Consumer Question: Overheating Dryer

Hi, Joe,

I have a 1995 Sears Kenmore Heavy Duty 70 series soft heat Dryer Model 96575100. The tumbler won't turn and the dryer overheats. The belt is not broken and the duct is clean. The repairman said it burns out a fuse, but the fuse was replaced. It worked for a day or two and then broke again.

Thanks,

Philip

A: Hi, Philip,

Thanks for your note. 

I suggest you get a service technician to take that dryer apart and find the problem. It is sure to catch fire from what you describe!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Cleaning Dishwasher

Hi, Joe,

You were on the Inside Outside Guys talking about something you could add to your diswasher to help with cleaning the dishes. Could you tell me what that is and where I could buy this?

Thanks,

Karen

A: Hi, Karen,

Thanks for your note. 

The product is called Lemi-Shine and it is available at Kroger and Meijer. It really does work great!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Replacing Wall Oven

Hi, Joe,

I have a 21" Frigidaire electric wall oven, made in the 1960's Model #RE-94-BK. The cut out is 21" x 30" approx. It measures on the outside 23" x 31.5" approx. I need to replace it.  My problem is they don't seem to make this size anymore.  The cut-out is in a BRICK WALL (opposite of a fireplace in the living room).

Is there any brand that you know of that makes these smaller size wall ovens? Someone mentioned looking into an oven made for a yacht.  I also wondered what others have done to replace these ovens. Are there convection ovens that are small that may work in this space?  Thanks for the help!  I sure am STUCK!

Thanks,

Kris

A: Hi, Kris,

Thanks for your note. 

Your problem is a common one across this country. Remodelers are kept busy doing what has to be done and sad to say, you may never find a product of the same size as yesteryear. I would contact a kitchen design company, give them the size requirements and ask what they can do. If anyone can help, they're the guys.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dryer Vent Line Causing Problems

Hi, Joe,

I have a 10 year old Kenmore Gas Dryer Model 110-72922-100. The ignitor comes, on, flame comes on, flame will come on and stay on for between 30 seconds - 4 minutes, and then goes out. After about 5 minutes it can be restarted, and then this cycle continues.

Can you explain this?

Thanks,

Bob

A: Hi, Bob,

Thanks for your note. 

I will not blame the dryer until you tell me that you have removed the vent line and it is as clean as a whistle. Let me know. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Added Service Charges

Hi, Joe,

Last Tuesday, we have paid a bill from Reckinger Heating & Cooling for repairs to a gas furnace at my parents' house.  On the invoice, it has a "Token Charge" for $3.00.  We asked the repairman and the receptionist about this, and they don't know what it is for.  Are you familiar with it?  Is it legal or appropriate for a consumer to be charged?

Thanks,

Lynda

A: Hi, Lynda,

Thanks for your note. 

I have a thought that the token charge might be for the increase in gas prices. Either way, someone in the office should be able to explain it to you. Please try again. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Appliance Repair

Hi, Joe,

We have a Whirlpool 'silent partner ii' dishwasher purchased in 2008. During the cycle the motor began making a much louder noise than usual. It ran that way for about a month but now nothing. The 'Cancel' cycle worked and it drained the water but the motor doesn't start up at all. Obviously a repair is needed. Any recommendations here in Clarkston, MI? A new machine is about $500. Ours is in good shape so I'm assuming a motor replacement would be less expensive?

Thanks,

Bill

A: Hi, Bill,

Thanks for your note. 

I might suggest Solley's Appliance who has been around for years. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Agitator Stopped Working

Hi, Joe,

I have a Whirlpool Heavy Duty Washer model number LX9245EQ1. The agitator stopped working and it started making a loud noise. Can this be fixed?

Thanks,

Jewell

A: Hi, Jewell,

Thanks for your note. 

Most of the agitators on this washer are a two piece agitator. They are geared together with plastic dogs that wear out. Remove the top nut in the agitator and take the whole thing to a parts supplier and they will break it apart and sell and replace the dogs. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon