The motor on my drier will no longer turn the drum. There is a noise from the motor as though it is trying to turn. I got the motor out thinking it could be worn brushes but it appears to be a brushless motor. The windings show continuity. All bearings move freely. Can anyone advise how I can test such a motor. Or suggest what other component may have failed
Thanks
Chris O
Meter on 240V and test for Motor supply voltage rating.
Could it be the drive belt either slipping or broken?
When you took out the motor, was there a belt around it!?
Can you run the drier while watching the motor to see if it is actually tuning?
Can you turn the drum by hand, or is it stuck? If it is free, does the motor turn when you manually turn the drum?
Sparks...
Does the drum turn freely when not connected to motor?
Does the motor run OK when connected to power but not drum?
Michael Chare
Dead capacitor, starter relay or open circuit start winding. all worth a look.
Bob
Just a thought, having seen some of the other comments, could this brushless motor possibly be a capacitor start type motor with a faulty capacitor or switch?
As it happens I had the back off my ("White Knight") T/D last night - definitely a capacitor start. I have read somewhere how you test large capacitors - you use a (non-digital) multimeter set to (I think but somebody else please correct if I'm wrong) resistance, and you should see the needle "kick" as the capacitor takes charge from the multimeter's battery. If the needle doesn't move then you've got a dead capacitor. Maplin may do suitable replacements but make sure it's AC mains rated. Alternatively, a good source of spares (for the capacitor or the whole motor) is one of those shabby looking backstreet secondhand appliance shops that sells reconditioned kit - they'll have lots of motors and spares.
John Forbes
On 24/02/2004 John Forbes opined:-
You would see a similar 'kick' in a digital meter, assuming the capacitor value were large enough. All it would prove is that the capacitor does have some capacitance at a very low voltage. It does not confirm that the capacitor is not breaking down and shorting at mains AC voltages.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required