[Brainiac]

I originally worked on my Kenmore washer about one month ago, thinking the brakes were sticking. I tried taking them down, shaving a bit of the brake pad off, greasing up the metal-to-metal contacts, and so on. It worked fine for a while but now it stopped again. I took the motor off and "bench tested" it. In one direction it seemed okay, but in reverse it hummed at first (as it did before I took it apart) and did not move initially. Tried again and it ran after emitting a small spark. Tried a new capacitor after reinstalling motor with negative results.

I my motor kaput?

[sidfink43]

Looks like you did all the right things in testing it, and I think your diagnosis is correct, your motor will need to be replaced.

[Brainiac]

sidfink43 - thanks, but that's the worst outcome (most expensive) I could think of . At this point considering the machine is 13+ years old, I feel I've gotten my money's worth and will break down and get a new one. Only hope it hangs in as long as this one did.
I appreciate all your answers - of course I've been all over the forum looking at the problems and solutions.
All the best,
Brainiac

[sidfink43]

I think that is a good decision. Usually these motors last for just about forever, but occasionally they go bad and it seems like you just had some bad luck.

Good luck with your new machine!