Dryer won't start

[Anonymous]

Problem is with a 6 year old electric Kenmore clothes dryer. When the start button is pushed a buzzing sound is heard and sometimes the dryer will start and sometimes it won’t (start). The dryer will usually start if it hasn’t been used for several hours.
Does anyone have a handle on what causes this and what is needed to clear up the problem?

[jeff1]

Hi,

Hummmmmmming and no go is more often than not an indication of a sour motor.
Drum support binding and holding the motor back from going, motor clogged up with lint or something jammed in the fan blower holding the motor back from going properly is possible...but not as common as the bad motor.

http://www.applianceaid.com/wp-motors.html

No mention of a model# ( Kenmore is made by several different companies ) but the link above is common motor trouble makers for a WLP built Kenmore dryer motor.

jeff.

[Anonymous]

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the reply. I think we can discount the fan blower being jammed as the dryer does run but not when it's hot. After my first post I noticed (somewhere) that a 'thermostat' may be covered with lint. We're careful to clean out the lint trap after each use and yet the heat exhaust port is always discharging lint. So somehow some lint is by-passing the lint filter. Oh and the model # begins with 669.

[jeff1]

Hi,

After my first post I noticed (somewhere) that a 'thermostat' may be covered with lint.

Thermostats in the dryer are usually for the heat only...they will effect the element and heat but not normally the motor or running. Some dryers have thermal fuses that cna make a dryer quit/fail, but they usually stay broken/off.

We're careful to clean out the lint trap after each use and yet the heat exhaust port is always discharging lint. So somehow some lint is by-passing the lint filter

That happens normally....wet lint is small enough to pass through the lint filter but dry lint gets caught.

Oh and the model # begins with 669.

Sure about that :?:

http://www.applianceaid.com/images/kenmore-chart2.JPG

Kenmore model#'s are often like,
123.45678910
123 45678910

jeff.

[Anonymous]

Jeff,
Well that clears things up. Going back to the unit I see that the model number is 110 and the stock number begins with 669. So anyway the unit was made by Whirlpool. I had seen the chart and wondered why my 'model' number didn't show up.
Thanks for your input.

[jeff1]

Thanks for your input.

Your welcome!! :)

jeff.

[Anonymous]

Where is the motor on a Kenmore/Whirlpool dryer? I saw the following on another site:
"Motor's also have a built in safety thermostat switch, make sure the motor is not covered with lint and that the endbells are not plugged with lint."

I removed the lower front panel and popped the top lid but didn't see an exposed motor. How do I get to it to check for lint?

[jeff1]

Hello,

Where is the motor on a Kenmore/Whirlpool dryer?

They have 2 very different styles....

Lint filter on top....motor is on the bottom right from the front...

http://www.american-appliance.com/images/image_data/wpdry104_small.jpg

Lint filter in the door....the motor is on the left bottom behind the fan blower...

http://www.american-appliance.com/images/image_data/whirlpool-dryer-lint-filter-in-door6_small.jpg

I saw the following on another site:
"Motor's also have a built in safety thermostat switch, make sure the motor is not covered with lint and that the endbells are not plugged with lint."

Yes!!

http://www.applianceaid.com/wp-motors.html

jeff.

[Anonymous]

Oops I was afraid of that. So you have to remove the drum in order to get to the motor. Well it looks like my weekend is going to be busy. How difficullt is it to get the drum back in in the proper way? Any tricks of the trade to share with me? Oh and thanks for the pictures.

[jeff1]

Hi,

Not really tricks...but a couple of copies...

**Position the drum back onto the rear rollers. Slide the foot of the idler pulley spring into its slot and push it to the left to secure it. Loop the belt through under the idler pulley, swing the pulley to the right and loop the belt around the motor pulley. Release the idler pulley. Check to see if the belt is lined up perpendicular to the shaft so that the belt won't jump off the pulley when you start the dryer.

Lift the top (hold it on your head again), position the front panel on the two lower 5/16" screws, replace the door switch wires and retainer clip, lift the front of the drum onto the front bearings and replace the two 5/16" screws securing the front panel to the cabinet. Lower the cabinet top and lock it down. Replace the lower access panel if you had one. Replace the lint filter chute screws and slide the filter back in. Plug the dryer in and check for proper operation.**

http://www.applianceaid.com/wpdryer_how-to.html
This is for the first dryer pictured.


http://www.applianceaid.com/whirlpool-dryers.html#four
This is for the second dryer pictured.

Best of luck on any repairs :)

jeff.

[XYZ]

Hi, I was just wondering how you made out on the dryer, if the motor cured the problem

I have a similar problem,(same make and model - kenmore 110) but in addition when it runs makes a bad noise.... almost like something is binding. I did replace the roller supports (which was needed) and cleaned everything in sight, but afraid my motor may be shot as well.

[jeff1]

Hi,

I have a similar problem,(same make and model - kenmore 110)

What is the full model# of your dryer??
http://www.applianceaid.com/model.html
Model# helps.

What is the trouble with yours?

jeff.