Precision Gas Dryer Help

[Maff]

I'm on the hunt for a used gas dryer, our budget is small since were putting everything we can to a new Auto and getting our new shop ready.
I recently came across a Precision for only $1k.  after the cost of moving it, and installing it, converting to Propane, maybe it's worth it???
I have NO experience with gas dryers, so I'm hoping someone can chime in with any experience or references I can follow up with.

Here are the details that I know from speaking with the owner and seeing a few pictures.
60" belt, 5' in, 10' heat, 5' out.  1 IR bump panel going in.
230v   3p   150,000 BTU
The pictures are only the outside, all around it, but the dryer looks pretty clean, very little rust showing and the belt is in good shape. 
The owner bought it refurbished about 15 years ago.
He was running a single auto shop part time for about 10 years, then got rid of his auto and just manually printing for the past 5 years part time.
Now he's done printing and selling all of his stuff and just wants it gone.
He said it has never given him a problem, always just runs.
The only repairs he has made was replacing the thermo couple about 5 years ago.
He said the flame is blue when running.

Are there any other questions I could ask him now that could give me a better idea if this is worth it?

The immediate issue is, I'm in NY and this is in Ohio, 8 hour drive.  I would really prefer to hire a tech to go take a look at it and let me know if it's about to crap out or has some life left in it, without any major or costly headaches. 

Does anyone know of a dryer tech in the Cleveland area?

Honestly, if my grand plan works out, I'll just need this to work for another 3 years or so before we can buy a new/newish dryer.

Any advise would be appreciated.  Thanks!!!!

[tonypep]

Good bet the IR bum doesn't work but not really an issue and you don't have to repair

[RICK STEFANICK]

That's a great deal on a workhorse gas dryer. They are very simple and converting to propane is a orfice and regulator change. Theres a person named Winston that's a absolute expert on those older dryers. I think he posts under californiadreamin.

[IntegrityShirts]

Yeah good deal for 1k. I paid a little more for mine and it has been a great dryer. I have had a few hiccups here and there but Winston will always help and others here as well will chime in. I disconnected all the bump panels in mine and converted it to single phase. If the seller says it runs and only wants 1k for it, is it really worth it to have a tech go take a look? That could eat up 50% of the purchase price haha.

[tonypep]

Agreed in this case and Bill Foust still carries parts

[Maff]

Good bet the IR bum doesn't work but not really an issue and you don't have to repair

Yeah I wouldn't mind if the IR panel was disconnected, the gas heat should be enough and would save money on electric.

If Bill Foust still has parts that's even better.

I'm going to reach out to Winston and see if he has any other advice.

Thanks guys !

[Homer]

my bump panels never worked, don't need them anyway. If you need a new belt, the best deal I found was from CGS in jersey. Not much to these dryers, it gets the job done. I think I have enough spare parts here to build another one. When it runs, it runs. when it doesn't you want to kick it to the curb. I have a full set of blueprints and specs, I sent a bunch out to a few guys here that have these dryers...it'll be ok for a few years

[Maff]

my bump panels never worked, don't need them anyway. If you need a new belt, the best deal I found was from CGS in jersey. Not much to these dryers, it gets the job done. I think I have enough spare parts here to build another one. When it runs, it runs. when it doesn't you want to kick it to the curb. I have a full set of blueprints and specs, I sent a bunch out to a few guys here that have these dryers...it'll be ok for a few years

I actually just read your old posts on these. If we get it, I'll pm you for a copy, that would be handy thanks!

Im going to get a few more pictures from him of inside the control panel and also start figuring out how the hell to move it and what that would cost.


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[blue moon]

make sure you stop by and see us, we are in Cleveland!

pierre

[TCT]

That is the EXACT dryer we have. We never use the IR bumps so you are not missing much. Added 3-4" of insulation on the outside of it, it aint going to win a beauty pageant, but that son-of-a-bitch costs us $4/day to run!!!

[Maff]

make sure you stop by and see us, we are in Cleveland!

pierre

For sure! If we go for it, I'll get in touch

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[Maff]

That is the EXACT dryer we have. We never use the IR bumps so you are not missing much. Added 3-4" of insulation on the outside of it, it aint going to win a beauty pageant, but that son-of-a-bitch costs us $4/day to run!!!

Ha! That's awesome! I spoke with someone who was comparing newer dryers that are better insulated.
That's a great idea though, does it help keep the the temps in the dryer more consistent? Or is it just to keep the shop from getting hot?

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[tonypep]

Both

[Binkspot]

Stupid simple dryer. If it was referbished more then likely it has a good fire eye system. Other then cleaning the lint trap really nothing more to do. Bump panel issues usually broken wires at the panel. Yes they do throw off some heat but it keeps the shop warm in the winter.

[LuckyFlyinROUSH]

With our experience with them...they are OK, but wiggling around relays to to try to get it to fire in the morning got old fast. I would try for at least an M&R where parts may be readily available.