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shuber_wah

Dryer sometimes dries, sometimes doesn't

4 years ago

I have an ol' Hotpoint dryer that recently started doing this. Any ideas?

Comments (14)

  • 4 years ago

    check the vent to the outside for lint. That vent duct should be cleaned yearly. If not, then the humid air will be trapped in the drum affecting drying

  • 4 years ago

    1. It is old and wearing out. 2. The problem will require on-site troubleshooting with a volt-ohm-meter, etc. 3. I can't tell from here what is wrong.

  • 4 years ago

    My dryer just recently was not heating up enough to dry the clothes. I had an appliance repair person out and it ended up that the vent needed cleaning.

  • 4 years ago

    Had that problem too - duct/vent was clogged with lint.

  • 4 years ago

    I higly recommend cleaning the dryer duct/vent, and the dryer itself if you are mechanically inclined. I would also dounle check to make sure your washer is spinning as it should.

  • 4 years ago

    Obstructed exhaust ducting may be the cause ... or maybe not depending on some other details that weren't provided.

  • 4 years ago

    Unfortunately I thoroughly cleaned the dryers vents, Still not heating. See now that it could be a few issues - igniter, thermistor, etc

  • 4 years ago

    Shuber Wah do you know the age of your dryer? Just curious if age has something to do with it. If you have access to the serial # and other information (usually inside the door) you could post that and someone like dadoes can figure it out.

  • 4 years ago

    A clue in the post above evidences a gas model. Such details and citing the model number are helpful up-front to get immediate on-target answers. Failing gas valve/solenoids is a common problem. They may work erratically, re: "sometimes dries, sometimes doesn't."

    An acquaintance once stopped me at the local grocery to ask about a problem with her washer. I asked what kind/brand. She had a momentary glazed look, then said "it's white." LOL.

  • 4 years ago

    OP . If you are somewhat handy I would look into fixing this on your own. Just replace everything at once - assuming that the drum turns and does everything but dry. Old dyers are a somewhat easy fix, I dont know if I would pay a repair person to do it. the hourly charges would rival what a new dryer would cost

  • 4 years ago

    Replace everything? That sounds like...getting a new dryer. :-P


    OP, what kind of dryer is it? Electric, gas, propane, squirrel powered?


  • 4 years ago

    sometimes old units use "universal" spare parts available today so the cost isnt what you think. The labor cost is the killer, so if you dont DIY then its time to buy a new dryer


    dryers (especially older ones) really arent that complicated. Assuming that the drum turns (motor works) then the other parts are the tempertaure issues and regulation of that. Take the cover off and see what is in there. The time fctor is the killer here - doing the works, ordering parts and then reinstalling . That said, the wait time for a new dryer is next day delivery anymore

  • 4 years ago

    "delray33483: That said, the wait time for a new dryer is next day delivery anymore"

    Delivery may be next-day if one accepts a model from what may be limited in-stock choices, otherwise a not-in-stock model may take weeks or several months to arrive if available at all.

    Or did you mean to say that the wait time for a new dryer isn't next-day delivery any more?

    Parts availability can be problematic nowadays depending on what's needed. I did a repair on my sister's 10yo Samsung dryer last month and there were numerous choices for sourcing the part. Ordered it late afternoon Thu 9/23, arrived Tue 9/28.

  • 4 years ago

    my mis-type - dryers are not always in stock and you may have to take what is available .


    Personally, if the OP was handy, would be to take a look at the old dryer and see what is inb the heat parts stream and have a go at it. The assumption is that you could live without a dryer fo rthat length of time - not always easy