How to check dryer element or timer

[ron3033]

Hello
Kenmore electric dryer    110 7308622 WOZ  probably 1974 era, but has worked great.
No heat all of sudden.  I suspect the element is out.   How do I determine that it is the element and not an issue with the timer or something else?   I would not want to order new element, and still have no heat.  How do I test to be sure?
Thanks, lots of wet clothes.
ron3033

[manden]

Do you have the wiring diagram?

First thing to check is that you are getting 240 volts to the unit.
Check at the terminal strip for 240 volts between L1 (black) and L2 (red).
Be careful as you are messing with 240 volts which is lethal.

The heater elements are usually in the 8 to 12 ohm range.
Also there is usually a hi-limit thermostat and thermal cutoff (fuse) on the heater. They both should be 0 ohms.

Cannot say what timer contacts are involved without a wiring diagram.

Also the centrifugal switch on the motor must activate for there to be heat.

[Thorning]

You should plan on removing the front cover to best access the heating element. Disconnect the power from the wall plug before you attempt to do any such measurement. With the wires disconnected from the terminals of the heating element use your meter to check for continuity of this heater. It should be a few ohms . If the meter shows no action you likely have an open wire in the heater coil and it will need to be replaced. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO ANY MEASUREMENTS WITH THE UNIT PLUGGED NTO THE WALL OUTLET

[ron3033]

Well it was a broken element wire next to the ceramic insulator.  We needed to use the dryer, so to fix it I did the following:
1.Stretch broken coil ends about 2 inches.
2.Lightly file the wire of the coil clean of black oxidation.
3.Slide a metal crimp over the 2 ends and crimp tight.
4. Check position of coil and test.
IT WORKED PERFECTLY.

ron3033

[Thorning]

Dont expect the repair to last very long . A new coil should be installed soon.

[ron3033]

Thanks, I thought the same, the fix got me by at the time, by figure if it broke one place it will else where again.  Need to order new element set.  We never use a drye and not be in the house.