[Jeff52]

The starter motor starts, the drum won't turn, reset kicks out. Rollers in back spin free. Belt looks ok but can't really tell. Belt is only 1/4" wide looks like it could be wider. The drive pulley is wider than the belt. I am wondering if there is anything else I should be looking at before ordering a belt.

[Gene]

Hi Jeff,

Open the door. Push and hold the door switch, push the start button and move the drum manually.

If it will run then the motor is bad and has to be replaced.

- The part number for the motor is AP285874

Here are the break down diagrams for the Maytag dryer Model MDG3000AWW

Gene.

P.S. Probably you need someone to help you with this test.

[Jeff52]

Gene,
Thanks for the help. I tried your suggestion and it did not help. When it is trying to start you can see some smoke if you run the starter long enough. I think it is the belt, however the belt looks ok. You can see it trying to start the drum but it doesn't get it moving. How free should the drum turn by hand. It doesn't seem to be much belt to move all of that weight. I should add that this is a progressive problem. It stopped for awhile, my wife would hold the button down until the motor loaded up and shut off. Then I would get it running and it would be fine for awhile. Yesterday I tore it apart, tested the motor to see if it would run, began reassembling, testing it again after I put the drum and belt back in, finished assembly tested it, put a load of laundry in, dried it and then it would not restart.

Jeff

[Gene]

Jeff,

99.9% this is a bad motor.

If the belt is not broken - it is fine.

Gene.

[Jeff52]

Is there any way the drum could be binding up? Just want to make sure before I buy a new motor. I never tried to turn it before but it does seem tight to me

[Gene]

You can easily check it after you remove the belt.

Gene.

[Jeff52]

You mean if I remove the belt and it still feels tight, I have a binding problem? Is there a way to test the motor? I have one those electrician's test units but my skill is limited. I saw another post about checking for excessive endplay but that is all I know w/o some guidance.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Jeff52

...When it is trying to start you can see some smoke if you run the starter long enough. I think it is the belt, however the belt looks ok. You can see it trying to start the drum but it doesn't get it moving....
Jeff

The smoke proves that the motor gone bad.

Gene.