[FIXED] Whirlpool not dryer (2-3 loads to dry)

[JusFlako]

Model Number: LER4634EQ1
Brand: Whirlpool
Age: 6-10 years

My dryer is taking about 2-3 loads just to fully dry the clothes. I finally took the back apart yesterday and clean out all the lint from everywhere, the housing where the lint holder goes, I completly cleaned that out as well but still the same thing.

I checked the duct from the outside and the airflow is fine, no kinks or holes in the aluminum duct.

Could it be the heating element? If so, it is worth to do all these repairs or get a new dryer.

Appreciate any help.

[JusFlako]

And now my fiance told me when she opened the dryer today, a gust of smoke came out.

[Doc Ryan]

Can you tell if the dryer is heating? Do the clothes feel warm after the dryer has been running for a while?

[JusFlako]

Yes and yes.

[Doc Ryan]

If the dryer is heating okay, and it is taking a long time to dry the loads then you most likely have an airflow problem. Check the blower housing (where the lint filter slides into), blower wheel (make sure it isn't full of lint), exhaust venting, and the outside vent cover. Check all of these for any restrictions or lint build up. You could also try running it without the vent connected for a load to see if it works that way. That would confirm it is an airflow problem.

[JusFlako]

I took the blower housing out yesterday and it was full of lint, which I cleaned as well as the blower wheel. The exaust venting seemed clear to me as well as the outside cover.

I even bought a new exaust vent yesterday.

I will try a load without the vent (aluminum tubing) connected and check back with you.

[Doc Ryan]

Alright sounds good!

[JusFlako]

Seems like its working fine. I tried a load without the exhaust and it dried fine. The blower housing was all cleaned out, the exhaust was new and it was heating up.

The only thing left was the outside vent and since I live in an apartment, Maintenance had to come out and check which they removed some lint debris.

Thanks for all your help

[Doc Ryan]

Thanks for the update. I would not recommend using the dryer until the venting problem is fixed. Using the dryer could cause it to overheat and cause burn out some parts in the dryer and it is also a fire hazard.

[JusFlako]

They came yesterday and took care of the outside vent, used it last night with a load of towels and it was completely dry just after one load

[Doc Ryan]

Great! I am glad it is working properly again.