dryer ignition issue

[erichef]

Model Number: 11087692800
Brand: Sears Kenmore
Age: More than 10 years

Hi, I have a Kenmore Gas Dryer, Model 11087692800. We noticed a smell of gas coming from the vent so I opened the front lower panel and watched as I started a cycle.

The igniter/glow rod lights up and after a few seconds the light from the glow rod begins to fade,
---I hear a click and the glow rod goes completely out.
---I smell gas.
After a minute the glow rod lights again, a few seconds later the glow begins to fade,
---I hear a click and the gas lights blue and the glow rod goes completely out.
---By now the gas smell has dissipated.
The dryer continues on the cycle and dries the clothes fine.

I checked the resistance/continuity of the igniter and the flame sensor. Both checked good while at room temp.
I have also replaced the coils.

Why won't the gas ignite on the first attempt? What's next?

[Doc Ryan]

I have not seen a dryer act like this before. There could be an internal failure in the gas valve causing it not to work properly. I would replace the flame sensor as sometimes the contacts inside the flame sensor can wear out over time and not make a good connection. I would also replace the ignitor at the same time since both of these parts are not very expensive. If these don't solve the problem then I would next replace the gas valve assembly.

These are the parts for your model dryer:

Flame Sensor - Part # PD00002361 (mfg # 338906)


Igniter Kit - Part # PD00002344 (mfg # 279311)


Gas Valve Kit - Part # PD00007674 (mfg # 279923)