Tried speed-drying a washing machine drum with a heat gun and melted a seal in 20 seconds

Had a Frigidaire front-loader that was dripping water after a drain pump swap. I was in a hurry, customer was hovering over my shoulder. So I grabbed my Wagner heat gun to dry out the bellows gasket area faster. Put it on low setting, aimed it inside for maybe 20 seconds before I smelled that nasty burnt rubber smell. Melted a 2-inch chunk right off the door boot seal. Customer just stared at me and said 'guess I'll need a new seal too.' Now I just use a microfiber towel and wait 5 minutes. Has anyone else had a shortcut backfire that bad in front of a homeowner?

2 comments

2 Comments

butler.shane21d ago

Man that's brutal, I've been there too... @barnes.morgan is right though, you gotta keep that thing moving. Live and learn I guess, at least the customer wasn't too mad about it.

barnes.morgan21d ago

Gotta disagree a little here. Heat guns are fine for preheating solenoid valves and stubborn nuts on some models but you gotta keep that thing moving fast and not point it at rubber for more than a flash. I use my heat gun all the time on drain pump housings and door lock assemblies, just sweep it back and forth, don't hold it steady. Twenty seconds of direct heat on a rubber bellows is basically a guaranteed meltdown, sounds like you held it still.