[IWannaDoItMyself]

I have a Speed Queen Dryer model DE9021, SN 9V3768. When I press the start button, I can hear it buzz/hum, but it will not start.

Recently replaced the door catch and put on new venting(duct work). It would give minor squeaking when it ran. I ran 2 or 3 loads then opened the dryer mid cycle. Closed the door and it would not start. Just faint buzz when start button was pressed. I have tried pressing the door buttons in and starting, but same results. I tried waiting overnight in case it had overheated, but still does the same thing.

Found some info on thermal cut out and thermal fuses on Dryer Help Sections, repairing dryers, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Inglis, GE, Frigidaire, White Westinghouse, Magic Chef, Norge, changing a 3 prong cord to a 4 prong cord, no heat, electric dryers, gas dryers, how to take apart my dryer, what can st but have no idea what I need or where to look in the dryer for the part.

If it helps, this model is an old model with 6 screws around the drum gasket that need to be removed to take the door off.

I appreciate any help you can give!

[kayakcrzy]

It sounds to me like your motor is bad. If you let it cool for awhile, and it comes on it is definetly, your motor. If you need me you can reach me at my web site at ApplianceEducator.com Tom

[IWannaDoItMyself]

Are there any tests I can do to verify that it is the motor? This happened once before (About a year ago.) and it started working the next day. This time, no such luck.

How much would a new motor cost and where coiuld I get one? Online parts systems seem to think I have a Maytag!

I read that if the fuse goes that parts of the dryer can still get power. What would my dryer behave like if it was the fuse?

I appreciate the help and I really want to understand. Thank you.

[denman]

I could not find a wiring digram so am doing some guessing.

Here is the link to the unit on this site
Maytag DE9021

How much would a new motor cost and where coiuld I get one? Online parts systems seem to think I have a Maytag!
It comes up Maytag because they are probably the manufacturer just take a look at the parts breakdown to see if it matches. I checked here and another site finding a motor will be a problem, looks like it has been discontinued

I read that if the fuse goes that parts of the dryer can still get power. What would my dryer behave like if it was the fuse?
If the thermal fuse bows you will have no power to the motor.
Also timer will not run in timed dry cycle.

Are there any tests I can do to verify that it is the motor?
First confirm that the buzzing is coming from the motor.

Then rotate the drum by hand, should turn relatively easily. Just a check: to be sure the drum or blower is not putting too high a load on the motor.

I assume this is what you tried?
This may take two people
Tape or hold the door switch closed
Push the start switch
Give the dryer drum a fast push in the correct direction
Watch your knuckles
If dryer starts then you have a problem with the start winding in the motor OR the centrifugal switch on the motor.

How it works
A motor needs a little extra push to get it started from a dead stop.
So you have a start winding.
When you push the start switch both the start and run windings are energized.
When the motor gets to operating speed, it's centrifugal switch disconnects the start winding and you the continue on with the run winding.
Most dryers also have a second centrifugal switch this connects the heater element. It ensures that the heater will only run when the motor/blower is also running.
You need both the windings to be good in order for the motor to start.
If both windings stay energized the motor will overheat.
If the thermal protect in the motor opens then you will have no power to either winding, so it sounds like it has reset.

Hope the above is helpful

[IWannaDoItMyself]

You said to check to see if the hum was coming from the motor. I tried your other tests first instead of breaking my neck trying to push the start button, the door button, and sticking my head underneath the dryer at the same time.

Then rotate the drum by hand, should turn relatively easily. Just a check: to be sure the drum or blower is not putting too high a load on the motor.The Drum turns counter clockwise, but not clockwise

I assume this is what you tried?
This may take two people
Tape or hold the door switch closed
Push the start switch
Give the dryer drum a fast push in the correct direction
Watch your knuckles
If dryer starts then you have a problem with the start winding in the motor OR the centrifugal switch on the motor.I tried it, but the drum would not move in a clockwise direction. (But it would easily move counter clockwise.) The light above control panel would light. Timer counts down in timed drying mode.

I guess this means the only thing I will be doing by myself is buying a new dryer? Or is there still a chance that it is the fuse? (Crossed my fingers for luck!)

Can you explain a little more theory to me? If the motor is necessary to start the drum turning, then why is the first test to see if the drum turns by hand even when I have not started the dryer? (ie how can the motor be integral to turning the drum when the drum is supposed to turn when the dryer is off- there is no power to the motor?)

[denman]

Sounds like the drum is jammed for some reason
It should turn clockwise, at least mine does as this is the normal rotation of the drum. The only way to find the problem is to open it up and find out what is stopping it.
Sometimes a drum seal will come apart and jam on a seam but still slide past it when the rotation is in the other direction.
Sometimes the motor's bearing support will go. When the drum is rotated in the normal direction the force of the belt pulls the armature of the motor in such a way that it jams on the motor. When rotated in the other direction the force is opposite so it does not jam. See below:
Inglis Whirlpool Kenmore motors and some common motor problems, heating up and shutting off, humming

It will not be the thermal fuse as this will kill power to the motor therfore no hum.Your circuit path is: fuse, door switch, motor, start switch then timer contacts.

The reason you check drum rotation first is to see if the drum will turn.
The motor's armature should turn when there is no power applied as should the rest of the drum drive
If it cannot then the motor will not be able to turn it.
It will sit and hum with both the start and run windings on, if run too long like this the motor will burn out and/or trip the thermal protect on the motor

Now for some theory
Your motor has two windings, a start (aux ) and a run
It takes more power to get the drum rotating from a dead stop
So the start and run windings get power
Once the drum starts rotating it take less power to keep it rotating
So there is a centrifugal switch on the motor
Once the motor reaches the proper rotation speed, this switch is activated
It switches the start winding off and continues with just the run winding

Note: There are two centrifugal switches
The other switch is for the heating element
It switches the heating element on when proper speed is met
This ensures that the heater does not come on without air flowing over it from the dryer's blower