Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - old ge dryer

I have an old ge dryer, from the 60's.
Runs but no heat.
I 'm using a time-life book to trouble shoot.
It says to check the heat coil for continuity.
It's good.
Then it says to check the coil for ground.
It's not good.
Is there another way to correct this than replacing the coil?
I replaced the coil 9 years ago.
Should the dryer be plugged in when I check for ground?
I don't understand this ground problem.
Thanks

Should the dryer be plugged in when I check for ground?

Asking this question ,means you should step back for a few minutes, and re read the chapter in your book. When you understand why you are making these checks,and what they are intended to determine, you may proceed.

In addition to your T/L book...I strongly suggest the wiring diagram to your specific machine.....

Having said that, the answer to your question is no..
Resistance checking anything on a live circuit is a recipe for certain death, particularly if this is a 240 volt machine...
Likely, you will need to check for continuity between the coil and ground , or the "CASING" of the unit..

The old GE dryers used a pair of coils in the back of dryer behind drum that you have to stretch to fit & thread through a bunch of ceramic holders. Pretty easy to see if they are bad or not by removing the drum & visionualy inspecting them for a break or a place where it might be sagging & grounding out to frame. If its been 9 years since they were replaced, its a good bet they are bad. Make sure power is off. I never liked those Time-Life books. They kept sending them to me after I cancelled.

I never liked those Time-Life books. They kept sending them to me after I cancelled.

You Too....:D

MAc..I apologize if I came off sounding a bit harsh....But that much electricity can and will kill you faster than you can read this.
The continuity check will determine if there is a break in the coil. The test to "Ground " determines whether or not the coil is "Sagging" or otherwise touching the grounded portion of the FRAME or Case of the machine. Likely if it were to touch ground, the breaker would trip(??). You may want to check the power supply at the receptacle also. A missing "Leg" of a 240 system can cause strange things to happen to appliances.

Just a side note....My mom had one of these dryers when I was a kid.....And she still has it...They dont make em' like that anymore...Good luck

Thanks for your help.
The problem was that I didn't disconnect the wires to the coil before I checked for cont & ground.
I disconnected them & Cont & ground were good.
I did this without plugging in so I'm still here.
There was a wire caught between the drum & front panel.
(my fault, I had replaced parts & cleaned inside last week.)
The insulation was worn off & it shorted,so no heat.
I replaced it & everythings fine now.
Thanks for your help and advice.