LK Just Wants to Buzz

[washerlover]

I have a ‘74 Lady K that had a broken wigwag which I recently replaced. Now all I get is buzzing when trying to engage into spin. On top of that, now it only buzzes during the fill cycle (and the water is turned on!).

Any ideas?

 

[combo52]

Hi Todd, I need a lot more information to even guess what’s wrong with that washer.

Is the motor running at all will it fill and agitate will it drain, will the timer inch its way through the cycle?

Exactly what is making the buzzing sound is it the spin solenoid?

With some more details we might be able to guess what is failing.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Is it that horrible buzz that the unbalance load switch (OOB) makes or a small, socially acceptable buzz?

 

[rp2813]

Tom, I wasn't aware that any buzz, small or large, has ever been acceptable in a social setting . . .

 

[washerlover]

You are all too funny!

So here’s the scenario: I got this machine (with matching dryer) a few years ago. I was told it didn’t spin. When I plugged it in, it sounded fine, just wouldn’t engage into spin. Upon inspection of the wigwag and cam bar, the bar was bent and the thing that slides back and forth was busted. I straightened the bar, replaced the sliding thing along with the wigwag.

I then tried to get it to spin and it buzzes like it’s getting ready to spin but doesn’t.

I thought I would try filling the tub to see if it will agitate. I never tried a water test until this week. The buzzing I hear during fill is as if the water is turned off, but it isn’t.

Is the wigwag connected to the fill valve in any way?

Thank you all as always for your help and humor!

 

[repairguy]

With the power disconnected and the service panel off can you grab the belt and move it in either direction?

Sounds like the machine has been sitting for a couple of years. Disconnect the water hoses from the machine and turn the water on to each one at a time. If water comes out check the hose between the inlet valve and where it connects to the water inlet on the top of the tub guard. If all hoses are clear replace the inlet valve if they are not you found the problem.

We have an insect here in southeast Texas that will build a nest like concrete inside small hoses and will block water flow. It’s happened to me a couple of times.

 

[DADoES]

 
The wigwag solenoids are not electrically connected into the water valve solenoids.

The agitate solenoid engages (at any agitate position of the timer) through the water level switch when the tub has filled to the selected level.

The spin solenoid is wired through the other side of the water level switch contacts, it engages (in a spin position) when the contacts are at "empty" level ... which doesn't mean the tub must be 100% empty but just that the contacts have tripped over to below the set level.

 

[turquoisedude]

'nest like concrete'

Boy did I find out about that when I finally installed the GE washer/dryer in the Wonder Kitchen without checking out the plumbing first!!