Kitchen Gas Appliances - Dryer goes off and on, off and on
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jbclem
10-29-04, 05:37 PM
I have a older (15 years or so) JC Penney dryer (made by GE). I just recently replaced the flame sensor and the ignitor element. When I try to use it it does the following:
with a very small load: flame goes on for 20 secs, then off and back on 60 seconds later. This repeats over and over.
with a medium load: flame stays on for 4 or 5 minutes then goes off, then comes back on and repeats. When I removed the load after about 30 minutes it didn't feel hot like a fresh load should, but is still a bit warm, and mostly dry.
Does this seem like a flame sensor or solenoid problem? The flame sensor I installed was identical to the previous on except it turned out that it's bracket was reversed. I removed the bracket and reinstalled it in the correct position...this resulted in the flame sensor window being off in position a very small amount, I'd say at least 90% of the window was still receiving the heat from the flame. Could this have something to do with the problem? The flame sensor internally is pretty simple but could there be a difference in the thickness of the element? The sensor really looks just like the original one, which is why the service center picked it out (I gave them the old one for comparison).
I looked to see if there was any indication of a moisture sensor incorporated in the dryer but there was nothing on the face plate(where the dials are) to indicate this. Also I never had this problem before I replaced the flame sensor and the ignitor.
John
with a very small load: flame goes on for 20 secs, then off and back on 60 seconds later. This repeats over and over.
with a medium load: flame stays on for 4 or 5 minutes then goes off, then comes back on and repeats. When I removed the load after about 30 minutes it didn't feel hot like a fresh load should, but is still a bit warm, and mostly dry.
Does this seem like a flame sensor or solenoid problem? The flame sensor I installed was identical to the previous on except it turned out that it's bracket was reversed. I removed the bracket and reinstalled it in the correct position...this resulted in the flame sensor window being off in position a very small amount, I'd say at least 90% of the window was still receiving the heat from the flame. Could this have something to do with the problem? The flame sensor internally is pretty simple but could there be a difference in the thickness of the element? The sensor really looks just like the original one, which is why the service center picked it out (I gave them the old one for comparison).
I looked to see if there was any indication of a moisture sensor incorporated in the dryer but there was nothing on the face plate(where the dials are) to indicate this. Also I never had this problem before I replaced the flame sensor and the ignitor.
John
Sharp Advice
10-30-04, 09:24 PM
Hi: John
May have something to do with the prior wiring problem mentioned in your other post. May but may not. Just a thought.
Not likely the flame sensor is effected by being slightly off center either. If there is any doubts, cut the tin shrouding back slightly more to expose the entire sensor. Hard to invision in a text only forum such as this.
May or may not solve anything but might be worth a try. Never effected any sensor I have heard of by simply reversing the bracket holding the sensor nor any I installed but I may have been lucky..haha...:)
Not as likely to be one of the solenoids either. Not the typical symptom. Usually does not cycle a burner on and off like decribed. Could but not as likely.
However, the venting system could be the problem. Since there is now 2 posts on this machine and it's problem, I cannot read that post and if we mentioned the venting system. A restricted vent creates the identical problem you described. check the ducting and the exhaust hoods internal flapper door. Read about it in other posts and in the dryer help topic.
Moisture sensor would be in the metal ducting in the dryer or mounted on the fan blow housing discharge side. Not likely to be the cause either but it is possible. i suggest you check that venting system first. Test as suggested.
May have something to do with the prior wiring problem mentioned in your other post. May but may not. Just a thought.
Not likely the flame sensor is effected by being slightly off center either. If there is any doubts, cut the tin shrouding back slightly more to expose the entire sensor. Hard to invision in a text only forum such as this.
May or may not solve anything but might be worth a try. Never effected any sensor I have heard of by simply reversing the bracket holding the sensor nor any I installed but I may have been lucky..haha...:)
Not as likely to be one of the solenoids either. Not the typical symptom. Usually does not cycle a burner on and off like decribed. Could but not as likely.
However, the venting system could be the problem. Since there is now 2 posts on this machine and it's problem, I cannot read that post and if we mentioned the venting system. A restricted vent creates the identical problem you described. check the ducting and the exhaust hoods internal flapper door. Read about it in other posts and in the dryer help topic.
Moisture sensor would be in the metal ducting in the dryer or mounted on the fan blow housing discharge side. Not likely to be the cause either but it is possible. i suggest you check that venting system first. Test as suggested.