Kenmore Dryer overheating

[D man]

Hi Folks
We have a Kenmore dryer about 15 yrs, old. Lately we have noticed that you can see the red hot heating element through the vent holes inside the drum when you open the door. This does,nt seem right to me and am concrned about overheating (fire). Any thoughts on this?......Don

[jtease]

Check to make sure you have no clogs in dryer pipe or where it is joined to dryer

[kenggd]

The temperature sensors could be dead or fried and need replacing, they look like little silver dollars and are usually located under the drum.

- The exhaust outlet could be clogged with dust and dirt causing your dryer to run hotter than the temperature you set it at.

- thermostat or heating coils could be defective and need replacement

[Mr Hanky]

Good advice jtease.It is normal to see the heating elements,should you hold the door button in and watch your cloths dry.

[D man]

So when you open the dryer door it's not uncommon to see the elements red hot?...D

[wildman25]

Are you opening the door, pushing the door switch, and running the dryer? If so, ye,- you will see the dryer elements and they do get cherry red. But, if your dryer isn;t spinning your elements should be off. If your dryer is off and the elements are red for more than several seconds to 20 seconds, chances are your switch is bad. The one with the timer and you'll need to change that.

[rambler]

i think it will burn out ,it will fail to work if it over heat ,it has to get red in orded to work

[eyeQ]

if the element does not turn red your clothes still be wet after hours of running......use a leaf blowers to clean up & unclog the dryer exhaust vent.... check the heat sensor as others advise!

[aquadave]

I never thought about using a leaf blower to clean a dryer vent!! what a good idea

[knob]

All good comments but there actually are a number of dryers that the element can come on even if the drum doesn't turn...the heater and motor are always a seperate circuit....but always, if the dryer is getting hot but taking a long time to dry it is always best to check the venting...if you live in an apartment you could remove the vent and put a stocking on the back of the dryer and see if it dries any better (note, it will get humid in the apartment,lol)
Are you opening the door, pushing the door switch, and running the dryer? If so, ye,- you will see the dryer elements and they do get cherry red. But, if your dryer isn;t spinning your elements should be off. If your dryer is off and the elements are red for more than several seconds to 20 seconds, chances are your switch is bad. The one with the timer and you'll need to change that.