washer problems?

Question

i have a top load roper washing machine, when the spin cycle comes on it does not spin abd all of my clothes are soaked. Can someone tell me what is wrong and how to fix it.

Answer 1

Here's one other relatively simple thing to try before calling a repairman.

Many washers have a safety switch that prevents them from going into "hyper-spin" with the door open. Sometimes, the switch gets busted or stuck so it thinks the door is open even thought it isn't. Look around the recess, where the lid closes, for a small hole, if there is one, look on the corresponding part of the lid for a plastic nubbin that is supposed to go into the hole when the door is closed, and see if it is busted off. Some machines have a switch at the hinge side of the door that senses when the door is closed, this could be out of adjustment.

Added: From your description, I am assuming the agitate cycle is working normally. If the agitate cycle isn't working either and, when it's in the agitate or spin cycle you hear a motor running without anything happening in the machine, see the repair given by Sean below. For some machines, if the safety switch is broken, it will neither agitate nor spin, but if this is the case, you won't hear the motor running.

Answer 2

My guess is the motor coupling (part # 285753A) it is located between the motor and transmission and acts like a belt would. I am assuming the unit is direct drive as almost all wpl products within the last ten years are. With it being a direct drive the motor has two shafts, one connects to the pump which is why the water is gone because the motor is turning the pump. However, the clothes are still wet because the coupler, which connects to the other side of the motor is broken and won't turn the transmission so it won't spin. To replace the part follow these steps.
1. Unplug unit
2. Tilt it up and go from the bottom
3. Remove the two clamps on the pump which is located at the bottom front center, then push the pump over to the side after clamps are removed.
4. Next disconnect wiring to motor and capacitor if present
5. Remove clamps from motor, some will have a screw holding each clamp in place some won't. Just be careful to support motor when removing the upper clamp as it will fall.
6. Pry the coupler off of the back motor shaft and transmission.
7. Now replace coupler, you will prolly have to "pound" the new part on the shafts. I usually use a short socket extension and vise grips in the field. Just light taps until the coupler is even with end of motor shaft and trans shaft.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Try turning the breaker off count to 20 then turn it back on.
You also could have over loaded the washer take some stuff out and reset the washer with the breaker.

Answer 4

You have some good suggestions . . But, try first:
rearrange the machine's hose that is put into the drain pipe. Gravity & age sometimes 'flattens' or put a 'bend' in the hose. If there is a kink in that hose, the water will NOT drain out.

Otherwise, it could be belt or the timer or some of the other suggestions.

Answer 5

Several things could be wrong, the drive belt may be lose or broken, the transmission gears may be stripped, the sending unit may be inoperative, etc. Thats why there are trained repairmen who can make that determination and repair.

Answer 6

I have had very good luck with this troubleshooting site.

http://repairclinic.com

Give it a try. It should help you isolate the problem quickly. They also sell hard to find parts but they are a bit pricey. Especially on shipping of small parts.

Bert