DD washer has trouble spinning

[Marky_Mark]

Hi guys

I recently got this Kenmore and a problem has occurred today, as seen/heard in my video. About half the time when starting to spin, it can't pick up speed and it keeps clicking. Every time it did this, I tried stopping it and immediately restarting it and it was then able to spin no problem. Also, the neutral drain period sometimes just goes into spin, which I'm mentioning in case that could be related in any way.

Thoughts and advice very much appreciated, thank you!


View attachment IMG_2397.MOV

 

[maytag85]

Not extremely versed with the direct drives, but my guess is it could be some sort of transmission problem.

 

[DADoES]

Possibly a damaged spin gear.

 

[combo52]

Hi Mark, take the agitator out and see if the ears on the top of the spin tube are properly engaging in the aluminum basket drive block that could be stripped out and slipping if it’s not that it could be a clutch or transmission problem, basically have to pull the transmission check the clutch for some sort of Mechanical failure if that’s not it time for another transmission.

John L

 

[Marky_Mark]

Hi Mark, take the agitator out and see if the ears on the top of the spin tube are properly engaging in the aluminum basket drive block that could be stripped out and slipping if it’s not that it could be a clutch or transmission problem, basically have to pull the transmission check the clutch for some sort of Mechanical failure if that’s not it time for another transmission.

John L

John, thank you very much for the clear and methodical plan of action! I've just removed the agitator and it does look to me like the ears are fully engaged in the drive block. I wasn't sure if the clicking sound was the motor stopping and starting. I like John's previous advice in another thread in which he suggested buying another WP/KM DD washer as a parts donor.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Hi John @combo52 I have some more info, after doing a few more tests.

I think I have a slightly clearer idea as to what's happening during the clicking sound in the video above. When the machine has trouble picking up speed at the start of spinning, I think the motor is repeatedly switching in and out of the start winding. The basket does spin slowly when this happens. Each click is accompanied by a very heavy power draw that dims the lights when it happens. I don't know if a faulty clutch or transmission could cause the motor to bind up like this. Perhaps it's a problem with the motor itself. There is absolutely no problem with agitating even the largest of loads on high speed agitation. When the spin does work (which is about 60% of the time) it comes up to speed at the correct rate with no problem at all. It's so strange. I am even wondering if it could be a problem with the electronic controls or a relay or something. Does this info help narrow it down or does it just throw more confusion into the mix LOL.

 

[maytag85]

Could be the motor that’s acting up, or possibly an issue with the transmission and clutch. More than likely the clutch is grabbing a bit to much which could be the cause for the motor to be cutting in and out.

 

[Marky_Mark]

That would make sense, Sean. The thing is, I don't know enough about these machines to say if the clutch can sometimes grab too much and cause the motor to continuously switch in and out of the start windings. So it's not possible for me to diagnose the problem.

I could of course just start replacing components and see what happens, starting with the clutch, capacitor, motor, transmission etc.

 

[combo52]

Hi Mark, try changing the start capacitor down by the motor, if that doesn’t work take two capacitors and tape them together and wire them in parallel. There was a lot of problems with these high-end direct drive washers doing this the KitchenAids did this sometimes.

John L

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thank you, John. I've ordered two capacitors, identical to the current one (3348058), and I'll post an update once it's/they're installed.

 

[Marky_Mark]

I installed both new capacitors wired in parallel and unfortunately there was no change. It was still agitating and neutral draining fine but the spin was still sometimes working and sometimes not. I also tried holding the basket stationary while set to spin and the same thing was happening. And then then the motor went silent and it hasn't come back to life at all after several hours. I've tested current draw when set to all 3 agitation speeds and spin and there is nothing happening now. But I can hear the electronic control making a click at the appropriate times when the motor should be switching on or off.

So I'll order a new motor and see what happens. I haven't tested to see if the motor harness is still receiving power and I haven't tested the motor separately with a motor test cord.

I spent a few hours over the last few days cleaning the machine and doing a peroxide treatment on the plastic, which has come up really well. So hopefully I'll be able to restore this machine to its former glory.