DD Whirlpool Washer Help

[fridgiman]

Hey gang,
My sister has our grandmother's 1985 DD Whirlpool washer. Its been her daily driver since my grandmother past in '87. This washer has been a tank--- never, ever needed any repair or service in over 24 years ! Well my sister got layed off in Dec and is still looking for a job. Long story short the Whirlly is now malfuncioning (of course).
According to my sister, it will fill, agitate, drain but not spin. It continues through the whole cycle but will not spin. I would like to repair it for her and save her the repair cost if possible since she is layed-off.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be wrong and how I could possibly fix it ?
I not only want to save her some money but also preserve this workhorse of a machine.
Thanks------- Jim

 

[davek]

This video should get you started. There are about 4 things to check. Sounds like you have the second problem on the video.

 

[everythingold]

probably the tranie, then the machine is done. if you're lucky the coupler, easy fix. matt

 

[everythingold]

If you are not too far away from Cleveland, my Brother-in-law can hook you up.

 

[fridgiman]

Made a mistake
It's a Belt Drive after all

 

[kenmoreguy64]

If the machine is really a belt drive, you need to check two areas:

1) Check the lid switch. It is possible that either the switch itself has gone bad, OR the plunger on the lid has broken.

2) Check the solenoid on the wig-wag. My guess is that's where your problem is. You can manually raise the plunger on the spin side of the solenoid and see what it does after that. If the machine spins, clean the plunger and change the solenoid.

There could be a broken plunger as well, but let's try the above two items first. If you can take a pic of the wig-wag area, I may be able to help you faster.

Gordon

 

[revvinkevin]

lid switch???

Are you able to check the machine in person? Check the lid switch, make sure it's working and the "pin" on the lid that pushes the switch is not broken.

If that is all good, check the spin solenoid on the "wig wag" to make sure it's getting power when the machine is supposed to spin (use wires with aligator clips and a volt meter). If for some reason it's getting power and it's not engaging, the solenoid needs to be replaced.

If the solenoid is not getting power, the wire could be broken (inside the insulation) or there may possibly be a problem with timer (bad contact).

I hope this helps!
Kevin

 

[revvinkevin]

Wow!

Gordon you beat me to it!!

 

[fridgiman]

Thanks guys for your help
I'm going to go over my sister's house probably next weekend. I'll use all your suggestions and hopefully find the problem and be able to fix it.
You all are a great bunch !