Tumble dryer needs help!

[lsemmens]

Our Tumble dryer has decided that it is too hard to start. We turn it on, it starts to turn, then decides that it is all too hard and just sits there and hums. If we open the door and rock the drum backwards or forwards and so that the load begins to fall (as it rotates) oft times the machine will start to work. Once it does start to spin, it continues and dries clothes as normal. It it symptomatic of a dodgy starting capacitor or am I better off just sending it to landfill. For what it's worth, I can generally get a second hand dryer for a few bucks, so am not looking to spend too much time or effort to fix it. If the fix is fairly simple then if need be I can come up with make and model number etc, I'm just too lazy to go out into the cold and have a look right now.

[ol' boy]

Just get another dryer mate.
You DON't want a dryer operating without the drum spinning to create the airflow needed.
Sure the Thermal Overload should trip and disconnect the heating element, but what if it doesn't?

Personally, i wouldn't muck around with it too much.
Your house is worth more in the unburnt state

[mtv]

Have to agree with OB.

A high percentage of house fires are caused by clothes dryers.

Possibly a start-up cap or bearing, or even a slipping belt.

You either need to fix it now, or stop using it..... not worth the risk.

[hoe]

Bite the bullet and buy a maytag or speed queen....
No more problems....

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[lsemmens]

Dryer is outside, so house fire is unlikely. I was just checking if there was a simple fix before I make a several hour round trip to the big smoke to collect a replacement. As to slipping belt or dead bearing, I can rule both of those out, as it works well when it is turning. It's just getting going is the problem, and I cannot hear any grinding noises or slippage. It just sounds like an electric motor that is trying to turn against a seized bearing which makes me wonder about the starter cap.

[ol' boy]

Your diagnosis of a crook Start Cap is almost certainly correct.
Cap should cost $10 to $15 and its a very easy fix.

Lay the dryer over on its front (in most cases)
Remove the back panel
Search for the Cap, remove and read the Specs on it
Order a new one online

Part will be something like this

[lsemmens]

Thanks OB, I'm not going to worry about it, I was talking to friend on Sat who works with a second hand store in town and he said they had a couple of dryers in their storage area. Both tested and working so he said I could have one for $10.... I'm not complaining, what's even better, is he's going to have it delivered to me on Tue as they were coming out this way anyway. From what I remember of the conversation, which was as I was actually on the way out the door, he said that one of them was a European model, so, we'll see.

[ol' boy]

Looks like you just scored yourself a great Fire Pit then

[bazzle01]

Open back cover and check the drive belt is not slipping on motor pulley

[lsemmens]

Holy thread resurrection, Batman! Definitely was not the belt, and the 'new' drier has been working happily for over a month now. (It was an almost identical model to our dead one, just more up market.)

[gulliver]

Looks like you just scored yourself a great Fire Pit then

Got the same one on my Farm

[Dishtrackted]

My one is still inside my dead dryer waiting to be liberated.
Keeps triggering the safety switch
Ive tried using it once in maybe 10 years
Might be covered in dust in all the wrong places,I could do with the wall space for a few shelves really