Maytag A710 washing machine - motor trips out

[dj100]

Hi, Working on a 42 year old Maytag A710 washing machine. Unit has worked very well up until now. Typically, running 3-5 loads of wash per week.
Washer is now going through entire cycle but leaves the washer full of soapy water.
In troubleshooting, it appears the motor (2-1666-12 as shown on motor) is tripping out the temperature monitor. The timer goes through the rest of the cycle but the motor trips out at each stage and the timer just goes through the motions.
I am able to get the motor to run 1) with no load (drive belts removed from agitator and pump) and 2) drive belt ONLY on the pump pulley (so that I could empty the water). If both belts are connected and attempt to run the agitator, the motor trips out and skips that cycle (the temperature resets/clicks in a few minutes but does not re-engage the motor).
I was able to get the motor to run the agitator for 5 minutes when there was only a "small" load worth of water in the tub. However, I lifted the lid and the motor would not resume on the small load. Again, disconnected agitator belt and was able to pump out the tub using the motor / pump.
Both the agitator and pump pulleys spin easily when rotated by hand.
During the small load trial, there was a fairly significant "grinding" noise coming from the motor. Sounded to me like the motor bearings were whining.
I'd like to get the machine operational but I can not find the 2-1666-12 2 speed motor anywhere.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions!
Thanks

 

[repairguy]

Did you install new non OEM belts?

 

[qsd-dan]

Be sure to use genuine Maytag/Whirlpool belts on these (Whirlpool bought out Maytag in 2006). The transmission belt is designed to slip while ramping up to speed during the spin cycle. Non genuine belts do not have the proper fabric wrap or sometimes don't have the proper belt angles or length to function correctly.

DO NOT use a an extension cord on the washer, this will also cause motor issues. Plug the factory cord directly into the wall socket.

The spring loaded motor carriage is designed to spring forward when the spin cycle initially starts, allowing the belt to slip (there is no clutch in a Maytag, the belt IS the clutch) and carriage springs pull the motor back as it ramps up to speed, finally declutching 100%. If the rollers are worn/broken/missing, the tracks are dirty, or the silicone lube has dried up on the tracks, the motor carriage will not function properly and cause problems with cycling the thermal protector. On the other side of the scale, if the carriage is hung up, the belt can permanently slip though the entire cycle causing wet clothes at the end of the final spin. The motor carriage should glide very smoothly forward and backwards.

Did the transmission pulley turn smoothly while rotating it counter clockwise (positioned on the floor looking up at the pulley)? If not, the transmission may be locking up from the top sleeve bearing. The pump pulley also should turn smoothly. Wouldn't hurt to spin the motor pulley and check for smoothness but you'll have to push the motor carriage forward a bit or the motor shaft will rub against the carriage when the belts are off.

Lastly, if it does need a motor, there's a few on Ebay to choose from. Those motors use to be $20-$30 a piece years back and are now commanding $100+ now, so be aware of that. Here's the cheapest 2 speed motor I could find.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1554339603...dZFoGT5gAKHZ6JMaiRiQe0Dw==|tkp:Bk9SR4brtafrYw

 

[combo52]

It sounds like you need a new motor if It won’t even agitate.

 

[dj100]

Thanks for the suggestions. Here my notes. Belts are Maytag. Plugged directly into wall socket. I did try to shim the motor forward (towards the transmission pulley/stretching the motor springs) by wedging a piece of wood between the motor slide and the machine wall - attempting to manually "clutch" the motor at the start up. Got small amounts of rotation on the motor but not enough to get a full startup.
The transmission pulley turns smoothly in both the counter clockwise and the clockwise directions. Same for pump pulley.
The motor runs without either pulley attached and the motor carriage shimmed away from the side wall.

 

[combo52]

Motors Do Wear Out

Luckily it should be fairly easy to find a good used replacement.

John L.