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-   -   Sears Kenmore Dryer runs but wouldn't heat (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=258285)

  • Sep 8, 2008, 05:48 PM
    swong
    Sears Kenmore Dryer runs but wouldn't heat
    I have a Sears Kenmore Dryer Model #970-C85192-00 (electric) which I bought in Dec 2006. The drum runs but would not heat. I looked in the Sears Manual (Use and Care Guide) and the Avoid Service Checklist details the following possible cause - "There are 2 house fuses in the dryer circuit. If 1 of the 2 fuses is blown , the drum may turn but the heater would not operate" with a solution "Replace fuse"
    1. Where is the house fuse in the dryer?
    2. Having read the previous posts I don't feel that the manual refers to my house fuses however as a matter of caution I did reset my house fuses (in the breaker box) but no luck. The Sears manual is not specific in their reference to house fuses in the dryer circuit. Are they the screw type ones on the dryer? If so where are the physically located?
    3. The wiring diagram for the dryer does not show a fuse. I tested the outlet, and I am getting 220V. So what's the solution?
  • Sep 8, 2008, 06:01 PM
    Credendovidis
    Hello swong

    Many service manuals are rather unclear...

    As you state that the service/wiring diagram does not show a fuse, I suggest you look at the thermostat.
    Do you have (or can you borrow or buy) a cheap simple multimeter (about $ 20 at Radio Shack) ?

    Before any measuring : take the power cable out of the socket.
    Than check the thermostat for continuity. With a cold dryer the thermostat should be a short. If not, replace it and you solved your problem.

    If it's not the thermostat, it could also be the heater element itself. Just measure the element : it should be around 20 Ohms.

    If that fails contact me to discuss other options (here in this same topic)!

    Success!

    :)
  • Sep 17, 2008, 07:31 AM
    jsjones
    I think that house fuse may refer to the actual electrical system for the house.

    An electric dryer uses 220-240 volts. In most houses the circuit panel would have a double-pole breaker or two fuses controlling this circuit.

    If one of the poles on be breaker trips or one of the two fuses blows, you would only have 110 volts going to the dryer. The motor that turns the drum runs on 110 and that would explain why the motor still runs. However the heater coils require 220 volts.

    I would check the breakers or fuses in the circuit panel first.
  • Oct 3, 2011, 03:10 PM
    shantinadja
    I had the same problem Check the heater coil. If it broken, replace it. For taking the dryer apart, this link was helpful to me.. http://www.applianceaid.com/wwf-howto.html

    Good luck.
  • Oct 4, 2011, 11:57 AM
    drtom4444
    You will have to take it apart and test the thermal fuse near the heating element. Most likely it is blown and will have to be replaced, but you will have to clean the drier out thoroughly or it 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. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time. 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
    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 again and if the belt is over two years old you should replace it. The safeties are oval-shaped with a round center part containing the safety with two plug-on terminals for the wires.
    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.
    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 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
  • Oct 5, 2011, 12:01 AM
    drtom4444
    You will have to take it apart and test the thermal fuse near the heating element. Most likely it is blown and will have to be replaced, but you will have to clean the drier out thoroughly or it 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. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time. 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
    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 again and if the belt is over two years old you should replace it. The safeties are oval-shaped with a round center part containing the safety with two plug-on terminals for the wires.
    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.
    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 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

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