Funky washing machine

11-12-2011, 09:47 AM	#1
Thurman Household Handyman   Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 2,210	Funky washing machine O.K., so I have an eleven (11) year old Kenmore (Maytag ?) washing machine that has been very good for a lot of years, But--withing the last year there has been an unusual problem with it. This machine will just stop working, anywhere it desires within the cycle. I can hear the timer clicking, the water comes in fine, but nothing else will work. Then I discover that if I tilt the machine back enough to get my hand under it, then find the motor/tranny coupling and rotate this by hand a few turns: All will work again. I've been in industrial maintenance for 38 years and never seen an electric motor with what may be a "dead spot" but this is what this motor is acting like. So to the motor people: Could that be a "dead spot" in the motor winding that would cause this? Thanks

Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. DIYChatroom.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any home improvement task!

11-12-2011, 11:03 AM	#2
BigJim STAFF     Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 4,660	Funky washing machine You may have a loose belt, that was one problem I had also and that took care of it. We goofed up and bought one of the new fangled washers with the low profile agitators, that sucker will tear your clothes up, I wish we had the old washer back. __________________ New members: Please consider adding your location to your profile, it helps other members to give more accurate answers to your questions. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Jim

11-12-2011, 11:36 AM	#3
Thurman Household Handyman   Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 2,210	Funky washing machine Thanks, but no belts on this model. Motor is coupled to the transmission. Coupling has a rubber insert that is replaceable, this has been inspected and is in good shape. Sometimes this happens soon, other times it may go another year. I think I'll give it a female name

11-12-2011, 05:51 PM	#4
AllanJ Member   Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nashua, NH, USA Posts: 6,743	Funky washing machine Yes it is possible for a motor to have a dead spot where manually rotating it a fraction of a turn (with the power off please) will cause it to start normally the next time. Yes, for AC motors this is usually due to a bad winding. __________________ The disadvantages of crab apple trees. In summer, the apples are too sour to pick and eat. In winter the birds come and leave dropping all over the place.

11-12-2011, 06:33 PM	#5
Master of Cold Member   Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 729	Funky washing machine Is there a starting and/or run capacitor on the motor?

11-12-2011, 07:18 PM	#6
BigJim STAFF     Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 4,660	Funky washing machine Quote: Originally Posted by Thurman Thanks, but no belts on this model. Motor is coupled to the transmission. Coupling has a rubber insert that is replaceable, this has been inspected and is in good shape. Sometimes this happens soon, other times it may go another year. I think I'll give it a female name Sorry bout that, our washer must have been a lot older. __________________ New members: Please consider adding your location to your profile, it helps other members to give more accurate answers to your questions. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Jim

11-13-2011, 11:58 AM	#7
Thurman Household Handyman   Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 2,210	Funky washing machine @ "Master": At this time I do not know it there are either a run or start cap on this motor, please understand that I have no desire to turn this machine on it's back if I can keep it running. This peculiar problem only surfaces maybe twice a year. Thanks for asking though. @ "Allan J", YES, I do pull the cord before putting my hand under there. I also place a piece of 4x4 under the machine to assure it stays up just enough to reach under it. Thanks

11-14-2011, 07:19 AM	#8
Jacques Member   Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: phila. Posts: 504	Funky washing machine If it had a 'dead spot' you'd still hear a hum. i suspect you have a bad wire maybe at the motor plug [white-common]. by tilting and jiggling, it reconnects? if this is a direct drive=no belt] that whole wrap around comes off for better diag'.