Hi. This is a followup to the question you answered on 11/23 (http://www.appliancepartspros.com/questions-for-GE-Valve--gas-AP2043480-qid31661.aspx#q31661)--turns out gas pressure is not the reason for my raw gas smell. At the end of each burn cycle, the gas valve powers down, but then powers back up for a couple of seconds after the ignitor has shut down. I metered across the flame detector, and found that it goes open for those few seconds after each burn cycle, then recloses. Have you seen that happen before? I have a new flame detector on order, but what concerns me is all it takes to energize that gas valve is an open at the detector--that doesn't seem safe to me! What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again, Bill
Bill for Model Number GE Model DPSB620GC3WW gas dryer
Answer Hi Bill. The Glo-Bar is heating and the booster and safety coils both being energized have opened the safety valve. The main valve is closed, as its coil is bypassed by the N.C. flame detector. When the Glo-Bar reaches ignition temperature, approximately 60 seconds or less, the flame detector is heated and opens. This places the main coil in series with the Glo-Bar. The main valve opens and combustion occurs. The main coil now in series with the Glo-Bar causes the Glo-Bar to cool down. However,the flame detector is held open by radiant heat from the gas flame. The booster coil is now also in series with the main coil and is essentially inoperative. Should a momentary power failure occur. The gas valve will shut off, and an attempt to restart will not occur until the flame detector cools and resets, approximately 30 seconds. You will need to replace the gas valve part # WE14X215. Thank You.
Had intermittent raw gas smell when running; soaped & leak checked everything. Assumed problem was leaking gas valve, replaced w/ part# AP2043480. Still have occasional smell. Question 1: is this gas valve set up standard for natural or LP, and if natural, is it good to 6000' altitude? Question 2: if gas valve is correct, how can gas leak by without a combination of problems in the gas valve relay, the ignitor, and/or the flame sensor? Thanks!
Bill for Model Number GE gas dryer model DPSB620GC3WW
Answer Bill. The gas valve comes preset from the manufacturer set for natural gas. There may be a slight issue with a proper fuel air mix at that altitude, but can usually be overcome with fine tuning the air shutter on the burner assembly. The WE14X215 is the correct gas valve for your dryer, so shouldn't be the issue. You may want to check to see if you have a gas pressure issue in your supply. the internal regulator is designed to operate and function properly on 3.5 to 4.5 WCI pressure, and will "vent" as needed if the pressure fluctuates too high or low, and will cause an intermittent gas odor. Thanks and Good Luck