Whirlpool WP8318281 Valve, Gas (Complete Assembly, 60 Hz) OEM Part

I first tried replacing gas valve solenoids, thinking that the valves were not seating causing leak by of gas when the dryer was not operating. This did not fix it, so I ordered the entire gas valve assembly. I was worried that since it was a different part number than was on the OEM part, I was concerned it would not fit. No problem, went in easily and solved my problem of gas leak by into the dryer.

We replaced all the parts involved with heat generation: burner assembly, ignitor, flame sensor, thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off. Likely only one of these parts was the cause however I chose to replace all since the dryer is 20yrs old and likely the other parts would malfunction soon. The repair was easy: videos on AppliancePartsPros.com for each part were excellent and very helpful. One tidbit: the exhaust fan assembly was clogged with lint so I suspect this was the ultimate cause of the failure of one of the parts, likely the thermal fuse. I will make a point to clean out the exhaust assembly yearly from now on... fire hazard! AppliancePartsPros.com is an amazing place to do business... prices are a bit higher but well worth it because of the parts in stock, extremely fast delivery, and teaching videos for each part. Thank you, APP!

Replaced regulator (complete) and dryer worked normally

I took the dryer apart (front, back, top off and drum removed) to get access to the gas valve assembly. (No video available that I could find.) It was only necessary to remove the back panel and front kick panel to get access to the screws that hold the valve assembley and igniter in place, pull the assembly, remove the gas fitting at the pipe end, clean it up, install it on the new valve assembly, install the igniter assembly on the new valve assembly, and install the full assembly in place. The one advantage to my approach was that I could vacuum out all the years of lint from around everything and do a 1st class safety clean on the dryer interior plus inspection of felt seals, drum roller, idler wheel, and belt. Regardless of how far you disassemble the dryer to replace the gas valve, if you haven't changed the igniter recently, do so now while the assembly is removed. Critical note: You will need some expertise in working with natural gas line compression fittings and NPT gas fittings and how to check for gas leaks. If you have not worked with natural gas fittings, don't attempt this repair. Changing a BBQ propane tank does not count!!