Posted: 4/15/2012 3:16:47 PM EDT
My Kenmore dryer stopped heating. Tumble yes, heat no. I've had it for 7 years and it was used when I got it. I figured the heater element had gone out. Opened it up, and in the words of Jamie Hyneman, "There's your problem" That USED to be a high limit thermostat. For all you appliance guys, if this thermostat melted, are then any additional parts I should be concerned about, or just replace this part and drive on? |
| While you're in there, I would check the element with an ohm meter to make sure it's still good. Also do a visual check of the wiring. If everything looks good, I would just replace that thermostat and move on. The part number or temp rating is usually stamped on the flange. |
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Quoted: While you're in there, I would check the element with an ohm meter to make sure it's still good. Also do a visual check of the wiring. If everything looks good, I would just replace that thermostat and move on. The part number or temp rating is usually stamped on the flange. The lead that connected to the melted side looks scorched and lost some insulation, but I figured a little electrical tape will cover that. |
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Not a repairman but I have had a similar problem myself.
The replacement part will probably come in a kit with the high and low limit. Replace them both. Also, lint removal kit that uses drill. This works very well. Good luck. |
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Quoted: clean out the vent too while you are in there. THIS!!!!! and be careful, when my thermal cutoff went bad I opened the outside vent cap to find that a not so friendly family of wasps decided that was their new home, hence why it overheated. Sun down, two cans of wasp killer and a clear escape path. pull the hive out the next day.  |
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Did some research today and based on the serial number, my dryer was manufactured in 1981...I wish all appliances lasted 31 years! The guy at the parts house said that was the original High Limit thermostat and it blew simply because of age. For $20, I got a replacement, plus he cut me a new lead to replace the scorched one. Got it installed and voila, hot dryer! |
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Quoted:
Not a repairman but I have had a similar problem myself. The replacement part will probably come in a kit with the high and low limit. Replace them both. Also, lint removal kit that uses drill. This works very well. Good luck. FTW Very durable. I used this to clean my lint vent, the next door neighbor's and my parents lint vents and it is still in great condition. |