[jbfan]

My dryer is about 15 years old.
Right now it starts and runs about 5 seconds and stops. The lights stay on.
This happened about a year ago, but I could find nothing wrong.
I checked some online troubleshooting forums, and it seems that most people that have had this problem replaced the motor. It seems that the motor overload would trip out.

The motor online sells for $166, and has a 365 return policy.
We looked at dryers today and found one that is adequate for our needs. They are on sale for $468, but with my military discount i would get it for about $422.

Would you go through the trouble with the motor or buy the new one?

 

[jbfan]

I found the motor on Amazon for $114.

 

[Photobug]

I found the motor on Amazon for $114.

Hope it works for you. When my 20 year old furnace stopped working I replaced a $100+ blower and it still did not work, eventually installed a new furnace.

 

[Dave Sal]

Would you go through the trouble with the motor or buy the new one?

I had this same predicament about a month ago. My 15 year old Kenmore Elite gas dryer wouldn't start, and there was a humming sound that made me think the drum was jammed. I checked all the rollers and the belt and everything looked fine. I figured it had to be the motor and I found one online for about $175 but decided against it, as I thought that after 15 years of service I had gotten my moneys worth. Went out and bought a new SpeedQueen dryer and could not be happier with it. The clothes dry much quicker, it's quieter, and there are more features and drying cycles from which to choose. Plus, it has a seven year warranty. Now we have matching SpeedQueen laundry appliances.

 

[Photobug]

My old dryer would get stuck. I reached in and spun it to get it going again. Like a timex keeps on ticking at 22 years old still works but can't even give it away so will have to take it to the dump to recycle on Monday.

My new set of stackable Maytag came with a 10 year drivetrain warranty, still the computer or something else very expensive could break on the new fancy set.

 

[bob22]

15 years is a long time without replacing drum belt, drum rollers/bearings, thermostat, timer, etc... as these go you’ll end up buying a new machine. Maybe buy the motor but replace on next breakdown.

 

[jbfan]

I replaced the motor and everything is great.

I checked the belts and pulleys, and I think I'm good.