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View Full Version : Kenmore gas dryer won't heat up?


pink1989
Jun 23, 2009, 09:42 PM
My Kenmore Gas dryer won't heat up! I don't know what wrong whit it. I bought it used, in the street.. I have the manuel whit me too, it was bought 1989 so it is perty old but looks in excellent condition... The MODEL No. 110.87983100. It turns but doesn't heat up to dry clothes! Thanks!! :o

Perito
Jun 24, 2009, 04:36 AM
The first thing to do is to check out this thead:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/appliances/gas-dryer-troubleshooting-324952.html

If you aren't able to solve you problem, then post back and tell us what you've done.

You mentioned that "it turns but doesn't heat up". I assume this means that it turns on. Is it the gas that turns on or just the drum starts rotating?

cameronm
Dec 10, 2011, 02:22 PM
I have same problem. I have a feeling what he means by turns on is in my case the dryer turns on and appears to run normally but in fact there is no heat. Mine is a gas dryer kenmore 110-72802101. I am going to test the coils and the fuse today with my meter, I will also hook it up and watch the ignition process as it's happening to see if it all works as it should. And finally hopefully I won't have to replace the burner.

drtom4444
Dec 11, 2011, 02:25 PM
You will have to take it apart and test the thermal fuse near the burner. You will have to clean the drier out thoroughly or it is all for nothing. Every air duct will have to be removed and scraped and washed out to remove baked on lint deposits which is like a concrete lining. This will burn so the manufacturer has installed the safeties to keep from having a house fire. The safeties are oval-shaped with a round center part containing the safety with two plug-on terminals for the wires and when they burn open from the dryer being dirty nothing will work. Using an ohm meter you put a lead on each terminal of the safety with wires unplugged and if it's good you will have a reading of about zero; if it's bad it will read infinity. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time, hence now we have safety fuses. Look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4 to see how. Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI
http://www.electrical-forensics.com/Dryer/ElectricClothesDryers.html
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/10/09/whirlpool-dryer-model-le5800xsw3-wiring-diagram/
When you finish cleaning the drier and install a new safety it is best to also replace the belt, too, because you do not want to have to disassemble it all over again and if the belt is over two years old you should replace it.

Note that on most of the videos it does not show them washing out the parts, but this is important because it's the only way to really get the parts clean, just don't get motor wet or the capacitor if it has one. Vacuum out the motor. I would move the drier out to your garage to have plenty of space to work. You also want to check your vent and clean it, also. The vent should have a short run and be straight as possible. The job is really easier than it sounds. There is no shortcut that will work; it has to be cleaned well. Before you re-assemble it make sure to use white lithium grease (high-temp grease) and grease all bearings. Just vacuuming out the dryer a little does little good. DrTom4444