Dryer Dilemma

[BrianFD]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

I'm goin' with SS on this, as well. Sounds like an element problem (1/2 on, 1/2 off) due to either a bad connection at the outlet or in the dryer control center.<br /> CANNOT OVERSTRESS THIS ENOUGH: Before doing any internal investigation, pull the plug!! A 240 volt flash is real hard on the eyes, and a 240 volt shock hurts like heck!

 

[Scoop]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Ladyfish, I hate to be wishy washy, but I have had both problems.<br /><br />The first time, in an apartment, the flap on the vent did not close and the vent was 12 feet off the ground. A bird built a nest back in the vent duct which was plastic. Air seemed to come out fine and there was heat, but it gradually started to take a long time to dry the clothes. The nest blocked enough air that water built up in the vent hose. A long piece of wire with a big rag on it helped me reach back far enough to clean it out. Bird pooh and about a gallon of water.<br /><br />The next time was in a different place where one part of the element went out. It was a real easy replacement and was not expensive.<br /><br />Probably easiest to check the plug, but it never hurts to make sure your vent is working and that the vent hose is clean so you don't have a fire. Good luck

 

[Stratosfied]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

LadyFish, when we built our camp in 92, we got a new dryer and washer. It would take 2 hours for towels to dry. One day, my wifes father and grandfather and I were up there and got caught in a rain. We came in and threw the wet clothes in the dryer. About the time I thought that they should be finished, I looked at the dryer and the wooden floor around it was glowing red! I snatched the dryer away from the wall, and the vent plastic expanded. The whole problem was that the vent was kinked. Also to all who read this post, In April 2001, my home caught fire and it was determined to have started at the dryer by catching up lint which was undeneath. So now I clean the dryer up each time the Time changes. Check the hose Ladyfish because we had a flow coming out at the camp also. Hope this helps.

 

[KM2]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

I used my shop vacuum to suck up the lint in the tube. I shove the hose down the tube and let it suck up everything. If your outside vent has flaps put something in to prop it open to allow air flow in. Then my vac has a blower feature so I turn it around and force air out. Go out to the vent and see whats coming out. Restriction in the line was my dryers problem. I would start with the vent tube first, then connection/power and then repair man. Good Luck

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

LF I also used to repair appliances, and I agree with SS MAYFLOAT. Thou I recommend that you call a reprable(sp) appliance repair company and have them check it out. I am also big in the doit your self area but when dealing with this type of equipment if you are not knowledgeable you could cause other problems. Most appliance repair companys will stand behind there work. One of the first things to check is time in the business and do they warranty their work. Dryers are not hard to repair, but can get frustrating. If you do decide to attempt repairs always unplug it first.

 

[tylerin]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

LadyFish, Just keep the t-shirts wet. That's the way we like em

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Im sure Mr LadyFish does too tyerlin, lol<br /><br />hmmmm, a texas blonde that loves to fish, with a nice boat to boot!<br /><br />hows old Mr LadyFishes ticker, anyway?<br /><br />hehehe<br /><br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

I had same problem at home and I overlooked the obvious.the problem had nothing to do with the dryer at all.It was the washer and the amount of clothing in the washer.The Spin cycle was shortened because there were too many clothes in the washer.the clothes were going into the dryer too wet to start.We lessened each wash load in size and when the spin cycle was done we put it on spin for another minute or two and Voila!!!!Problem solved!!!Your dryer may be fine.Is the room that the dryer is in a humid room in the house????This will also add to the dying time.Charlie

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

LF, to determine if the dryer is reaching proper temps, get behind it, disconnect the vent line at the dryer, turn the dryer to a dry cycle, grab your thermometer, stick it just inside the vent opening and read and record the temperatures. The heater should cycle on an off every minute or so. I don't remember the exact turn on temp and turn off temp but I think it's around 120 deg on to 155 deg. off. You should hear a relay click each time it cycles. <br /><br />Once you've recorded the high and low and the cycle duration call the tech and verify that they are all proper. If all is proper then one of the other reasons given here has to be the cause.

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

LadyFish, Just keep the t-shirts wet. That's the way we like em

You guys have finally figured out why I don't fix the dryer.........especially if there is a cool breeze blowing

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Tylerin, now you done it! Mr.Ladyfish has now come aboard. I think you have spent too much time on the west coast. Thats not good on a Buckeye Just joking <br /><br />Welcome aboard Mr.Ladyfish<br /><br />SS

 

[tylerin]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

MR LadyFish, Congrats on your first post!! I kind of figured you for someone with a sense of humor. For your sake, don't let her sneak in under your name LOL Welcome to the board MR.LADYFISH

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Welcome aboard Mr LadyFish, I salute your ingenuity in regard to the dryer thing<br /><br />I errr, have ummmm heard that its best to ahhhh fix such things in bare feet, the floor wet, and with the the 220 volt service sparking away on ya!<br /><br />yeah yeah! thats the ticket!!!!<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />(love the name, hey, since I named Mr LadyFish, do I get partial credit for his posts??????)<br /><br />eh, just call me an opportunist, and not a rat bastad like everyone else!!!

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Lady fish you must have sent a jinkx to my daughter for that dryer prob.<br />anyhoo I traced the problem down to the breaker in the master panel. It seems that with the ground fault breaker that one side was producing current and the other wasn't just getting enough current to turn tub and give a little heat.<br /> changed breaker and works great now.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

All the above being said, has any progress been made regarding the deficient operation of MLF's and LF's dryer?

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Thanks for the welcome guys, actually I have been reading and occasionally posting under another username for about 2 years. <br /><br />I've been working on the boat and listening to LF ***** err complain about the dryer for a while now. Last night I got home & discovered that she was taking matters in her own hands. Dammed if she didn't put that blonde logic to work and was able to figure out that it's not the dryer but rather the vent. <br /><br />They forgot to put the vent in until after the house was completed. As a result I think they went down through the wall and then put a couple of 90d. bends to get over the bottom plate. I think that's where the problem is. Anyway I guess this weekend I'll be tearing the wall and the garage ceiling up.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Last night, I removed the hose from the back of the dryer. I proceeded to put a load of jeans in the dryer and run it with the hose off to determine whether it was the dryer or the vent. Well, I ended up eating a bus load of dust, lint and anything else that was in there. I guess I should have vacummed out the area first.<br /><br />Anyway, the jeans dried in an appropriate amount of time and the dryer didn't shut off a third of the way through the cycle.<br /><br />I 'noodled the hose' (a technique I learned from the fishing section of iboats) and pulled out everything I could reach from the vent opening in the wall and went into garage and did the same.<br /><br />At least by process of elimination we now know its not the voltage, or the dryer itself. <br /><br />Thanks again for all your help. Even though I know Mr. LadyFish was a little scared when he came home last night and he saw me standing behind the dryer with the sizzors, my porceline handeled screwdriver with the flowers on it and a couple of twisties (better known as tie straps)at least now we know what the problem is. Sometimes the simplist things are the best way to start.<br /><br />

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

we see now who wears the toolbelt in this house

 

[DJ]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

This forum is the best.<br /><br />Last night my wife says, "the dryer is turning but there's no heat".<br /><br />HMMMM, I thought. I went over to it, unplugged it and plugged it back in. Guess what? HEAT!!! <br /><br />I would have never thought of that. She thinks I'm a genious. We'll just keep that between us.

 

[ehenry]

Re: Dryer Dilemma

Glad you got your dryer going...had a similar problem with my electric one 4 or 5 years back. I sent that one to the bone yard since it was 18 years old and got a shiny new gas one. BOY HOWDY you talk about drying some laundry!!!! A DynaWhoppin load of wet towels is dry in about 35 to 45 minutes and the metal button on your jeans will brand you if you aren't careful.