Kitchen Aid TL won't drain

[thor]

A friend of mine brought from the US a Kitchen Aid TL washer (with matching gas dryer). He had used both units in the US for a couple of years before moving down here.

He connected both units to separate 220/110 V step down transformers. In spite of the cycle difference both units worked perfectly for about two months, then suddenly the washer stopped draining. All cycles advance OK, but the washer just won't drain. He had some local repair guy check the washer, he didn't find anything wrong with it, he even checked the timer operation, said it was OK (most probably this guy didn't know a thing about the unit).

The washer data is:
Kitchen Aid - Superba Whisper Quiet - Extra Large Capacity -Heavy Duty
MODEL AW777B
SERIAL #CEO216044
VOLTS 120, HZ 60

Does this washer have a water pump driven by its own separate electric motor, like a FL? Does the pump of this washer a ckeck-ball? Could this check-ball be stuck "closed"? What do you think that could be wrong with the washer?

I promised my friend to go and check the washer myself, but I thought you guys could give me some hints as to what to look for. I will surely appreciate your suggestions

Emilio

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Washer is probably Direct Drive. So, pump is located on the front of the drive motor. Is the machine not spinning also?

 

[thor]

The washer washes and spins, but just doesn't drain. Main motor runs OK.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Check the pump, make sure that there is no blockage in the pump itself. Check the hoses that go to the pump as well. Before you do any of this look at the back of the machine, make sure there are no kinks in the drain hose.

 

[DADoES]

 
All KitchenAid toploaders are Whirlpool direct-drive machines. I think that model number should be KAWE777B.

The pump is accessed by removing the machine's outer cabinet. Remove two screws at the lower corners of the control panel, flip the panel up. Disconnect the wiring harness that goes through the top (for the lid switch), remove the two spring clips that anchor the cabinet to the rear panel, then lift the entire outer cabinet off. The pump is immediately in front, mounted to the end of the motor with two clips, two hoses attached. When the motor runs, the pump basically has no choice but to run as well. Maybe a small sock or other item somehow got out of the tub and into the tub outlet hose leading to the pump, causing a water-flow clog. If something gets into the pump itself and jams it, the motor ordinarily will be jammed as well ... but since the pump impeller is plastic, it could strip or crack and the motor would still be able to run.

 

[thor]

Supremewhirpol and DADoES, thank you very much for your very clear instructions. I have already re-sent them to the owner of the washer. Maybe I'll give him a hand this coming weekend. I'll keep you informed!

Emilio