Motor Hums But Will Not Start

Washer Repair
1

My Kenmore Top Loader stopped running mid load. You could hear the motor hum but the tub would not spin or drain. Also, there was the smell of something electrical burning. I removed the old motor and noticed the shaft was loose and moved about a 1/2" from front to back. I also spun the shaft coupling by hand and was able to move the tub with no binding. I ordered a new motor from this website and replaced it last night. I received the same symptoms. I removed the motor from the machine and connected it without anything attached to the shafts. The motor hums but will not spin. While power is applied I can make the shaft spin by giving it a quick turn with my fingers. It will then run until I release the cover switch. After it stops I cannot get it to start again unless I give it a turn by hand first. Also, after I give the motor a "push" it clicks loudly then spins up. When I cut the power it begins to spin down and then clicks again. Is this motor bad or am I missing something?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Dennis Straple

2

I would check for a bad pin on the motor connector, a bad start capacitor located either on the motor, back panel, or behind the console, or a bad timer. These are in order of most probable.

3

Thanks for your reply.

The motor connector looks good and I think the timer is operating ok so I’m hoping it’s the start capacitor. Fortunately it’s only a $20.00 part so I went ahead and ordered it. When it arrives I’ll give it a go and let you know how it worked out.

Thanks again.

Dennis

4

Keep us posted, I had a 2 yr old washer with a blown start capacitor on the back wall. Very unusual as these are supposed to be oil filled and never fail.

5

Thanks for your response, glad you got it fixed. The one I fixed had a literally blow capacitor, nothing left but a blown, dry shell with evidence of venting electolite.