[babaganoosh]

I'm helping a friend get his 14 year old KitchenAid gas dryer going again (no hot air). Traced it to the thermal fuse. Bypassed it and the heat comes on. So we'll replace that. But he showed me a receipt for a repair 2 years ago - the guy replaced the thermal fuse and thermostat. Got me wondering - do you bother routinely replacing the thermostat / wonder WHY the fuse popped? There WAS lint in the vent pipe and all through the bottom of the dryer that we vaccummed up (not sure if the tech did that 2 years ago and it wasn't 'thick' - less than 1" of lint). Do you figure the fuse popped because of lint buildup? Hate to have them have the fuse fail next week and replace that and something else.

[kayakcrzy]

The vent being dirty, could have very well caused the thermal fuse to go, because of the lack of air flow across the heater. Your friend might want to be a little more diligent on cleaning the vent to the outside. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[denman]

Did you also check/clean the blower wheel, does not take much dirt on it to drastically reduce it's efficiency.

Also make sure the exterior vent opens fully when the dryer is on.

[babaganoosh]

Thanks for all the tips!

So my paranoia boils down to - if the part failed after only 2 years (the unit is 14 years and the fuse was replaced 2 years ago), and there IS some amount of lint in the dryer, would you think to replace the thermostat also or attribute the failure to lint / give it a good cleaning to see if that solves the problem before buying another part?

[denman]

The lint in the dryer is not the problem, it is lint in the air flow path that is of concern

Check the lint filter and holes at the back of the drum especially if liquid softener is used. This can leave a film and restrict air flow (especially on the filter).

If it was close to an inch of lint on the dryer floor that seems a lot to me but it depends on how many loads are dried and the type of clothes.

Many people are lazy when it comes to cleaning the lint filter. This also is a bad idea and can force lint past the drum seals. I would also check the seals at the front and back of the drum. A cereal box top can be used to do this.

I would just replace just the fuse but it is a judgement call and without being there it involves a lot of guessing.