57 GE Dryer has decided to start smoking for the New Year...

[turquoisedude]

After removing the burnt switch parts, I  put the motor back together again and tried powering it up.  It started and ran fine!!

 

I had not expected this - I only connected the run winding terminals to AC power.  I was sure that I had to at least momentarily connect the start winding for the 57 GE washer motor to make it run....

 

[turquoisedude]

So, what's next??

This is the question.... I have options though!

 

Option 1: keep the motor as is; use a relay to control power to the heaters (if it worked for ths 59 Frigidaire....)

 

Option 2: replace the start switch with the NOS one I got at Modern a few years ago. The motor would then control power flow to the heaters.

 

Option 3: cannibalize the replacement motor that is a 240 volt one - use the old-style but unused start switch from it.

 

I am leaning towards option 1....

 

I am a little perturbed by the motor starting up without the start winding....

Could this be another problem? If I hook up the start winding to power as a test, could I damage the motor??

 

[foraloysius]

"Curious though, would GE have even marketed a machine like this for the UK market??"

Make that European. I know somebody who's parents had a 50's GE set, they lived in Rotterdam.

 

[swestoyz]

Crispy GE Motor

The windings in the 240v/50 cycle motor are more than likely the only parts that are different between the two motors.  

If I were in your shoes I'd probably grab the switch from the 50hz motor, swap it in the original motor, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">AND</span> install a relay that is controlled by the centrifugal switch to turn on the high current heaters, leaving the NOS switch from Larry for a rainy day.  

Guessing the motor started by powering the run winding due to it be powered without a load.

Ben

 

[sfh074]

No load ......

was the only reason it started. Would not have if it were in the dryer unless start winding energized.

Option 1!, Option 1!

 

[turquoisedude]

Endgame...

Work on the 57 GE dryer has been sporadic but it's moving forward.

 

Option 1 for the motor solution is what I finally chose.  This solution worked wonderfully on the 59 Frigidaire so in goes the 2nd relay I ordered (I will be ordering more soon...)

 

I tried to keep the relay as accessible as possible - Sonny Service would have been proud that I was thinking about the next person who might have to repair this dryer 10 or 15 years from now...LOL 

 

[turquoisedude]

And while the motor was out and blower fan was off, I gave it a dust off. There was not a huge amount of stuff on the blower fins, amazingly.

Oh and note to anyone else who might have to service a 57 GE dryer - there are 2 bolts holding the fan to the motor shaft.  Canyon learned a few new 'hooman cursing words' till I learned about the 2nd bolt.

Also getting the blower shroud back into place was challenging... but I did it!

 

[turquoisedude]

Once assembled, I had to try it...

Well, I must be learning 'cause the relay did not blow up. That major power failure in South America was purely a coincidence!!

The dryer heated up normally and I noticed right away that there was no 'scorched' smell in the drum. I think I'd had issues with that motor switch from day 1, but did not figure it out. So kids, if something smells like it's burning in your vintage dryer, check your wiring and motor start switch!

Full disclosure, I'll be adding a relay to the '66 Inglis as soon as I can order more.

Just need to do a few cosmetic touches to the dryer (I dropped the front door panel on Saturday afternoon and kinda scratched it - talking on a smartphone and repairing appliances is also NOT safe....)

 

[swestoyz]

Great news! Those little relays certainly are a cheap insurance plan. Always nice to have a few on hand. Easier to replace those than a motor or timer. I'd also recommend doing the same on your Unimatic...

Ben

 

[turquoisedude]

Yes, good advice, Ben. That Unimatic needs a little tune-up this summer anyway, so "motive and opportunity"... LOL

If I mention your name next time I make an order for relays, will you get a commission??

 

[swestoyz]

LOL - no commission on my part. Just glad that you're finding value in using the relays to keep these gems running!