Maytag automatic washer trouble here today! Help

[abcomatic]

I have a Maytag automatic washer A 212 series 4. I was washing today and heard a few strange noises but didn't think too much about it. I washed a complete cycle but on the last spin, it stopped short of the time and then a "hot" smell happened. I unplugged the machine and have not done anything more. It didn't smell like it came from the timer area. Could this be as simple as a new belt that is required? I didn't hear any caliginous sounds from the transmission etc.?
Do any of you have any ideas what this could be? Thanks, Gary

 

[goatfarmer]

Could be a belt.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Gary, do you know how to remove the from panel?   If so, remove the panel and inspect the motor with your nose for any odd smells. 

 

If that seems fine, make sure the washer is unplugged, tilt the washer back slightly and support it with something about 4 inches high (like 2 short 2X4's stacked.  Then reach under and move the belts one direction, then the other by hand to make sure nothing is binding.

 

If that seems OK, remove the belts to inspect for ware.   If they seem fine, reinstall, put the washer back flat on the floor.  Then plug it in and set to spin.    Listen for any odd sounds / noises.  If the washer stops short again, carefully check the motor to see if it's hot.

 

Report your findings here.

 

Kevin

 

[DADoES]

 
Can also run the motor with the belts off (on a spin setting) as a diagnostic.

 

[swestoyz]

Running the motor without belts

That is a great suggestion, and can rule out the motor quickly as the source.

In this instance I would spin the drive pulley in both directions, by hand. It should turn easily in both directions. Clockwise would spin the tub, and counter would agitate. Also try spinning the pump pulley by hand. Again, it should spin freely.

More than likely the belt is what caused the bad smell. As a small kid I used to do this all the time when I would play with the washer.

Ben

 

[kenmore71]

IF the belts are going bad is more than likely caused by weak motor carriage springs or bad (or poorly lubricated) motor carriage glides.

 

 

 

[swestoyz]

Mark - just don't tell Geoff that. 

 

[goatfarmer]

Running sans belts

The motor will probably make a racket, because without belt tension, the motor will be pulled back by the springs, and the shaft and pulley will probably rub on the baseplate of the washer.

 

Just something to be aware of.