Kitchen Gas Appliances - Dryer not starting

Hello, I have a 2-3 year old Kenmore gas dryer (model# 110.72982101) that only works when I push the start switch in. The motor seems to be working fine but won't run on it's own and it is not kicking off the heating element. I've read through a bunch of the posts and it seems like it is either the centrifugal switch or the even heat control. I tried to find the centrifugal switch to buy and replace, but i can't seem to find it online. Do I have to buy an entire motor instead? The motor and the even heat control are each around $100, so I'd like to figure out what the problem is before I just start replacing parts. Is there a way I can test the centrifugal switch?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

Welcome Ryan to my Gas Appliances forum and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.

The electric motor can be removed and taken to any electric motor repair shop for testing. Electric motor repair shops are listed in the phone book as well as the local appliance parts stores.

Some appliance parts are specific to the brand and model. Therefore, some parts are not available online. A visit to the local appliance parts store becomes necessary to obtain those parts.

Based on the problem description, it is reasonably safe to assume the motors start bedix is not functioning. Before removing the motor be sure to made a hand drawning of how the belt loops over and around each pulley. Doing so will be very helpful when it comes time to reinstall that belt.

Also adviseable to clean out all accumulated lint in the dryers cabinet, replace any wornout glider and or slider parts, the belt if needed and clear out the entire venting system.

Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be also. They will need the make, model and serial numbers.

Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs. Always check for gas leaks when ever a repair includes any connection of a gas part.

If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically keep your question at the top of the forum list.

Regards & Good Luck. TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises
Doityourself Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Forum Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.

I ended up taking the whole dryer apart to get to the motor, and let the motor run and it seems (visually) that the centrifugal switch is working properly. Is there a way to test the switch for sure? I've also read elsewhere that I should possibily replace the even heat control assembly - but I don't want to replace a $100 part without being a little more certain.

Thanks for the help.