Need help with Whirlpool BD model LAA7880W0

[kenmorewasher72]

My friend has what appears to be a 1974 model Whirlpool washer that is not spinning. All the electrical works--motor, wig wag, belt, pump, etc. Everything is in order, except it just won't spin. I told him to check the spring which hooks from the spin cam-bar to the brake yoke/drive shaft as well as check the clutch pulley. Is there anything else I should have him check? Appreciate any help and answers, thanks.

 

[DADoES]

Lid switch? Can the basket be turned by hand or is it seized?

 

[kenmorewasher72]

Lid switch? Can the basket be turned by hand or is it seized?

He said it's "shifting into spin" which implies the wig wag solenoid is working correctly. Just no spin. I think he said it's having trouble, so possibly that could mean it IS shifting everything properly but there's just either no longer sufficient grip on the clutch left, OR there's something putting resistance on the basket. A broken brake yoke spring would therefore be ruled out if that's the case.

 

[combo52]

There are so many things that could cause this problem, it would also be very helpful to know the history of this machine has this machine been used continuously did it work recently or was this a machine that somebody found that hadn’t been used for 25 years?

If this machine sat for many many years and has recently been used, it probably has water in the bearings, and the spin tube has locked up in the bearings.

But there are many more possibilities, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a broken clutch spring on a whirlpool belt drive machine, however

 

[kenmorewasher72]

There are so many things that could cause this problem, it would also be very helpful to know the history of this machine has this machine been used continuously did it work recently or was this a machine that somebody found that hadn’t been used for 25 years?

If this machine sat for many many years and has recently been used, it probably has water in the bearings, and the spin tube has locked up in the bearings.

But there are many more possibilities, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a broken clutch spring on a whirlpool belt drive machine, however

Bought brand new back in 74 and used continually, original owner to this day. As far as I know, this is a recent problem.

 

[agiflow]

That's very impressive. Since 74 and without problems ?

 

[kenmorewasher72]

That's very impressive. Since 74 and without problems ?

Now that you mention it, the drum brake was replaced because that had shattered at one point. Then the timer, because the cams had worn down. Also sounds like he's replaced the belt on it a few times over the years. As far as I can tell, it had been working flawlessly up to this point recently. I suppose John's suggestion is also plausible in that there may indeed be some water trapped in the bearings.

 

[agiflow]

At 51 years old this machine is already over twice it's life expectancy.Well done Whirlpool. This machine owes nobody anything.

 

[kenmorewasher72]

At 51 years old this machine is already over twice it's life expectancy.Well done Whirlpool. This machine owes nobody anything.

It certainly has lived it's life and served it's purpose well. I wouldn't expect anything less!