Hi I'm having a problem with my gas dryer (Maytag, probably 10 years old, don't know.) I've observed the operation of the burner and seen the following:
1) I turn the dryer on, igniter heating element comes on, burner lights.
2) burner runs for about 60 sec, shuts off
3) after some more time it will come on again.
So...it's coming on but not getting hot enough. I'd don't know much about dryers, but my first guess is that there is a thermostat that is not working properly. Any other ideas for things to check? Is there some safety feature which may be malfunctioning?
I went thru the exact same thing... took top off and noted times that the element stayed on, etc... The last time, I replaced the thermostat, and it didn't work (like it did about 5 years ago) - it just kept on "short-cycling". I finally found out that my vent pipe was clogged (worse than Clinton's arteries!). Cleaning that out fixed the problem. If exhaust air can't get out, then the thermostat shuts down the heating element. So, before you replace thermostat, make sure you have a clear path for the exhaust.
Quick info tips.... Q - Dryer takes too long to dry or multiple times to dry a load
A1- Pull the dryer out away from the wall. Unhook the vent from the dryer completely. Do not put anything over the dryer exhaust on the back of the dryer. Do a normal load with the vent unhooked. If it dries better or ok like this then the problem is in the dryer venting. Like a blocked vent pipe or a smashed or restricted vent hose.
A2 - If the vent doesn't make a difference, then check the blower wheel for excessive lint build up, check that there isn't anything stuck to the air intake baffle inside the drum, (i.e. the screen on the back wall of the dryer when looking into the drum). Check the lint filter chute for blockage. Check the exhaust temperature of the dryer. A meat or pocket thermometer can be used for this. It should cycle between 120 degrees and 160 degrees. Check that the drum seals are not worn out.
Or IS working properly....if you get poor air flow for what ever reason....the safety thermostat will cycle the heat off.
Sometimes the coils on the gas valve can quit also and shut off the heat....but usually will cycle once or twice and then no heat for the rest of the cycle.
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