Electric Dryer Diagnosis

[jagergirll]

I have an electric dryer that is not working. I disassembled it, checked the bearings, pulleys and belt. With everything out the motor will run and start up every time. Once I put the drum and belt back on the motor will make a humm and never start. I am trying to figure out if this is a motor issue or if a new belt and pulley will fix the problem.

Any thoughts would be great.

 

[paperfist]

Sounds like too much resistance on the motor. Does the drum spin freely?

 

[tortillasoup]

if the drum spins connected to motor, the motor's brushes are worn out. replace or rebuild motor. also make sure the electric for that outlet is in good shape and by good shape I mean no significant voltage sags when under load. 5v per leg is acceptable, 10v+ drop on any leg, there is a problem.

 

[MongGrel]

if the drum spins connected to motor, the motor's brushes are worn out. replace or rebuild motor. also make sure the electric for that outlet is in good shape and by good shape I mean no significant voltage sags when under load. 5v per leg is acceptable, 10v+ drop on any leg, there is a problem.

Probably needs the motor rebuilt.

+1

 

[Rubycon]

What kind of dryer is it?

Most tumbler motors are induction motors, no brushes.
However they have a start/run winding and if a capacitor may be used to assist with starting. Poor starting torque could be as simple as a bad start cap.

 

[bruceb]

I would agree that the motor probably has a bad Start / Run capacitor. They are either 2 seperate capacitors or both are in one can with 2 values inside it. If it has one, I would change that first. A bad capacitor will stop the motor from starting when under load, but would allow it to run with no load.

 

[us3rnotfound]

How ya'll know this, GE engineers?

 

[bruceb]

No, experience counts highly. Also did work as electrician and took courses on motor wiring, troubleshooting and motor controllers. So you get to know how they work properly.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

How ya'll know this, GE engineers?

The interwebs, being cheap, or broke, and Rubycon:wub: