I have a GE dryer that as soon as I turn it on. the top of it gets so hot that I can’t even leave my hand on it
This is not good. In fact this is bad. Do not use the machine until you fix it.
The problem is likely a heating element that is shorting to the frame, or air passages that are so clogged or the blower is not working right so that there is no air movement and the dryer is overheating.
Either way you need to take it apart and examine it. Take off the back service panel and reach in and releast the belt. Most GE’s have screws inside the upper door frame to release the top, but this looks like a Frigidaire design where the top pops up. Check it out. Use a screw driver in the gap between the front and top to pop up the top and flip it back. You can now take off the front and take out the drum and see what the problem is.
It ended up being that the dryer vent was completely clogged. the house has the louver style vent hood with the grates at the end to prevent rodents from entering I guess. the clog was right there. everything seems to be working fine now
Glad you found it, and thanks for the update, it is very helpful.