Kitchen Gas Appliances - Wards drier stops heating - again
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chromehead
08-07-06, 12:42 PM
I have a Wards gas drier (FFT-8308-80B), about 15 years old, which I am trying to rescue from being trashed.
About 6 months ago, it stopped drying, and with the help of this site and others, I replaced the solenoid coils on the gas valve, and that fixed the problem.
Since I had success with that, I decided to fix the noise problems it had, so I replaced the idler pulley, drive belt, rear bushing and front glides. All went well and the unit has been running smoothly up until recently.
Now it has stopped drying again, with the same symptoms as before; the ignitor glows bright orange like it should, but the gas never comes on. It tries again periodically with the ignitor, but never kicks on the gas. I replaced the ignitor (because I broke it when removing to clean and check the sensor).
I checked the sensor switch, and it show continuity. I checked the 2 coils for contuinity (while still installed).
The coil with 2 leads on it shows continuity, the coil with 3 leads on it shows continuity on 2 of them but not the 3rd.
I am trying to decide if it is worth buying 2 more coils to see if that fixes the problem. I don't really have the skills to remove a gas valve to get it tested. I don't want to mess with gas lines.
The local appliance parts place says it is unlikely for coils to go out that fast. My wife is fed up with it and just wants to buy a new one, but I guess I have time and money in this wards unit and would like to give it a last go. Ideas?
About 6 months ago, it stopped drying, and with the help of this site and others, I replaced the solenoid coils on the gas valve, and that fixed the problem.
Since I had success with that, I decided to fix the noise problems it had, so I replaced the idler pulley, drive belt, rear bushing and front glides. All went well and the unit has been running smoothly up until recently.
Now it has stopped drying again, with the same symptoms as before; the ignitor glows bright orange like it should, but the gas never comes on. It tries again periodically with the ignitor, but never kicks on the gas. I replaced the ignitor (because I broke it when removing to clean and check the sensor).
I checked the sensor switch, and it show continuity. I checked the 2 coils for contuinity (while still installed).
The coil with 2 leads on it shows continuity, the coil with 3 leads on it shows continuity on 2 of them but not the 3rd.
I am trying to decide if it is worth buying 2 more coils to see if that fixes the problem. I don't really have the skills to remove a gas valve to get it tested. I don't want to mess with gas lines.
The local appliance parts place says it is unlikely for coils to go out that fast. My wife is fed up with it and just wants to buy a new one, but I guess I have time and money in this wards unit and would like to give it a last go. Ideas?
Sharp Advice
08-08-06, 06:30 PM
Hello chromehead. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
If you have fixed all the problems that dryer has had prior, including replacing the two solenoids, do it again. Very likely to once again resolve the problem.
Parts are not all that costly nor difficult to replace. Plenty of info help in the dryer sticky note.
Dryer Help Information Sticky Note: here (http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159481)
Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the most likely possible problem may be. They will need the make, model and serial numbers. Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts and problem resolving matters. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
>>>Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs or services. Always check for gas leaks whenever moving the appliance and/or a service or repair includes any connection of a gas part.<<<
Kindly use the reply button to post all replies, add additional information or ask additional questions when replies are posted. Using this method moves and/or keeps the topic back up to the top of the list of questions automatically and keeps all content on the same subject within one thread.
Web Site Host, Moderator Hiring and Promotions Agent, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator, Multiple Forums Moderator & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
If you have fixed all the problems that dryer has had prior, including replacing the two solenoids, do it again. Very likely to once again resolve the problem.
Parts are not all that costly nor difficult to replace. Plenty of info help in the dryer sticky note.
Dryer Help Information Sticky Note: here (http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159481)
Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the most likely possible problem may be. They will need the make, model and serial numbers. Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts and problem resolving matters. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
>>>Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs or services. Always check for gas leaks whenever moving the appliance and/or a service or repair includes any connection of a gas part.<<<
Kindly use the reply button to post all replies, add additional information or ask additional questions when replies are posted. Using this method moves and/or keeps the topic back up to the top of the list of questions automatically and keeps all content on the same subject within one thread.
Web Site Host, Moderator Hiring and Promotions Agent, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator, Multiple Forums Moderator & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
chromehead
08-12-06, 03:05 PM
I replaced the solenoids and that fixed my problem. The drier is working fine again. I wanted to add my own tip for saving money on drier parts.
The one thing I learned in this process is that there is a lot of interchangeability of parts between different brands. I was able to find some parts online on various ebay auctions with some diligent searching and research.
For example, 6 months ago I replaced the solenoids the first time, the parts cost me appx $28 from the local appliance parts store. With a bit of research I learned that these parts are the same for the majority of driers out there. I was able to buy seemingly identical parts for $12.50 including shipping on an online auction.
While trouble-shooting the drier I managed to break the ignitor rod, the local shop wanted $35 for this part, again with a bit of diligence I was able to get the same part (actually a maytag OEM equivalent) for $8 + $4 shipping. Being able to save that much made this repair feasible for me.
So obviously a bit of time and research is necessary for this, but I found a number of auctioners who were willing to respond and let me know if these parts would work in my unit.
Hope this helps.
The one thing I learned in this process is that there is a lot of interchangeability of parts between different brands. I was able to find some parts online on various ebay auctions with some diligent searching and research.
For example, 6 months ago I replaced the solenoids the first time, the parts cost me appx $28 from the local appliance parts store. With a bit of research I learned that these parts are the same for the majority of driers out there. I was able to buy seemingly identical parts for $12.50 including shipping on an online auction.
While trouble-shooting the drier I managed to break the ignitor rod, the local shop wanted $35 for this part, again with a bit of diligence I was able to get the same part (actually a maytag OEM equivalent) for $8 + $4 shipping. Being able to save that much made this repair feasible for me.
So obviously a bit of time and research is necessary for this, but I found a number of auctioners who were willing to respond and let me know if these parts would work in my unit.
Hope this helps.