Robert H. for Model Number WED9600TQ My Whirlpool Duet dryer would turn on with Control times but not actually heat or turn. I had local company come out and they replaced the over heat cut-off that was breaking when the unit got to hot. It worked one time and then broke again. They come out and fixed it again and said my unit wasn't ventilated correctly after the unit has been working flawlessly with the same vent for 4 years. They replaced it again and the unit is running but it gets very hot and the clothes get very hot to touch. We even tested the unit just venting without going out the house pipe and the unit still gets very hot. They say because it isn't vented correctly but they haven't checked anything like the Thermistat or sensor that turn the element on and off. Could they just be getting hotter & hotter causing the unit to over heat and shut off.
Answer Hello Robert, This sounds like a poor, restricted, or crimped exhaust duct to me. The clue is that the duct should provide an escape for not only the heat, but the lint and moisture also. You see, the dryer drum is riding on a felt seal. If too much back pressure is built up, the pressure is blown past the felt seals into the cabinet where all of the electrical and mechanical components are located. This will blow the thermal cut-out and quick cycle the thermostats, causing an extended dry time while also causing premature failure of the mechanical components. I realize you said the unit has worked in the installation for a long time but this is no indication that there hasn't been a change with the ducting. The first thing I would do is check outside at the flapper door. If the flapper cannot open, or if there is a screen at the flapper that is stopped up, this will cause the issue. If the ducting is flexible, it can fill with water under the house or the flex duct can be crimped behind the unit if the unit has been pushed back against the wall. The only thing that can open the thermal fuse or the thermal cut-out, is heat. This is why I'm inclined to believe that a ducting issue has come into play. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Monday, November 5, 2012