LK Belt Drive problem. What’s happening?

[Marky_Mark]

Hi guys

Although the machine agitates and spins perfectly, there is clearly something not right when it goes into spin.

I recorded this video with the lid open and then closed it to commence the spin.

What should I do?
It’s a 1978 LK electronic washer and it has been in storage for many years.

Thanks,
Mark
View attachment IMG_3800.mov

 

[maytag85]

Sounds like the clutch is grabbing too much or could be a motor issue possibly.

 

[coldspot66]

Is the belt properly tight? I think a 1/2 inch deflection at midpoint.

 

[magic_clean]

I believe the belt has taken a set, where it has developed a stiff areas where was under tension around the small diameter motor and pump pulleys. And it possibly is not tensioned properly. Hence the uneven woo-woo sound as the basket accelerates. Probably the best bet would be to replace it. Also, check the pump pulley for free movement.

-LP

 

[combo52]

When the clutch loads down as it goes into spin, the belt is slipping a little bit, it could be the clutch grabbing a little bit cleaning the cast-iron surface of the clutch pulley might help. Also check the belt tension. If it’s a little bit loose that makes it worse and of course, a new belt certainly might be an order.

This problem may get better after the machine is used 20 or 30 cycles. If you don’t really wanna get into it just keep using the machine it may go away.

John L

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the help.

I had another look at it and the belt seemed too loose. So I’ve tightened it and it now goes into spin no problem with no belt slippage. But the belt does indeed have a bad flat spot, as magic_clean mentioned.

I mustn’t have tensioned the belt enough when I replaced the pump a few days ago. The original pump was jammed.

Here is a video I’ve just taken of it going into spin now that I’ve tightened the belt. Does this all sound and look right? Any other maintenance, replacement, lubrication and cleaning I should do to these parts? I’ve oiled the clutch pulley bearing but nothing else so far.


View attachment IMG_3804.mov

 

[maytag85]

Sounds about right. Thought it could have been the clutch grabbing, but tuns out the belt was a bit on the loose side.

 

[rinso]

It's never a bad thing to replace a belt that has some years on it. I have heard replacing the belt on these models is quite a chore, however. Not sure if that was accurate.

 

[magic_clean]

Another consideration.......I think this washer is in the California desert. So its likely the belt rubber components have deteriorated from just being exposed to the very dry air. Similar to car tires----lot rot.

-LP