I think I got it!
Well everyone, I think the center plate was my problem all along. I used the replacement plate and tested it out over the weekend. So far, so good!
I did the water test a few nights ago with only about 3" of water and it passed. Last night I did another test with a full tub of hot water, after I installed the new shaft water seal, and all passed. So, I pulled out my winter flannel sheets and gave them a wash along with some other stuff. Ended up being 3 loads. Everything was fine. That louder knock, knock, knock, beat that kept time to the agitator is gone. Geoff said a bad bearing, and it will make that sound. Now it just has the lighter tick tock to it which I understand is more common with the newer plastic agitator splanes.
So today I did the rest of my 2 week's worth of laundry, another 5 loads, and I'm happy to report everything is just fine! I really think that center plate did the trick. Took me a while and some trial and mostly, error, but I think I got it.
Going over the history of my usage of this washer, I don't think I've ever made it to 8 loads of laundry without "incident" It was Possessed you know.The night before I pulled off the evil center plate I thought I heard if fart and say "Your Mama eats kitty litter!"
This is SOOOOOOOO much better . Finally!
Larry