GE dryer Start switch Not staying on.

[Bobby D]

I have the drum out of my dryer and when I turn it on it only runs with the start switch held in the ON position.  If I let go of the start switch it turns off.  Is this because the switch is bad or because the drum and belt are not attached?  The door + door swtich is hooked up and working.  Thanks Bob

Model DBXR453EV0WW

[JWWebster]

Broken belt. Their is a switch called an interlock switch that kills power to the RUN wire on the motor when the belt breaks. The idler's tension pulls the idler away from the switch actuator when dat belt breaks.

[Bobby D]

Thanks,
your right!  I put the idler back in and could here the switch click. Now the switch works.  What's the trick to getting the drum and belt back in?  Do I just put the belt around the motor and the idler and carefully try and slip it over the drum, and push the drum in from the front of the machine.  I have the front panel off and the top panel off. 

[JWWebster]

You go from a work table or the back of a pickup
 You wrap the belt ribbed side down on the tub and use the belt like a handle to wiggle the drum in place. Take your right arm and reach in there grab the idler and yank it towards the middle. Take your fingers and loop the belt over the motor and let it go. The idler will pull back towards the port side and hold the belt all snug. Turn the drum by hand and make sure the belt ain't twisted.
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[Washaman]

  Yes, on certain models of GE dryers with no access panels to the belt has left me with many cuts and scars on my forearms. I don't understand why they were design that way?