Hello,
This is my initial post to this forum and hope someone out there can help. I own a Kenmore dryer (87984800) that is about 12 years old. Recently, it has begun to take two cycles to dry a medium-large load of clothes. This is unusual for this dryer.

The dryer is doing the following: the heater primes, ignites and stays lit for approximately 10-12 seconds, turns off and cycles again in 1 minute to repeat the same sequence. The main timer control seems to work properly as does the blower. I replaced the two "coils" and this did nothing lengthen the time of burner's on cycle.

I have done the following:
- checked and cleaned the wall vent the dryer is attached to; no air obstructions.
- checked and cleaned the vent tube leading from discharge to the blower cage.
- checked and cleaned the screen and it's venting route to the blower.
- I replaced the two coils atop the gas controling/burner mechanism.

Q: how long "should" the heat cycle on for?
Q: could the next step be to replace the thermostat?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!! - Robert

When a gas valve shuts down so quickly, it can be caused by faulty valve coils, but it's usually due to a reduction in airflow. When the burner lights, the flame should be pulled almost straight back through the burner tube. If the flame curls up and comes anywhere near the high limit thermostat, the burner will almost instantly shut down. Disconnect the vent from the back of the dryer and start the dryer. Watch the flame characteristics when the duct is removed and reconnected. That will tell you if the problem is in the vent. If there is no visible difference in either condition, then check the felt drum seals around the front and rear of the interior drum, and also check that the door gasket is still intact. Make sure the lint trap is clean, and you might even wash it with 409 or some other cleaner. I don't recall having this problem continue after these issues are checked and/or corrected. It is slightly possible that the operating thermostat is the problem, but not very likely. If you have further questions, let me know.