[JessicaI123]

My dryer runs but has stopped producing heat.

Based on the tech sheet that Sears hides inside the front console at the top of the dryer, if the centrifugal switch has gone bad, you need to replace the motor. I check everything directed by tech sheet and they all passed continuity test. The only remaining culprit is the centrifugal switch. If you don't get continuity, couldn't you just replace the jumper on the switch instead of replacing the motor?

New motor is expensive (about $170 for the part alone), so has Sears written the tech sheet lead people to buy new motor when one of their tech makes house call? Can anyone clarify?

If the motor is $170, doesn't it make sense to spent about $400 and buy a new energy star dryer instead of reparining?

[denman]

If you don't get continuity, couldn't you just replace the jumper on the switch instead of replacing the motor?
Not really a good idea as you will probably blow a thermal fuse.
The switch is there to ensure that there is air flow before heat is started.
If you jumper the switch the heat will come on whenever the timer is not at the off position.

New motor is expensive (about $170 for the part alone), so has Sears written the tech sheet lead people to buy new motor when one of their tech makes house call? Can anyone clarify?
No this is not just a Sears thing, most manufacturers do it this way.

If the motor is $170, doesn't it make sense to spent about $400 and buy a new energy star dryer instead of reparining?
Yes it may well make more sense to replace the unit unless the unit is in good shape.