problem with Whirlpool direct drive - poor spin

[gizmo]

Hi all.

Tonight a neighbour turned up with a sick Whirlpool TL in the back of his ute. It is a direct drive model (is that the correct term? - I mean, it is NOT a belt drive model) and he says it isn't spinning well - it gets spinning only with a push start. I haven't played with it yet. I guess it is something in the transmission.
Any clues? What do I look for to diagnose?
Can anyone direct me to a site with exploded diagrams on this machine? (including inside the transmission.)

Thanks

Chris.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Try repairclinic.com. You'll need model number. They have parts and charts, pretty helpful site.

If it agitates ok, then it's probably not the coupler. The transmission could be bad. Not a DD expert, but that is a likely culprit. Do you see any oil leaks from under the machine?

 

[runematic]

Sounds like the tranny to me as well. Not too hard to replace. I keep a bunch of used ones around because this is quite common on these machines. as far as diagrams of the inside of the tranny, I'm not sure if there is such a thing. These are usually just replace type items.

 

[goprog]

Haven't taken the one apart I picked up yet that doesn't
spin (or agitate?), but I'm thinking of parts like these:

http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=423

http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=2690

http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=470685

http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=2670

Depends on what is wrong and how much time you want
to spend on it.

 

[DADoES]

If the link works ....

Job Aid L-55, Direct Drive Washers in .pdf format.

 

[goprog]

GREAT information! Now I won't be able to do my normal
learn by doing exercise... Troubleshooting information
will be really helpful. (Though if it turns out to be
the gearcase, I WILL be taking it apart to see what is
wrong and if an interior part(s) can be replaced.)

Best information is probably:

Page 35
10. SLOW OR NO SPIN.
NOTE: In diagnosing this problem, start the washer
in spin and see if the clutch drum spins. If it spins,
the problem is NOT INSIDE THE GEARCASE. If the clutch
drum does not spin, all or some of the problem is inside
the gearcase.

 

[brisnat81]

Spin Problems

Hi Chris,

I've got one of these in the shed at the moment.

The ears have broken off the top of the spin tube, and there is nothing directly holding the tub onto the spin shaft. It doesnt spin by itself, but if you get it started it'll spin empty, but not with clothes. When its turned off, does the tub spin freely?

Remove the agitator, and the Tub nut, and there should be two ears on the spin tube that are engaged into the shaft. If there isnt, you need a new spin tube.

 

[gizmo]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I won't get to the machine till Monday or Tuesday but I think it sounds like the spin tube thing.
I'll post back when I know.
Thanks again!

Chris.