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Gibson Dryer has a burning smell

If your Gibson dryer has a burning smell, start with the most likely culprit: excessive lint in the lint filter, drum or vent. Lint can contact the heating element or burner and produce a hot, musty burning odor and even create a fire hazard. Next check belts — a stretched, worn or slipping drive belt is a common cause of a dryer burning smell, and on some models a worn blower belt or a seized blower will overheat and smell the same. A shorted main control board is less common but can create an electrical burning smell; inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components. Faulty idler pulleys or idler assemblies that stop turning let belts slip on the drive pulley and also generate heat and odor. Make sure the drum, blower and idler turn freely, clean the lint and venting, and replace damaged belts, pulleys or control parts as needed. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part and repair guide for your dryer.

01 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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

My dryer smells like burning. What should I check first?

Dryer making grinding noise and it smells like burning. What could be wrong?

Dryer overheating and shuts off. Could that cause a burning smell?

Dryer drum not turning. Can a stopped drum cause a burning smell?

How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right dryer part?

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