What is happening is the motor is stalling due to a heat build up this may be the motor itself or another cause, probably the motor. Then when you keep trying it overheats to the point that the internal thermal protect in the motor opens. Then you have to wait till it cools down and the thermal protect resets before you can reset the unit.

I doubt it is a thermostat problem but to be sure try the different heat settings to see if it actually changes the exhaust temperature.

Check that the seals in the unit air flow are in good shape. Especially if it has one between the blower and the motor. Could be that hot air is being blown onto the motor instead of out the vent.

Try rotating the drum by hand. It should rotate fairly easily. Perhaps it is putting too much drag on the motor. You may want to try this on a couple other units to get a feel for it.

If all the above looks OK then I would replace the motor.

You are welcome.

And thanks for getting back to us. Now when others search for a similar problem they will see what actually worked instead of just suggestions about what could be the cause.