Whirlpool gas dryer help!

[revvinkevin]

This WP gas dryer does not get hot. I'm told the flame only comes on for a very short time before going off again.

I am thinking maybe a thermostat??

Any ideas???

Thanks!!
Kevin

 

[pturo]

There are a few thermostats: the cycling one for regular and low temps and the main one that would cut off- the high limit near the heat output.

Best to get an electrical tester to test each one for continuity, which you can do with the power off, which will show when cold, the circuit is open.

 

[autowasherfreak]

We had the same or similar Whirlpool but in electric. It was a great dryer. I especially like the pull down door.

 

[qsd-dan]

I'm told the flame only comes on for a very short time b

My 81 Kenmore did exactly that. There was a restriction in the exhaust duct which (assuming) caused the high temp thermo to kick in. The restriction was between the duct where the lint filter connects to the exhaust duct (connection is behind the rear panel). Found a huge ball of lint as well as all kinds of goodies including a live .22 shell.

 

[70series]

My older sister has that dryer in electric at her guest house. She used to have the matching washer to it, but that is gone now.

Have a good one,
James

 

[toggleswitch2]

My sister had that problem with hers which is hooked-up to a propane supply.

The dryer was never properly converted for propane. It was set for natural gas.

 

[kenmore81]

I'm told the flame only comes on for a very short time b

Try checking the solinoid valve. Start the dryer and see if it lights, then stop the dryer, then restart right away, if it doesn't light the 2nd time its the solinoid valve that lets the gas in.

 

[everythingold]

Does the ignitor come on? Two usual culprits are the split coils, the solinoids Kenmore81 mentions on the gas valve in the front. Many times, it is simply the thermal fuse on the back by the main operating thermostat by the blower housing. It is the white strip with two wire terminals. EVEN if you read continuity over this fuse, it can be bad. It is redundant, buggy and unnecessary. Clip, Clip, Strip, Strip, nut wire. matt

 

[goatfarmer]

Those thermal fuses are nice when the vent plugs up, and they go out, instead of causing a fire, or similar. Me? I wouldn't eliminate it.

 

[kenmore81]

Me? I wouldn't eliminate it

I wouldn't eliminate it eather IMHO, chances are nothing "may not" happen if you take that chance but i have murphys law luck lol. Also i should have mentioned about the ignitor also(oops).
Ken

 

[revvinkevin]

OK... thank you all for your suggestions! I will have to check it out!

Kevin