I have a Kenmore Elite Series 90, about 11 years old. Model number 110.68932790. The problem that I have has gotten progressively worse in the past months, now the dryer barely runs at all. At first, when pressing the start button, the dryer would run until the button was released, then it would quit. Pressing the button a second time caused a normal start. I don't know if that is related to what comes next. The dryer would not complete a normal cycle. It would run for about 30 minutes whether it was on auto moisture or if it was timed. When it stopped, it would just quit, no end of cycle buzzer. Pressing the start button at that point had no effect, as if it was dead. If I waited a while, I could restart it for another 30 minutes. I noticed that the sounds at start up became abnormal, and now when I start it I get less than five minutes. My assumptions are: the motor runs only on the start windings and is overheating or that there is some other temperature related issue. I don't know what to do first, any suggestions would be appreciated.

You have the evenheat model, Kenmore made many different models for the evenheat design.

So this thread would apply to you, this is our most popular thread and very long, read through it carefully, it tells you everything to check:
[FIXED] Another Kenmore Dryer problem

You can also do a keyword search for evenheat here:
ApplianceBlog.com - Appliance Repair Forums - Search Forums
It will give you about 50 threads on this as well.

The first thing to do is unplug your dryer, then take the end caps off the console as shown here:


Then remove both of the screws on both sides as shown, then that console will lift forward then tilt up to rest on its hinges. Then check your evenheat control board for burned marks on it.

Tell me what you find.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Jake,

I have already taken the end caps off and made a visual inspection, but didn't notice obvious burn marks on the board's front side as installed. Would there be burns on the trace side of the board? Also, I've noticed a smell in the air which is what leads me to believe there is something wrong with the motor, that and the funny sound it makes on startup. If I recall, there is a centrifigual switch in the motor, could that be damaged?

On either side of the board.

Then its likely the motor thats going out.

Yes, but its not a separate part you can order, it comes with a new motor.

This is a 1997 dryer, not worth putting a $128 motor in it in my opinion.

Here's the motor for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 279787

279787

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Jake,

I replaced the motor and that solved the problem. It was a pretty good hassle to get at it, but a pretty easy change out. When I removed the old motor I notices that there was a lot of oil on it but I have no idea where it came from, but it seemd to come from the overload. Anyway, thanks for your advice, it is working great again!

Rick

Excellent Rick, good job.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances