Kenmore Dryer 417.89390600 - Thermostat test question from newbie...

[CTH1956]

Model Number

417.89390600

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

Hello! I have an old stacked washer dryer set Kenmore 417.89390600. (new to me). It all seems to work but drying time seems slow. I've blown and vacuumed lint trap area and likewise along with rotary brush cleaned out exhaust hose. Heating element has continuity and measures 22 ohms. - I suppose I should disconnect hose and see if blower motor is "clogged" at all but it seems to move air pretty well. I'm just wondering now how to test thermostat. See picture. This is as deep as I've looked but can a dryer with three heat settings plus "air fluff" have just one thermostat? or are there likely more hidden?
re. testing continuity... I see there are basically just two terminals (with two wires connected to one and one to the other) - and an additional wire or two coming out of thermostat. In order to test continuity do all of these wires need to be disconnected? Then just one test probe to each terminal? Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

Added complete model number

 

[Dan O.]

Model Number 93901

That is not a model number or at least not a complete one. Please get and post the dryer's complete model number so we can look up what appliance design you're dealing with. You can find tips for locating the model and serial number identification tag on your appliances at the following link:

LINK > Model Number Tag Location Guide

likewise along with rotary brush cleaned out exhaust hose.

You cleaned the vent all the way from the dryer to the outdoors?

How long is the total venting to the outdoors?

LINK > How long can my dryer vent be?

I'm just wondering now how to test thermostat.

You don't usually 'test' a thermostat unless the complaint is total NO heat. The procedure is usually to test the temperature of the dryer exhaust. That will tell whether the heat is cycling properly or not.

LINK > Appliance411: Dryer Thermostats and Safeties

In order to test continuity do all of these wires need to be disconnected?

A continuity test won't tell you anything. If there was NO continuity, the dryer would not be heating at all. It is also fairly unlikely a thermostat is just operating at an incorrect temperature. It's not impossible but I would suggest that be the very last guess.


I suggest the first thing (after posted its real model number) is try running a load with the venting totally removed from the dryer to see if drying improves. The exhaust air temperature can also be tested at that time.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[CTH1956]

That is not a model number or at least not a complete one. Please get and post the dryer's complete model number so we can look up what appliance design you're dealing with. You can find tips for locating the model and serial number identification tag on your appliances at the following link:

LINK > Model Number Tag Location Guide

Thank you for your response. Apparently, that is a "series number" 93901 (all electric) and 93951 (gas) - see attached operators manual). I can find no other markings on the machine. ---- I just acquired it and was testing it in the garage so it was not attached to any extended venting. I had cleaned the venting in the machine thoroughly (except for the blower motor but as I said the air movement seems good. ---- I had tested the washer with three small rags. I dried them for 45 minutes on high and they were not completely dry. That seems excessive to me. ----- The ambient temperature in the garage was about 45 degrees F. Do you suppose that would affect it substantially? ------ What temperature would you expect the exhausted air to be? It was definitely "warm" but I could easily hold my hand in the stream for"ever"... --- (and note that yes, I did have the rear panels covering wiring and heat coil in place when I tested). ---- Let me know what you think - thanks!

 

[Dan O.]

I can find no other markings on the machine

Information from the owner's manual doesn't help. Only the information right on the appliance will. There is a tag somewhere on the appliance with its model and serial number. Did you check all the places suggested at the link I supplied?

LINK > Model Number Tag Location Guide

The ambient temperature in the garage was about 45 degrees F. Do you suppose that would affect it substantially?

It could. The dryer sucks in room air and heats it. There's only so much it can do. Does the element cycle on and off or stay glowing the whole time?

What temperature would you expect the exhausted air to be?

In a room temperature room, on a 'low' setting, 125-135°F. On high 145-155°F.


Dan O.

 

[CTH1956]

Thank you. I'll continue testing.

 

[CTH1956]

Information from the owner's manual doesn't help. Only the information right on the appliance will. There is a tag somewhere on the appliance with its model and serial number. Did you check all the places suggested at the link I supplied?

LINK > Model Number Tag Location Guide




It could. The dryer sucks in room air and heats it. There's only so much it can do. Does the element cycle on and off or stay glowing the whole time?



In a room temperature room, on a 'low' setting, 125-135°F. On high 145-155°F.


Dan O.

Well, I took it to the basement - had to get it there before snow flies. I did find the model # (see attached pic). Does that tell you anything about date of manufacture? (just curious). It'll be a few weeks before I can get wiring and plumbing set up down there. At some point I will test again and report back. Thank you for your time!

 

[Dan O.]

That's an older one. It looks like it was manufactured March of 1984.

Dan O.