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Question about setting up vent for new dryer6yearrez6yearrez1-9-05  1:32 pm
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6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez

Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 10:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have a 10 year old electric dryer that, as of a few days ago, will sometimes will not start. After using it with no problem, I take out a dry load and put in a new load, and it won't start, in any mode. I only hear a clicking sound like it is on but it's not actually running.

The first time this happened the circuit had actually tripped. We flipped the circuit back on, and although the dryer wouldn't restart then, the next day the dryer did work, without a problem.

Then last night, the dryer stopped wouldn't start again (no circuit tripped, just again got only clicking if I turned it on.) This morning, I was able to turn it on, it worked no problem.

I've also been noticing that clothes sometimes have a burned smell to them. Noticed that a month or so ago, but thought I might have just been crazy. Maybe not so crazy?

Any idea what the problem might be? Also quite concerned it might be a fire hazard. I don't want to *waste* money getting it fixed, esp. because it's already 10 yrs old.

Thoughts?

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Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose

Post Number: 504
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 6:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I had the same problem and just bought a new one at Lowes. I of course don't care about all the fancy options and only spent $125.00 Works great!
Good luck.
Or, try Gordons scratch and dent in Madison on old Rt. 24
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn

Post Number: 1207
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 8:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Gordon's is gone, replaced by a new Carl's.

I think Colonial Appliance in New Providence carries some scratch and dent stuff.
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6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez

Post Number: 50
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 12:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Never did a scratch and dent purchase- do tell more. Will they deliver and install, and remove the old dryer?
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 3603
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 12:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For a 10 y/o dryer, replacement probably makes sense. We had the same problem, but our dryer was less than 2 years old. Exact same symptoms. Seems that the vent wasn't going all the way outside & there was a lint build-up in a crawl space. The motor burned out. The solution was to replace the motor, clean out the lint & properly install the vent.

You may want to check that your vent is working properly. Theoretically, this could also be a fire hazard. In a well-insulated home, dryer fumes improperly vented can also cause health problems.
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dfc
Citizen
Username: Dfc

Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 3:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It sounds like the thermal fuse on the motor is tripping and then when it cools off the motor will start again. You need to change the motor. I do not know what the local repairmen charge for this. You could go to Jacoby's on Springfield Ave. in Irvinton and try to change it yourself. About a 30 Min job.
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Mr. Big Poppa
Citizen
Username: Big_poppa

Post Number: 28
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 3:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have an electric dryer that the previous owners left behind. I believe it is around 3 years old. They had to stop using it because it tripped the circuit almost every time they used it (it's an old house). If you can come pick it up, you can have it for free. Just send me a PL.
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6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez

Post Number: 51
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Whew- thanks, everyone. I think we'll go with a new replacement, with the age of this dryer, I can't imagine that replacing the motor will make much sense, it's got to be costly- and we're not particularly handy!
The dryer is vented directly out of the house, but I'll betcha it has something to do with a clogged vent hose (it's one of those flexible metal hoses, I guess) - I really should make sure it's cleaned or replaced regularly, I haven't been diligent. It bends many times before going to the outside.

For the next time- Do they make these hoses in different lengths so I don't have to use such a long hose? Best method for cleaning? (Or just replace every year?)

Also- I see that with the electric dryers being sold online the stores say they don't come with power cords or vent hoses, that you have to buy these separately. How would I know what to buy? I suppose the plug has to match our outlet. What's kind of vent hose is the best?

Thanks.
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dfc
Citizen
Username: Dfc

Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2001
Posted on Thursday, January 6, 2005 - 10:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Go to Jacoby Appliance parts in Irvington and tell them how far the dryer is going to be away from the vent and electric. They should be able to give you the correct length cord and vent. Draw a picture of your electrical recepticle and bring it with you so you can match the cords up. The vent has to be metal now, no more plastic vents. I recently put a new vent in and I attached 2 short 8 foot vents together. Jacoby only had 2 sizes 8 foot or 50 foot. For every turn that the vent has you cut down on the efficency of the dryer. Has to work harder to push the air. The vent and dryer should be cleaned once a year.
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6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez

Post Number: 52
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Friday, January 7, 2005 - 8:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks- I appreciate the info. New dryer is coming tomorrow, they said I could use the power cord from the old one (sound safe?) and to get a new metal vent.

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