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Admiral Dryer has a burning smell

If your Admiral dryer smells like burning, it usually means something is rubbing, overheating, or catching lint. The most common culprit is lint buildup in the lint trap, drum or venting, which can char or ignite if not cleaned regularly. Next check the drive belt — a stretched or frayed belt that slips under load will produce a hot, burning odor; while you are at it confirm the drum and idler pulley turn freely. A shorted main control board is less common but can give off an electrical burning smell, so inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components. Some models use a blower belt, and a stuck blower or slipping blower belt will also heat up and smell. Worn idler pulleys or a failed idler assembly let the belt slip on the drive pulley and often create the same odor. Unplug the dryer before inspecting or replacing parts and, when you know what needs swapping, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer.

01 - Admiral Dryer Lint Filter

Excessive lint build-up in the dryer can be a fire hazard. The element or burner can cause the lint to catch on fire. It is recommened to clean out the dryer and dryer venting at least once a year.

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02 - Admiral Dryer Drive Belt

A drive belt that is stretched, worn or frayed can slip producing a burning smell. If the belt is damaged also check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely.

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03 - Admiral Dryer Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. The board itself can become shorted and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted components and replace if necessary.

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04 - Admiral Dryer Blower Belt

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.

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05 - Admiral Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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06 - Admiral Dryer Idler Assembly

The idler pulley assembly keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley assembly is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?

Is my dryer overheating and causing the burning smell?

Why is my dryer making noise and a burning smell when the drum turns?

Could the main control board or controls be causing the burning smell?

How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?

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