Kenmore won't spin at high speeds

[Dave Hegeman]

I have an old (10-15 years) Kenmore (Mod #417.84988800). It agitates properly, the water pumps out fine. But when it should go into high speed spin it either does nothing or very slowly turns. I checked the hose going to the pressure switch and it is clear (I even bypassed the pressure switch to see if it is OK and it seems fine). I checked the door switch and it actuates correctly. The motor is direct drive with a belt to the drum flywheel; the belt looks fine and is not slipping. I read on your forum that it could be the motor brushes or the out of balance controls. Is there a way to test the motor brushes? Also, this problem occured after running an unbalanced load, which makes me think it has something to do with the balance controls. I could not find any balance control. Do these old units have one?
Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.

[nomind]

Hi Dave,
- the balance mechanism is a 'liquid ring' around the top of the tub. I doubt if that's the problem. More likely is the motor start relay or the clutch. The relay is usually in the upper left corner of the frame, not near the motor.To test the relay, remove it and hold with the arrow up. Connect your ohmmeter across M and LS, there should be continuity. Across L and S there should be resistance . Keeping the probes here, turn the switch over and you should hear the contact click and go to continuity.
If this is not the fault, post back and we'll go through the clutch assembly :cool:

Do it Right -Do it once.

[Dave Hegeman]

Thank you for the info. I checked out the motor start relay and I believe that is the problem. The lettering on the relay was different but I believe I tested it correctly. I found continuity across two of the poles and resistance across the others. But when I turned the switch over, there was no click nor continuity. Thank you for your help.
Dave

[nomind]

Hi Dave,
- that sounds like it , I'm glad I was able to help you find the problem . :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.