re: Appliance Help Needed: Dryer getting scorching hot

So was it the element shorting out?

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Google tells me it's a shorted out element

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LSU smartass is correct. ANYTHING else and one of the three safeties would cut power when it gets too hot. (though the thermal fus should still trip if it gets above 155*, but i am not looking at a schematic of your model right now. Whenever I get a call for "runaway heating" I expect to change the element every time.

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I think it's something else. Hell I can't even find the element to test it. But we know it's working.

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Heating != working. A grounded element will heat even though it's only getting 120V and not the full 240. You won't find the element until you tear the dryer down.

I can get you step by step instructions if you need.

Oh man, these are "fun" to put together.

lol

To take it apart you need to remove the four screws holding the door hinge on and then the four opposite screws where the door would go if reveresed. After that the door will come off and the front panel will pull away. At this point you can actually get a meter and check continuity. Hmm typing this out is odd, let me find a video of the tear down..

While internally it's just a standard Whirlpool dryer, the fancy front makes tear down harder.

The door and front panel in this image must be removed.



This unit has a very odd belt configuration, you only need to remove one of the two belts to take the drum off. (you will need to remove drum to access element. It uses the standard late model heating element that Whirlpool uses now)

Part #WP8544771 (wholesale $59.99, retail $103.86)

In this image 54 and 27 (drum and drum rest) need to be removed to get to heater (46- cover, 14 heater)



here is a video that can help you on tear down.

Once again sir, you are the man Thanks!

Jeez, dude, you are so very kind to do all of that for folks! Just wanted to say kudos.

ETA: and mark the thread to find you when one of mine dies!

This dryer only has one belt. I tested the thermal switch good, heating element good, thermostat good, thermistor within limits. I have to lean control board no?

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I took the back off to check the thermostat and element. It isn't even on the back of the machine. I guess I have to take the front off and the drum??? Help por favor

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You know you can find repair manuals for pretty much any appliance. That should tell you where you can find the parts you're looking for.

Oh, and check this online thread. Might be same problem:

LINK

check for continuity between ground and the element.

Did your unit have the fan at the bottom or was it attached to the motor? I may have used the wrong model number in pulling that diagram then.

Some of those have the fan at the bottom and a fan belt in addition to the drum belt. No matter.

That isn't the problem. All thermals are good? element has continuity? Check for continuity to ground from any of the terminals on the heating element. That is what would cause the element to overheat.

The control sends power to the element but the bi-metal thermostats control the cut-off and on of the dryer. In sensor cycles the control does cut power to the heat, but for it to get too hot would say that the element is on too long when it shouldn't be. I would think then, if the heating element is not grounded out, (it won't short, it just makes heat being grounded) then I would replace the limiting thermostat on the element.

You say scorching hot, is it hot on all cycles? Hot on "air fluff?"

I put the test probes on the element and on the case which should test to ground no? It beeped so I thought that was good also. Visually inspecting didn't show it touching anywhere.

Fan is at the bottom and it's hot on all cycles including air fluff.