[pauls]

dryer seems to have everything in order but only functions for a specific time period and then automatically cuts out.when on button depressed it gives muted sound and doesn't start

[kayakcrzy]

That would be the motor. The motor is getting hot and cutting out on overload. You would have to replace the motor. If you need me to walk you through the repair, I can be reached at my website at ApplianceEducator.com Tom

[AmpDraw]

Start by checking your door switch. Could be loose or broken, this will drop power to the motor and cause it to stop running.

[denman]

Rotate the drum in the correct direction by hand. It should turn fairly easily.
Check a couple other dryers to get a feel for it.
If yours is hard to turn then something is jamming the drum, the motor has to work extra hard so it overheats and trips it's internal thermal protect. The reason that I feel this could be a cause is you said "when on button depressed it gives muted sound and doesn't start". I am assuming that the muted sound is the motor trying to start but would normally expect the motor to start up with no problem once the protect resets. Also this rules out the door switch.

A motor that is clogged with lint also will not help the situation.

Of coarse the above does not rule out needing a new motor, just a couple things to check first.