This dryer turns on, gets hot and cuts off by itself after several minutes or sometimes dries for longer or shorter times but needs to be turned on several times before the clothes finally get dry. Its not the lint filter. Does anyone know what is causing this?
Thanks.

It can be a number of things. Dirt around the high temp sensor and a loose belt or binding on the fan that moves the air or even a bird in the duct if it's gas. It needs to be cleaned and inspected in places you would not normally look.