Kenmore 70 series
mod 110.20722990
ser CK 3271912
type 111

Washer filled up with water and now it just hums.

I pulled the cabinet and jumpered the lid switch, still just hums.
I unclipped the pump, still just hums. Motor is getting hot.
I checked all the wiring connections, they seem solid. No signs of burnt wires or insulation.
I don't see any debris under the washer, like from a drive-coupling problem.

I can easily, manually rotate the shaft. If I manually rotate the motor shaft while it is humming, I can get it to turn either direction (which way is it supposed to turn?), a few times it eventually started agitating on its own and acted like it was working OK. Seems like there is a click inside the motor before it starts working? Then I shut it off and then next time I turn it on, it just hums.

Maybe a bad motor, or something bad inside the motor?

Can a stuck pump fry the motor, or would the coupler have given out?

 

Sounds like a bad motor. With motor off mount will it start if you turn shaft? reread post looks like it runs when you turn shaft. Part # 28 on chart is start cap. might be your problem. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...11020722990art 7 Get part # and google it may find it cheaper.

 

So I was just pulling the motor while you replied.

Motor spins freely, transmission spins freely, the coupler is fine but probably original.

However when I was removing the plugs on the motor, one of the connectors did not unplug but instead basically fell off in my hand, it was corroded. Is this black cylinder with the broken connector, the start capacitor?





Also, is that thing charged and I need to be careful with it?

 

OK so that is definitely the capacitor that is broken, does it make sense that is the problem? Anytihng else to check?

Is that thing charged and I need to be careful with it?

 

Yes, the capacitor is used for starting the motor. It could have a charge on it, just keep your fingers off the terminals. Replacement part number is 8572720

 

I ordered the capacitor, swapped it in, reassembled, and the washer appears to be working just fine now. Replaced the coupler while I was in there, it is almost surely the original and the rubber was a little crumbly.

Thanks all for the quick help.

 

Thanks for the update. Good call on replacing coupler, Any time I have one apart I replace it.