Kenmore 110.72993820 Belt Drive washer operation with motor running

[Old_Radio_Collector]

I thought I had a bad belt or something siezed...nope, all is fine.

It starts out fine, then it seems to get progressively slower and slower (and noisier) as time goes on...the last time it stopped during drain.  I shut it off and left it for a while, restarted and it continued to drain.  Went into Spin, and the same problem...slower...slower...slower...stop with a loud hum.  Give it enough time to cool off and it will run nice again, until it again heats up and stops.

Does it sound like I have a bad motor?  Has anyone heard of a motor failing in this way, or is it more likely I have a bearing siezing somewhere in the drive train?

[JWWebster]

If that pump gets stiff it will overheat the motor. Seen it!

[Old_Radio_Collector]

If that pump gets stiff it will overheat the motor. Seen it!

That would not surprise me.  I've been working with AC motors for the last 40 years, and in my experience, if they are bad they fail as soon as they (attempt to) start.  Bushings seem to have a definite tendency to get hot and tight when they've been running, regardless of what kind of equipment they are on.  I'm going to do a test on it right now that should be able to tell me once and for all...

[Old_Radio_Collector]

I ran it until it stalled, loosen the motor to make the belt very slack, try to restart and the motor started easily.  I could not easily get to the  pump pulley, but I was able to feel the pump casting - quite warm (I had been running only cold water).  Tightened the motor back up...stalled.

Back in the day the pups could be taken apart; now they are sealed...but it looks like the current replacements can be taken apart.  I think I'll try working on it at work and if I fail...Repair Clinic is only 15 minutes away...