Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Kenmore Water Softener Problem

My four year old kenmore water softner fails to draw brine. If I manually rotate the cam just a few degrees clockwise past the brine indicator ("Br"), the unit draws brine just fine (So I know that the Venturi assembly is O.K). I believe the problem is that motor is failing to advance the valve to the proper position. Per suggestions on previous posts, I disassembled and lubricated (with silicone grease) all valve assembly components (i.e. the plate, gaskets, the spring area etc.). This resulted in a the valve rotating more freely by hand, but didn't fix the problem. I also tryed slightly straightening the metal arm on the switch in an attmept to keep the motor running just a bit longer so that the valve would move into the appropriate brine position, but this didn't work either. The motor appears to be working fine (no strange noises and smooth cam advancement) and the valve components did not appear to be significanlty worn. All other modes of operation (Fill, Backwash, Rinse) are working just fine.

Does anyone have any suggestions to fix the problem?


Thanks In Advance For Your Advice,
Gregg

Nothing against Sears or kenmore, but I have had experience with these softeners and they are nothing but trouble. Replace it with a Fleck; the in/out connections are the same and you will be well pleased with the serviceability.

Captwally,

Thanks for your post.... In view of the number of posts on this site related to the Kenmore/GE softeners, and my own painfull experience, I have to agree with your suggestion and I'll try out a Fleck. Months have gone by, and I'm still wrestling with the Kenmore. Still, the only way to get it to work consistently is the sit there as it regenerates and tweak the cam manually to get effective brine draw. I'm sick and tired for working FOR my
machine.

GreggT