Kenmore dryer drying time problem

[kamelion2000]

I have a Sears Kenmore heavy duty plus dryer

Model 110.86580100 then a # by itself 65801

Dryer works fine EXCEPT, it takes at least 2 cycles to get any type of clothes completely dry, including the baby's clothes. I always used the timed cycle b/c I don't think the automatic one (more dry, less dry) senses the tempurature anymore. The timed dry starts at 50 minutes.

Needless to say, it takes forever to do the laundry because it takes so long for the clothes to dry.

The clothes get quite warm/hot so I don't think it is a temperature problem. The exhaust hose is new and is vented well.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Dan O.]

[Kenmore dryer] takes forever to do the laundry because it takes so long for the clothes to dry. The clothes get quite warm/hot so I don't think it is a temperature problem. The exhaust hose is new and is vented well.

Any ideas?

Yes, the most likely cause IS usually poor or improper venting (see the following link), regardless of the vent's age. How long is it and how straight??

LINK > How long can my dryer vent be?

If that's definitely not the problem, than poor air flow through the dryer is likely the cause. Poor air circulation can be caused by worn drum seal(s), a plugged lint filter, a broken or slipping blower fan, lint filter out of place or other leaks in the dryer's internal ducting. There isn't much else that can cause poor drying if the dryer is heating properly.

LINK > 110.86580100 Rear Drum Seal
LINK > 110.86580100 Blower Fan
LINK > 110.86580100 Link Filter, White

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[kamelion2000]

we checked the lint area - not it

made sure the exhaust hose had a clear and straight path and was not blocked by lint

the blower fan appears to be fine

the seal appears to be fine - but not sure how to tell

found an adjustable knob marked A-E next to the lint cover, it was set on D and we turned it up to E.

So now, if the heating is the problem, it could be the element or the thermostat. How do we tell which one? Or should they both be replaced at the same time

Turning up the element to E helped somewhat

Thanks for all the info

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by kamelion2000

made sure the exhaust hose had a clear and straight path and was not blocked by lint

Did you try running the dryer *with the vent totally removed* for a load or two as was suggested at the page I linked to? That is usually the best way to totally eliminate the venting as a possible problem.

the seal appears to be fine - but not sure how to tell

Not frayed or falling apart at all? Can you tell if it appears to be sealing against the bulkhead?

LINK > Kenmore 110.86580100 Rear Drum Seal

if the heating is the problem, it could be the element or the thermostat. How do we tell which one?

Usually a dryer element will either work or it won't. It could possibly get shorted to ground and only generate 1/2 heat (or less) but that would often also cause the element to stay on (partially) even when the dryer was off (a dangerous condition!). The element would have to be inspected to see if that was the case.

LINK > Kenmore 110.86580100 Heater Element

It is also not very common for thermostats in dryers just to get out of calibration and continue to operate but at the wrong temperature. They more often fail opening completely resulting in no heat at all or shorting closed causing overheating.

Or should they both be replaced at the same time?

I don't usually recommend people just replace parts willy-nilly. If you're unable to isolate the likely caused within a fair amount of certainty, I suggest you call in a professional that can. JMO

found an adjustable knob marked A-E next to the lint cover, it was set on D and we turned it up to E... Turning up the element to E helped somewhat

I'm afraid I'm not sure what that feature is. If its the adjustment for the electronic control, it would likely only affect the advancing of the timer (making cycles run slightly longer or shorter depending on its setting) and not affect the actual heat (I'm not aware of any feature on a modern dryer that would). It would also only be in affect during an 'auto' or 'permanent press' setting, not regular timed cycles.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[wak]

The entire exhaust duct culd be filled with lint. Hence why the other gentlemen said to run it without the duct connected.