"J" wrote in
:

Update: I've taken apart the dryer and have found four or five
overloads. I've check the resistance and none are opened. I've also
check the resistance of the heater element and I suspect it is also ok
(read 20ohms I think. Besides, I am getting heat and it doesn't
appear that there are any separate circuits going to multiple
elements). The dryer is an "Estate by Whirlpool" model and I haven't
found a manual online anywhere.

Go he http://www.whirlpool.com/custserv/index.jsp
Click on Lookup Model #
It will show you where the plate is.
Go back and put it in the model box.

That will probably get you the owners manual. Maybe a parts diagram. The
actual schematic tech diagram I may be able to get with a full model
number.



At this point, I suspect it's one of the following:

1. There is not proper air flow which the heating element to overheat,
causing an overload to shut it off (until it cools down). If this is
the case, I would prefer an easy way to clean out the vent duct
without damaging it. How can I do this?

2. One of the overloads is defective and is cutting off power before
necessary. Running the dryer with the panel off and checking the
voltage drop across the overloads would probably be the only way to
check for this.

Any further help is much appreciated.

"J" wrote in message
...
Our electric dryer isn't drying as quick as it had in the past, but
eventually it does dry. Once in the past a repairman came out and
cleaned out the exhaust line and it began drying much better.
Therefore I went outside while it was running and from the amount of
air, it appears that the air is unimpeded. What could be the
problem? Should I try to look inside the dryer for more clues? Are
dryers simple to get into?

Thanks.