Motor not Kicking In,Kenmore 1955

[whirlaway]

My 1955 Kenmore Cycla-fabric washer wont come on after it fills,the motor hums and clicks the breaker in the motor.If I give the belt a slight push it takes right off.It just started this all at once. Is there a starting capacitor on this motor? I dont see one.When it gets ready to spin same thing.Other than that it runs up to speed,but does seem to pump slower,Thanks Bobby,PS it has the original motor.Thanks Bobby. Oh it is my everday machine.

 

[coldspot66]

Sounds like a bad/sticky centrifigal switch. You might try exposing the switch (it's usually where the wires connect to the motor) and spray with contact cleaner...not WD-40. That may be all you need.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Bobby -

Start capacitors were used on many 3-speed motors, and on large capacity models, however I have not seen a standard capacity machine with an original equipment capacitor start motor.

If your motor is bogging down in pump-out and especially during spin, I would say it's time to have the motor serviced (find a shop that rebuilds household motors - I used one which specialized in pool pump motors) and they can diagnose and repair the old motors.

If you're willing, a standard Whirlpool 285222 motor should bolt directly into your machine. They do not look original, however the machine will function properly. There are some used on ebay for $18.99 plus shipping, and a couple new ones for $50-$55. The 285222 motor fits virtually all Whirlpool/Kenmore belt-drive machines and replaces single and two-speed motors. It can replace a 3-speed, however the extra slow setting isn't there.

If this were my problem, I'd buy one of those $18 motors or find one locally, install it so I could do my laundry (very easy swap) then take the time to find someone to rebuild the original and re-install it at a later date.

Gordon

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Gordon,
Now that you say that, I just took the windings out of one of the square motors a few days ago. If your interested whirlaway, I may have one sitting around. Which do you need, one speed or two speed?