not at all. The model number is DEC with no other numbers after it and a serial of of 9284 BD07. I am hoping to get advice and maybe some part numbers from one of you frigidaire folks on here as I am not willing to just separate this otherwise lovely pair for some mismatched dryer like the nasty late 90's GE almond dryer I have in Storage. I really would appreciate anyone who would weigh in on this. I have always appreciated this site and it's members in the past with my vintage appliance troubles. Hopefully someone can help me keep the dryer out of the crusher and the pair together. Thanks, Brian.

 

[joelippard]

Do you know much about working with a voltmeter or other electrical testing devices?  It sounds like it could be the heater went out but you'll need a voltmeter to verify continuity.  That's where it starts in determining the source of the problem, and part are still out there.  I had to replace a thermostat in one of mine and then a heater in the other one.

 

[pdub]

1-18 element

Here is the correct type you would need.
The link goes to one currently offered on ebay.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[76speedqueen]

OKAY...bought a new in package heating element...

Now to find out which thermostats I need. I want to purchase both the lint trap area one and the one that goes on the heater unit. I figure even if I don't need all three of the parts, I will have them on hand if I ever do. I have a stockpile of new in package parts for the washer already, why not the dryer too? Any of you guys know offhand of what that part number is or have a pic or link to show me for that? I plan on opening her up tomorrow to have a look. Could the part numbers be printed on the thermostats someplace? Thanks GUys!

 

[76speedqueen]

Took three days but......

I located and ordered the cycling thermostats I needed. Will let you all know how it turns out whenever I get them and get it back together.

 

[washman]

Those are some good looking machines!

Glad you were able to secure the necessary parts to keep them running!

 

[76speedqueen]

Thanks Washman!

These belonged to a little old couple who lived here in Orleans County, New York at their Lake Ontario summer cottage. They primarily used the dryer as they preferred to wash in the 1968 Kenmore BOL wringer that I also bought from them. They lived in primarily in Florida and only used these in the summer months. That is why they are so pristine. Their children sold them to me for $40.00 for the pair! For me, a dream come true!

 

[76speedqueen]

SAD to say....

Even though I changed the heater assy and both the limit switch and thermostat, the dryer still won't heat. She has now been relegated to the toolshed. Had to go get the ugly almond cheap GE dryer from storage in my dads basement. If somone wants to buy the avocado 1-18 dryer to try and fix it themselves or if you want to buy parts from it, let me know. I don't plan on charging much. Thank YOU, Brian.

 

[philr]

Brian, 

 

Since the dryer matches a washer that you're keeping, I think it's worth investigating more... And rollers are still available for these and cost just $7 each...

 

If it still doesn't heat, It could be as simple as bad wires or more likely, the motor start switch or the timer.

 

The motor start switch (not the start button on the control panel) also acts as a relay for the elements, once the motor revs up,  the switch (that's actuated by the motor's governor), opens a set of contacts to cut the power to the start winding and closes two sets of contacts to give the power to the elements. If one of the sets of contacts in the start switch to the elements are damaged/dirty, they might not allow the power to go to the heating elements. 

 

Something similar can happen in the timer as the timer as the timer also closes and opens contacts for the elements (for the cooldown feature). 

 

So you'd need to test these parts to find what's the problem! 

 

 

[76speedqueen]

Thanks for the advice Phil!

I have one person interested in buying the dryer but if it doesn't pan out with him, I may investigate it further. I am currently recovering from spinal fusion surgery and am not going to be able to get it back out of the tool shed any time soon. I don't know if I will really be doing much lifting and&#92or fixing on appliances anymore and I only have a limited knowledge of mechanics in the first place. Perhaps I will ask around to see if anyone I know can help me with it or knows somebody who can. I really hate to see my pretty green dryer go and break up the pair but we will see what happens I guess..... I would at least like to find another vintage electric dryer even if it is another brand or even another 70's color (no white or almond!) and keep the vintage feel of my laundry area.

 

[simplicity345]

parts

I Have Some Parts Available For These Frigidaire 1-18 Washer Machine And Dryers For Sale From A Family That Went Out Of Business And They Were A Frigidaire Dealer And Serviced Appliances And These Are All New Appliance Parts And You May Email Me With Any Questions @ [email protected] Or Call Me @ 724-506-0344 And Ask For Mark

 

[76speedqueen]

Finally !

Got it fixed and saved from the scrapyard !

 

[roto204]

The pronouncement?

Congratulations, I'm so glad to hear that!! What was the issue, Brian?

 

[philr]

Is it back in your laundry room?

 

[76speedqueen]

Not back In the Laundry Room YET.....

I had put it aside when it stopped heating and I currently have a much newer Whirlpool Dryer model WED5600SQ0 in it's place til I have time to get the 1-18 dryer back next to it's mate. I plan to do the switch back sometime this weekend. It turns out that I had been sent the wrong limit switch for the lint screen area when I purchased a replacement off of Ebay. My dad deserves the credit for figuring that out and upon some digging in his junk stash, finding the proper one. THANKS DAD!!!!!! I am glad we got it back in order, it would have broken my heart to have split the pair up and have had to give away or scrap this dryer! I Love these machines!