Whirlpool W11581317 L.P. (Propane and Butane) Gas Conversion Kit Instructions

Instruction Sheet

W11581317 L.P. (Propane and Butane) Gas Conversion Kit

Converting 20,000 BTU/hr Gas Burners from Natural Gas to Liquefied

Petroleum (Bottled Gas)

Parts Included in Kit:
1 Instruction Sheet
1 Blocking Pin Style “A”
1 Blocking Pin Style “B”
1 Orifice, Burner-Butane Number .049
1 Orifice, Burner-Propane Number 55
1 Label, Rating Plate Conversion (English, French, Spanish)
1 Label, Conversion Record (English, French, Spanish)
1 Label, Burner Baseplate (English, French, Spanish)
Tools and Accessories Required: 1/4″ Socket and Ratchet
Wrench 1/4″ Nut Driver
5/16″ Nut Driver
Phillips-Head Screwdriver
T20® Torx®* Head Screwdriver
Pliers or Flat-Head Screwdriver

Disassembling the Dryer

• For 27″ Front Console Dryers See Section 1
• For 27″ Rear Console Dryers See Section 2

WARNING: This conversion kit shall be installed by a qualified service agency in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all applicable codes and requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. The information in these instructions must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death. The qualified service agency is responsible for the proper installation of this kit. The installation is not proper and complete until the operation of the converted appliance is checked as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with this kit.

NOTE: A qualified service technician is any person or representative of a company who is experienced or trained in servicing gas equipment and is familiar with necessary precautions.

Canada Only
THIS CONVERSION KIT SHALL BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CAN-B49.1 AND CAN1-B149.2 INSTALLATION CODE.

NOTE: Read these instructions before proceeding.

IMPORTANT: The LP Conversion Kit you received is an approved kit for converting your gas dryer from natural to LP propane or butane gas. The kit number shown on the Burner Data Label located on the Burner Base may not match the kit you receive due to kit consolidation.

This dryer has been manufactured for use with Natural Gas. Installation of this conversion kit converts the dryer for use with L.P. gas with supply pressure between 8″ (203 mm) and 13″ (330 mm) water column. If this dryer is converted for use with L.P. gas by means of this kit, the input rating will be 20,000 BTU’s per hour, for altitudes up to 10,000 feet (3,048 m). For installations above 2,000 feet (610 m), contact a qualified service agency for derating instructions.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect power before servicing. Replace all parts and panels before operating. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

+® Torx and T20 are registered trademarks of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

W11581423 Rev A

Preparing for Kit Installation

Read thoroughly and follow steps:

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Turn off gas supply using the shut-off valve that supplies the dryer.
3. Fill out information on the appropriate Conversion Record Label (English, French or Spanish) and apply in a conspicuous location adjacent to model and serial tag located in the door well. Go to Section 1 below or Section 2 depending on model.

Section 1 – 27″ Front Console

Dryers

Removing the Top Panel and Console/HMI

To Remove the Top Panel

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Remove the two (2) 5/16″ hex-head screws from the back of the top panel as shown in below figure.

A. Top Panel Screws

3. Lift the rear of the top panel, pull back, and remove top panel from the dryer.

To Remove the Console/Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Disconnect the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) connector from the Appliance Control Unit (ACU).

A. HMI Connector

3. Disconnect one (1) harness clip from the console bracket. See below figure.
4. Using a 1/4″ nut driver, remove two (2) hex-head screws, one on each side of the console top as shown in below figure.

A. Left-Side Console Screw
B. Harness Clip

5. Gently lift up on the four (4) console tabs. Separate console assembly from bracket while routing the HMI harness through the opening in the console bracket.

Removing the Door

Round Shaped Doors With Electrical Wiring

1. Using a T25® screwdriver, remove the four (4) screws securing the door hinge to the dryer and lift the door up and out to remove. See below figures. Place the door on a soft towel or other non-scratch surface.

2. Now you can access the wiring connector (on some models).

Removing the Front Panel and Door Switch

1. Disconnect the door switch “inline” connector.

2. Remove four (4) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the bottom of the front panel.

3. Open dryer door and remove the lint screen. Next, remove the two (2) Phillips screws below the dryer door.

4. Remove the three (3) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the top of the front panel as shown in below figure.

5. Lift the front panel assembly up off the tabs and away from the dryer. Route the door switch harness around the front console bracket.

Disconnecting the Drum Light and Moisture Sensor

To Disconnect the Drum Light

1. Unplug connector J6 from the ACU.

To Disconnect the Moisture Sensor

1. Disconnect Moisture Sensor connector.

Removing the Belt and Drum

1. Remove the lint screen from the outlet grill then, Remove two (2) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the top of the console bracket and two (2) from the front of the bracket. Remove console bracket and set aside for reinstallation.

2. Remove the three (3) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the lint duct and one (1) 1/4″ hex head screw from the mounting clip.
Swivel the lint duct down from the bulkhead and remove.

A. Screw on Mounting Clip
B. Screws on Lint Duct

3. Remove the four (4) 1/4″ hex-head screws securing the front bulkhead to the side panels. Lift the bulkhead up off the side-panel tabs and remove.

A. 1/4″ Hex-Head Screws
B. Side Panel Tabs

4. Reach under the drum, (raise it as far as it will go), and push the idler pulley arm, on the back of the drive motor, to the left to relieve the tension on the belt, then remove the belt from the pulley.

5. Slide the belt off the front of the drum and remove belt.

6. Lift the drum and remove it from the dryer cabinet.

IMPORTANT – Note position of drum belt, front and rear orientation of drum for reassembly.

A. Front Side of Drum
B. Drum Belt
C. Rear Side of Drum

Section 2 – 27″ Rear Console Dryers

Removing the Hamper Door Assembly

1. Flip hinge latches up.

2. Lift door up and away from dryer.

Removing the Console/User Interface (UI) and Top Panel

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect power before servicing. Replace all parts and panels before operating. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

To Remove the Console

1. Remove the three (3) Torx T20 1/4″ hex-head screws from top rear panel.

2. Slide thin plastic putty knife down between the console assembly and top panel. Use your free hand to push back on the top of the console.

3. Depress the console clip with the putty knife and lift up on the console to separate from top panel. Tilt console forward for service.

To Remove the Top Panel

1. Remove the three (3) Torx T20 1/4″ hex-head screws from rear bracket.

2. Disconnect harness from ACU before removing top panel. From the front of the unit push in on top panel and lift up and away from dryer to remove.

Removing the Front Panel and Door Switch

1. Remove the two (2) Torx T20 screws.

2. Disconnect the door switch connector.

3. Remove four (4) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the bottom of the front panel. See below figure.

4. Remove two (2) Phillips screws from the lint screen as shown in below figure.

5. Lift the front panel assembly up off the tabs and away from the dryer. Route the door switch harness around the front console bracket.

Removing the Belt and Drum

1. Disconnect Moisture Sensor connector.

2. Remove the four (4) 1/4″ hex-head screws from the lint duct as shown in below figure. Swivel the lint duct down from the bulkhead and remove.

3. Remove the four (4) 1/4″ hex-head screws securing the front bulkhead to the side panels. Lift the bulkhead up off the sidepanel tabs and remove (refer below figures).

4. Reach under the drum, (raise it as far as it will go), and push the idler pulley arm, on the back of the drive motor, to the left to relieve the tension on the belt, then remove the belt from the pulley.

5. Slide the belt off the front of the drum and remove belt.

6. Lift the drum and remove it from the dryer cabinet.

Reassembly Note – Belt Orientation on Pulley

A. Idler Pulley              B. Drum Belt
NOTE: Viewed from Rear of the Dryer

Section 3 – Gas Valve Conversion

Changing the Orifice (Both Styles)

Figure 1 – Gas Valve on the Right Side

A. Burner Tube
B. Gas Valve Assembly
C. Pressure Tap Plug
D. Screws
E. Ignitor

1. Remove the two (2) screws securing the burner tube to the  burner base. Refer figure 1 and figure 2 below.

Figure 2 – Gas Valve on the Left Side
A. Ignitor
B. Burner Tube
C. Screws
D. Pressure Tap Plug
E. Gas Valve Assembly

2. Slide burner tube forward far enough to gain access to orifice.
Do not bump ignitor.
NOTE: The ignitor is fragile.

A. Burner Tube
B. Gas Valve Assembly
C. Ignitor

3. Remove the burner orifice from the gas valve assembly and replace it with the proper orifice furnished in this kit. Orifice number is stamped on one edge of the hex head of orifice.
Securely tighten.
Propane gas – Use Orifice No. – 55.
Butane gas – Use Orifice No. – .049.

A. Orifice
B. Gas Valve Assembly

4. Slide the burner tube back in place and, using the screws removed in Section 3, step 1 (see figure 1 and figure 2 above), reattach burner tube to the burner assembly. Securely tighten the two (2) mounting screws.

5. Before proceeding, you must first determine which gas valve style is on the dryer. Refer below figures for style “A” and style “B”.

Figure – Style “A” Gas Valve
A. Vent Cap
B. Two Separate Coils

Figure – Style “B” Gas Valve
A. Vent Cap
B. One Piece Coil

NOTE: if your gas dryer has style “A” follow steps 6 to 8 below. For style “B” skip to steps 9 to 11 below.

Style “A” Gas Valve Conversion

6. Remove the vent cap (leak limiting device) from the pressure regulator. See figure 1 below for style “A”.
7. Install the new blocking pin Style “A” finger tight. Do not tighten more than 1/8 turn to seal it. See below figure.
8. Apply conversion label on top of the burner data decal located on the burner baseplate.

Figure 1 – Style “A” Blocking Pin

Style “B” Gas Valve Conversion

9. Remove the regulator vent cap (leak limiting device) from pressure regulator. See figure 2 below for style “B”.
10. Install the new blocking pin Style “B” finger tight. Do not tighten more than 1/8 turn to seal it. See figure 2 below.
11. Apply conversion label on top of the burner data decal located on the burner baseplate.

Figure 2 – Style “B” Blocking Pin

NOTE: The blocking pin styles are specific to the valve style and can not be interchanged.

Installation Checklist

• Check that both labels have been installed as described in “Preparing for Kit Installation,” step 3 and either step 8 or step 11 above.
• If converting to Propane, check that the number 55 is not marked on either of the remaining orifices. If converting to Butane, check that the number .049 is not marked on either of the remaining orifices.

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Use a new CSA International approved gas supply line.
Install a shut-off valve.
Securely tighten all gas connections.
If connected to propane, have a qualified person make sure gas pressure does not exceed 13″ (33 cm) water column.
Examples of a qualified person include:
licensed heating personnel, authorized gas company personnel, and authorized service personnel.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Pressure Testing

Check minimum and maximum inlet gas pressure:

1. Remove pressure tap plug from valve body using a 3/16″ hex wrench.

A. Gas Valve Assembly
B. 3/16″ Hex Wrench
C. Pressure Tap Plug

2. Insert pressure tap and finger-tighten. Remove view hole plug from side panel.

A. Pressure Tap
B. View Hole Plug

3. Connect a airtight hose to pressure tap and run the hose through the view hole on the right side panel. Connect other end of hose to manometer (airtight hose will attach between pressure tap and manometer)

A. Manometer

NOTE: Be sure to replace all parts a panels, and to reconnect all wire leads and connections that were disconnected during disassembly of dryer.

4. Turn on and zero manometer.

A. Manometer
B. Front Panel

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

5. Plug in dryer or reconnect power.
6. Turn on gas supply.
7. Set dryer cycle to time dry, high heat and turn on dryer.
8. After ignition, verify gas inlet pressure is between 8″ (203 mm) and 13″ (330 mm) water column.
9. Turn off dryer.
10. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
11. Turn off gas supply.
12. Disassemble control panel or top and console assembly (depending on application) and front panel assembly from dryer to regain access to burner assembly.
13. Disconnect manometer and remove hose from pressure tap.
14. Remove pressure tap.
15. Reinstall pressure tap plug to gas valve and tighten.

NOTE: Pressure tap plug can be reinstalled and securely tighten to gas valve body without removal of the bulkhead assembly with the use of a 3/16″ hex wrench.

Checking for Leaks

1. With front panel removed, brush or spray an approved noncorrosive leak detection solution onto pressure tap plug.
2. Reassemble dryer in reverse order as described in “Disassembling the Dryer.”
3. Turn on gas supply.
4. Plug in dryer or reconnect power.
5. Set dryer cycle to time dry, high heat and turn on dryer.
6. View through the hole on the right side panel inspecting for leaks indicated by growing bubbles. See below figure.

A. Pressure Tap Plug
B. Side View Hole
C. Gas Valve Body

7. If any bubbles are present, turn off gas supply, tighten the leaking connection and retest for leaks.
8. If dryer was moved during conversion, use the same method to check for leaks in the flexible gas supply line and fittings between the dryer and the gas supply pipe.
9. If any bubbles are present, tighten the leaking connection and retest for leaks.

NOTE: Replace flexible gas supply line if bubbles are present on supply line.

10. If no bubbles are present, reinstall hole plug to side panel and unplug dryer.

Completing the Conversion

1. Check to assure all components are attached securely in place and lint filter has been installed to dryer.
2. Reattach dryer top or top and console assembly (depending on application). If dryer was moved from its original position, reposition dryer to its location.
3. Connect external exhaust vent to dryer.
4. Plug in dryer or reconnect power.
5. Check that dryer is working properly by:

• Turning on dryer.
• Running on high heat for 5 minutes.
• Checking for heat in drum.

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