DD KM/WP washers occasional spin-draining

[toploadloyalist]

It seems that most 1990s-2000s top-loading Kenmore and Whirlpool washers are more likely to start high-speed spinning while draining, if the agitation is speed is set on low or extra-low, whereas while on high agitation, it will more likely stay neutral, unless the lid is opened then starts to spin-drain. On occasion, they may spin-drain when set on high agitation. Why do they almost always spin-drain on lower agitation speed settings?

On a side comment, the latest Whirlpool commercial washers lack a low-speed spin when set on low-speed agitation, which may be too fast for delicates.

 

[DADoES]

 
Direct-drive neutral drain is mechanical in the transmission.  The parts involved tend to wear over time, along with some thickening of the transmission oil, which causes the mechanism to not properly "set" during the agitation period if 1) it's not long enough, 2) at low speed, or 3) the transmission is cold in winter weather.  A repair kit Part Number 388253 is available to replace the worn parts.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The machine drains with the motor operating at high speed to give the pump more power to empty the tub quickly. That is why it starts to spin at high speed if it slips out of neutral drain. I personally do not like neutral drain and raise the lid once when it enters drain to send it into spin/drain asap.

 

Glenn, thanks for the link to the great video.