Thread: Help! Electric dryer troubleshooting

Anybody here know what to do when an electric dryer SOUNDS like it wants to start, but it won't "turn over." Mine just makes this electrical noise (kind of an earnest "buzz"), but the motor doesn't seem to engage and, or course, it simply doesn't go.

I've looked on line, but I can't find any examples of "dryer sort of starts."

Any ideas?

Fortunately, we received our economic stimulus refund today.

Bad motor, needs brushes.

Originally Posted by michaelr

Bad motor, needs brushes.

Thanks!

Is it worth having a repair call, or should I just get a new dryer? It's at least 10 years old.

OR, can I replace the motor? I mean, I'm pretty sure I could, but if it took me a DAY, it might not be worth it.

EDIT: Nevermind, I don't know.

Originally Posted by Davocrat

Thanks!

Is it worth having a repair call, or should I just get a new dryer? It's at least 10 years old.

OR, can I replace the motor? I mean, I'm pretty sure I could, but if it took me a DAY, it might not be worth it.

I imagine you can replace or rebuild the motor, brushes just slip into a hole.

Originally Posted by michaelr

I imagine you can replace or rebuild the motor, brushes just slip into a hole.

Coincidentally, I had to order a motor for the compressor that runs my printing press yesterday.
Sounds like that's the prob Davo... but ya might wanna look for a refurb.
I know of a few retired guys here that rebuild washer, dryers, and lawnmowers.
I'm sure every town has the fellas.

Maybe I'll get the Monroe Brothers over here Monday.

Thanks everyone!

I just swaped out the motor in our Whirlpool duet dryer, whirlpool has used the same motor in their dryers for over 10 years. repairclinic.com is good source of parts, very helpful. Is the belt intact?

what,...you dont have a clothes line?

Originally Posted by michaelr

Bad motor, needs brushes.

I'm not exactly sure but I think it's a single phase 220 volt A/C motor which has neither a commutator or brushes. Just induction and a start/run capacitor to get it rollin and that's it. What would be the point in adding a rectifier bridge and power supply large enough to run a dc motor that size ? DC motors ( like the starter motor on your car ) are wired in series for maximum torque at startup but without a sustained load will overspeed and burn up. Their speed is not self regulated by reverse voltage being buit up by the motor unlike an A/C motor. Yes, motor's "build" voltage (poorly) like generators and generators develope torque like motors.

Anyway Dave, unless you have some high voltage electrical troubleshooting experience I would steer clear of messin with that appliance. a/c 220 is two legs of 120 with a ground. It can kill you.

Single phase motors fail because of start capacitors or loss of a leg of 120 ( that would explain the hum ) or because of age. Also, could have thrown or broken the belt. Anyway I don't work on driers but trouble shoot Commercial chillers the size of tractor trailers so that's my educated guess.