Sears Kenmore Series 80 gas dryer motor dead?

Dryer Repair
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[LEFT][FONT=Courier New]Hi, I’m new here and want to thank you in advance for your help. This is a great site! :slight_smile: [/FONT]
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[FONT=Courier New]I have a Sears Kenmore Series 80 gas dryer (made by Whirlpool?), Model # 110.97283100, purchased new in 1993. The problem is that the unit does not run. When the problem first surfaced, pressing the Start button would cause a hum, but now it does nothing at all. The unit has been cleaned of dust and lint, the belt is OK, the circuit board looks OK and the 120V wall socket is OK. [/FONT]

[FONT=Courier New]I have checked the Push to Start switch, Door switch, Thermal Fuse and Broken Belt switch; all show continuity. I can grab the Blower Wheel and turn the motor, but it’s fairly tight and does not spin freely. Is it possible to check the Motor switch or the motor itself directly w/a digital multimeter? Does it sound like I have a dead motor? The Kenmore P/N for the motor is 3391890, which I understand has been superseded by P/N 279787. Any suggestions?[/FONT]
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[FONT=Courier New]Thank you very much.[/FONT][/LEFT]

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I had the same problem when trying to start my series 80 gas dryer - model110…After taking the machine apart and reading suggestions on the blogs, I replaced the switch to make sure that wasnt the problem ($16.35), and I also got some compressed air and blew all the dust out of the motor ( $7.00) . You would be surprised how much collects over time. The motor spun freely and the drum rollers were in food shape. After one load, I started the machine again. There was absolutely no hum, and the machine started like it was brand new. So far so good. If the problem comes back, I will probobly have to replace the motor.($70.00) Good Luck!!!