[mcreda]

Hi - my 5 year old Kenmore electric 29" dryer won't start - only a buzz from the motor when pushing in the start button. It is not used a lot - average use - single person, etc.

Anyway, a few days ago, I attempted to start a 2nd load - and POP and seemingly a flash of light from inside. Then only a buzz when trying to start dryer/motor.

I took the nasty bugger apart (even removed the drum) - used my ohmmeter and tested all switches and thermal fuses - everything passed.

Got to the motor - wasn't exactly sure how to test the motor - and it seems that the motor starter may be integrated with the motor? Anyway, if I spin the blower fan and then click the door switch and push the start button, the motor will engage and run fine on all temps settings (even air dry). If I let it stop and try to restart without manually spinning blower, the motor tries to turn, but only buzzes.

Seems to me one of three things - 1) Motor starter windings have an open circuit (ground) and motor needs replacing 2) Motor starter is grounded/burned/shot or 3) Black leg of my 240V has a bit of a ground and not supplying enough power to get the motor started.

Any advice on how I can narrow this down?

Oh yea, should I be getting a 123 or so ohm reading when testing black leg terminal box to ground? (I think black leg powers timer and motor and red leg powers heating element?)

Thanks for your help.
Michael

[PS Staff - Sheila]

From what you have done this tells me that the start winding is burnt out and you will need a new motor.

[mcreda]

Thanks

I was pretty sure of that - but wanted a bit of confirmation.

After I order and receive the motor and install it - I'll let ya'll know how it works

Regards,
Michael