Sears Electric Dryer Stalling

Dryer Repair
1

On my electric dryer, it is becoming more prevalent that when the start button is pressed for the dryer to start, it either turns a little and stops or doesn’t turn at all, then a buzzing sound is heard from the console followed in a few seconds by a burning smell. After it cools down, for several minutes or longer, it can be started and turns for the entire timer cycle that is set - drying the clothes. However, when it is turning, it makes some excess loud humming noises … I just replaced the belt and pulleys and rollers (got the kit and just installed it) … sometimes, when it is stopped, I turn the drum and try to restart - maybe getting a buzzing again from the console - or, maybe getting some turning of the drum and eventual turning again for a full cycle - or stopping with the buzzing sound in the console again … I have been torn between either replacing the motor, the starter, or both … What is the more likely item to replace? Or, something else … I would appreciate any help!

Thanks, Joe Cioletti - joseph@cioletti.com

2

[COLOR=“Blue”]What is the more likely item to replace? Or, something else … [/COLOR]
First try rotating the drum in the correct direction. It should turn fairly easily. You may want to try this on a couple other units just to get a feel for it.
Could be it is dragging and overloading the motor.

If it turns OK then the most likely cause is the motor.

3

You probably either have bad motor windings, or bad bearings in the motor. Pull the drum out and check the motor. You can always bench test the motor by sticking 115 volts to motor terminals 4 & 5 and check current with an amp probe.