417.99680210 Stackable. Dryer not getting as hot...

[gary]

Kenmore Stackable, Model 417.99680210, Purchased in 1997

My wife is reporting the dryer is not getting as hot as it should, and that clothes are taking longer to dry.  I stopped a cycle mid way and touched the back and it was hot.  Too hot to keep the back of my fingers in contact with the metal.  The clothes themselves only felt warm, and not as hot as I would have expected.  After restarting I went outside and checked the exhaust flow.  It seemed fine to me, but that is not something I have done with any regularity so cannot say if what I felt was normal.

I have rebuilt the dryer four times since purchasing new.  The felt wears out and I replace that, the bearing, belt, etc.  The motor was replaced once.  I have never replaced the heating element.

Hoping for some suggestions.  Thank you!

Gary

[isaac]

Sounds like you vents need to be cleaned,  i would start with that. 

[Josh Smith]

Vents probably backed up further in the wall.  Just had this happen to one venting ouy the roof. 

 

Edited January 7, 2021 by Josh Smith

[16345Ed]

Simple test. Remove duct and test it. 
 

im also betting on airflow problem 

[gary]

Thank you all for the suggestion to check the ducts.  I will do that and report back.