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My dryer is going on 10 years old and it's taking twice as long to dry clothes .. I made sure there was no lint clogging anything so I'm figuring it probably needs a new heating element. So can someone take a look at this parts schematic and tell me what I need to order please? And what's a box heater, #14?
#17 is the heating element. #15 is the thermostat. It's possible that you only need a thermostat, but for all the work it'll take to get to the thermostat, you may as well buy and replace the heating element while you're there. The heater box is just that, it's a metal box that contains the heating element, it also provides a space for air to be heated before it's blown into the dryer. You'll want to replace #15 and #17 not just one or the other. It's not that big a deal.
Thanks Randy .. I found the heating element part, but apparently the thermostat is discontinued. I'll call sears tomorrow and see what they have to say .. is this a "tough" job, or can a little old lady do it?
If it's a Kenmore, they're usually not that difficult to work on. All the parts should be right inside the back panel.
The hardest part is getting the screw holes lined back up when you're putting it back together.
Word to the wise...when re-assembling, don't tighten the screws until you have all of them started a turn or so.
This goes for the parts inside as well as the access panel on the back. That way you keep a little "wiggle" room to move things until you get all your screw holes lined up.
I do hope you can find the thermostat. It may be the only thing wrong with the dryer.
When I could not find the parts for my ancient washer from the usual sources, I stopped in to an appliance repair shop and got an old switch (no guarantee) for a dollar. I had to bring the bad part with me to confirm that it was the one that I needed as we literally dug through boxes of that type of switch until we found it. You may end up having to do the same thing.
