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ScottPeterson · Dec 7, 2006, 07:56 PM

I have an Amana lga60aw gas dryer which does not start when the start button is pressed but it makes a groaning sounds. Occasionally it will start but will stop running after 5 minutes. I suspect that the motor is bad but I tested with a Multimeter and it seems fine (I am not an expert so my test may be faulty). Additionally, once I remove the drum and belt the Dryer starts fine. This seems to further prove to me the motor is bad as it starts fine once the load is removed. I suspect the motor is bad but is there any way to perform an additional test to verify before I spend 100 bones on a new motor?

Also, are there any other parts I should replace when replacing the motor (assuming the motor is bad)

andrewcocke · Dec 8, 2006, 09:52 PM

Before you buy a new motor, reinstall the drum, then the drum and belt, to make sure the drum is not being slowed by anything, make sure its turns freely. It could be some obstruction and the motor does have the power to overcome it.

ScottPeterson · Dec 9, 2006, 08:38 AM

Thanks Andrew, I checked and the drum turns freely with no obstruction.

andrewcocke · Dec 9, 2006, 09:15 AM

Well, if the motor turns without the drum attached, and the drum does turn freely on its own, then Id say replacing the motor would be a pretty good shot.

Although before I spent $100 on an old dryer I'd probobly just pick up a working used one for $50, and then keep my old one in the yard for parts. (my wife loves it when I do that) :)

Can't help it, my basement is full of old appliances.

ScottPeterson · Dec 9, 2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks again. Not sure that my wife would approve if storing old appliances in the yard so I will give the new motor a shot.

andrewcocke · Dec 9, 2006, 10:13 AM

Yea.. Ive seen motors that will run while not under a load, but once you put a load on them, they just sit there and hum...

Normally, the bearings in the motor get gummed up. Most motors are sealed and a replacement motor is required. Some motors have end user parts that can be swapped out. Such as bearings, springs, centrifucal switches, even windings. But such is not normally the case with household appliance motors.