I have a kenmore gas dryer ( model #87351100). Heat element comes on for about 5 seconds and then goes out. There is an audible 'click' sound when it shuts off. About a minute later it does the same thing. Any ideas?

Honer, sounds like your vent is plugged, unhook the dryer from the vent and see if it stays on, OK?

I agree, to test just pull off the exhaust tubing, open the doors and windows and turn it on. If , after 3 minutes running, you will know if this was it. I have used a leaf blower to flush out this type of exhaust.

Sounded logical... tried suggestion and unhooked dryer vent... still doing the same thing: heat element on for 5 seconds then 'clicks' off... a minute later the same cycle

Honer, if its doing the same with the dryer unhooked and the vent cleaned, I would look at the coils. You'll need a volt/ohm meter and know how to use it to check. Are you up for this? Also, double check the model number. Good luck

If that drier is over two years old, which I assume it is, you are going to have to tear it completely down and clean out all of the parts. Shortcuts are good sometime, but not in the case of a drier unless you have good fire insurance. The lint builds up on the inside walls of the duct work in the drier like concrete and does not allow airflow and is flammable. You have to tear it down then scrape out the ducts and then wash them out. Vacuum out motor and clean blower fan attached to motor. If you need instructions go to YouTube and look at videos showing how to do this. They have almost every type of drier. Buy you a belt and some white lithium grease to grease the bearings and you will have a new drier when done. This needs to be done every two years. You are lucky you did not burn out the safety.DrTom4444