34 replies to this topic

[THERODMAN]

Yes It was a bit loose. it jiggled a little.

[THERODMAN]

...and when I turn the blower wheel the drum turns as well, without any hesitation or noise (besides a coin hidden somewhere that likes to roll around).

[RussTech]

If theres poor venting the high limit will kill the power to the burner circuit. Until the high limit fails, and then the thermal cutoff will pop. Still, even if it was cycling on and off on the high limit, you wouldn't smell gas.
Try running it for awhile disconnected from the vent. Coils fail intermittently at an increasing rate as they heat up. After awhile, if the coils are bad, they'll stop opening correctly and then you'll have your original symptoms sans vent.
So, your looking for failing coils, poor venting, due to either your vent system or that loose blower wheel, and possibly gas valve failure. Coils are cheap, I would just replace them and the blower wheel. If you turn the drum or just the motor shaft if youve already pulled the drum, does the blower fan freespin when you stop turning the drum or motor shaft? Does your vent run straight out the wall or up through the ceiling? As long as the blowers not freespinning its ok, tighten down the clamps.

[THERODMAN]

Vent runs up to the ceiling and then outside, but there has not been a venting issue in 11 + years.

When I had the dryer on regular/high heat last evening with the vent removed, I observed the ignitor coming on, igniting the gas, and the gas would stay on for perhaps 4 minutes, and then go out. 45-60 seconds later the ignitor came back on, lit the gas, and went through the same cycle as previously outlined. With the vent attached though, the ignitor came on, ignited the gas, and the gas stayed on for 4 minutes again before going out. The ignitor then came on the same 45-60 seconds later but did not ignite anything, yet there was a gas smell comeing from the vent outside? The ignitor continued to do this to no avail (5-6 more times), until i decided to hang it up for the night and pick the pro's brains in the morning (and also to not blow up the house).

When I turn the drum the blower wheel turns, and vice versa. The blower wheel does not spin on it's own.
How can i tighten down the clamps on the blower wheel?

[RegUS_PatOff]

and the Dryer Cabinet is now fully re-assembled ?

[THERODMAN]

I still have the front off of the unit.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... I still have the front off of the unit.

Cabinet needs to be fully assembled form correct air-flow / temperatures

[THERODMAN]

It was still off for viewing the ignitor and whether or not it was glowing. Before i took the front cover off is when the 'gas smell' issue occurred and the dryer was completely cold, no heat.

[RussTech]

Dont worry about the blower. Run the dryer with the vent off the back for at least 20-30 mins. Observe the entire time. Report back

Honestly, I think you have venting issues with the ceiling run of your vent. You need to make sure it's completely clean. I also think you need coils. Or your gas valve is failing and you never noticed it before.
We need to eliminate the vent variable to proceed though.

Edited by RussTech, 27 June 2012 - 04:20 PM.

[THERODMAN]

Dear RussTech,

Should I have the front cover on or off while I am observing?

[RussTech]

Why don't you try both. You can hear the coils opening and closing. You'll hear the burner when it does ignite properly.

[jumptrout]

Yes It was a bit loose. it jiggled a little.

Regardless of other potential issues the blower wheel needs replacing.
Otherwise you are looking at gas valve coils and or ignitor.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

As far as having the front off when testing.....

You can remove the door, then remove the front panel, then reinstall the door.

As long as you have the door reinstalled the air flow will be correct for observing flame and operations of burner.

[THERODMAN]

Thanks to all for your expert insight.

The coils have been ordered and I will report back next week after I receive and install them.

[THERODMAN]

Coils received, installed, and dryer appears to be running without issue.
Gracias to all who assisted me in troubleshooting the problem and giving the correct diagnosis.
Happy 4th holiday to all !!!!