GE Dryer heats up even when it's shut off...

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[streetrodmaniac]

I have a GE Dryer that appears to do what it's supposed to do although, when it's not in use (hours after it's shut off) you will find the top to be very hot. Sometimes you open the door and can see the heat element on without the dryer running. I opperated the timer and it appears the heat element shuts off about a 1/4 - 1/2 inch before it reaches the off mark. Any ideas on what is wrong with this? Is the timer messed up? Or something that needs to be adjusted? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. I have been shutting of the breaker for safety!

[schaffersapplian]

If I understand correctly, If you perhaps take the timer dial, with the machine off, turn it to time dry 60 minutes, do not start the machine, but check and see if the heater comes on.   If it does, you have one of two problems, Either a shorted heating element, or a bad centrifugal switch in your motor.   Also, if this is occurring, an on of these two parts have failed, It is extremely dangerous using the machine, until the problem is corrected.

 

[streetrodmaniac]

Thanks for the quick reply! I have turned the timer to 60 minutes setting and watched the heating element and it is not on. Any other ideas? Thanks!

[streetrodmaniac]

I just checked it again with the timer at 60 minutes and the heater was on. So it looks like either the heat element has a short or centrifugal switch, I am leaning more toward the heater as sometimes the top of the dryer is really hot and other times it is not, making me think it's not doing what it should at all times. I am going to check the price on the heater on the site right now, can anyone tell me how to get in there to replace it or any other thoughts of what to check before making the decision on the heater? Thanks for all help!

[MajorApp]

 You have to test and or visually inspect the heater and centrifugal switch so you don't buy a part you don't need. Does this dryer have the circular heating coil behind the drum? You will have to remove the drum to get to these parts if its the same construction as GE dryers I've worked on.      Oh yeah, don't forget rule #1 and unplug the machine first.

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