[Bill W]

The dryer was taking a long time to dry. Now it runs less than 5 minutes and kicks the breaker. I suspect it is the dryer heating element. Before I start the dissassembly process, has anyone else had a dryer exhibit this problem before?

[denman]

Open it up and give it a good cleaning
Also clean your venting and check the vent flap outside
Also check that the drum rotates fairly easily

Then check your heater, seems strange that it takes 5 minutes to blow the breaker but stranger things have happened.

[Bill W]

Den man,

Thanks for your response. Do you think that the lack of airflow is causing one of thermal sensors to kick in? Why would the lack of airflow cause it to stop?

[gwr]

lack of airflow will cause it to over heart, tripping the thermal sensors, if you have a heavy lint build up on the motor the motor can over heat as well and shut off.

[denman]

You said the dryer was taking longer to dry clothes that is why I suspect a dirty system. This would normally blow a thermal fuse or an overheat thermal cutout but in your case the breaker is tripping first. I suspect your breaker is just on the edge of tripping and the extra draw is too much for it.
It could be the heater has a break, that shorts out once it heats up some but this would be unlikely. As I said stranger things have happened. A good cleaning and inspection of the heater for breaks or arcing marks on the case should eliminate this as a cause.