Whirlpool Direct Drive (GSW9800PW2) Pausing During 1st Spin

[shanenc14]

I recently aquired a Whirlpool Gold Ultimate Care II Direct Drive washer in very good shape. Appears to be from approx. 2003-2006. All works well except one small, but very annoying issue.

Sometimes the washer pauses during the first spin as if someone pushed in the timer knob for about 5 seconds, and pulled it back out, and the unit starts spinning again, and fully completes the cycle without any other issues. The annoying part of this issue is that fabric softener that's added to the dispenser on top of the agitator gets released, and in turn, spun out, and wasted.

This doesn't happen on every cycle, and seems to be totally random. Any ideas on where to begin in troubleshooting this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Other than this issue, I love this machine, and plan on keeping it for as long as I can find parts to keep it running when something fails.

Got rid of a new Maytag "MVWB765xx" washer & dryer set and replaced it with the above used set, and don't plan on going back to "HE" machines!

 

[DADoES]

 
Assuming the problem isn't related to the timer not enacting the pauses correctly, then the neutral drain mechanism in the transmission is worn/malfunctioning.  Whirlpool part number 388253 is a low-cost repair kit that includes the relevant parts.  It's not difficult to install but requires pulling and opening the transmission.  That's a good opportunity to refresh the oil (90-wt gear oil) ... so can be a bit messy.

Regards to the timer pauses ... it should pause the motor for a few seconds after each agitate period (wash or rinse), restart the motor for drain without spinning, then pause again for a few seconds and resume to engage spin. The neutral drain mechanism mechanically sets during agitation to prevent the spin gear inside the transmission from rotating when the motor first reverses after agitation (neutral drain).  The lock releases when the motor stops (2nd pause), and then the spin gear engages when the motor starts again.  Both pauses are necessary for neutral drain and then spin to function properly.  (Opening the lid during neutral drain has the same effect as a timer pause, so spin will start immediately when it's closed.)

There are videos on YouTube detailing the procedure ... one is linked below.

Alternative is replace the transmission as a whole.

 

[shanenc14]

DADoES,

Thanks for your quick reply.

If for instance, the problem is in the timer, is it still possible for the issue to randomly happen, and not on every cycle?

If it's the transmission, what's your opinion on total replacement vs neutral drain kit and/or Refurb vs Factory New gearcase? Just curious as to what other's personal opinion would be.

I know these machines seem pretty easy to work on, even for a novice, which is one of the reasons I really don't want to let go of it unless it begins to really drain my wallet. They simply do not make them like this anymore, and most likely never will... everything's disposable now.

Thanks again for your input!

 

[lorainfurniture]

It’s definitely the gearcase. Go for the rebuild. It’s very simple if you have some mechanical inclination

 

[coldspot66]

If the motor pauses then restarts on its own, sounds like a timer or loose connection of some sort.

 

[shanenc14]

Just a thought... Does the lid switch on these models stop agitation AND spinning or just any part of the cycle where the unit is spinning?

 

[combo52]

Its differently the timer if the whole machine and motor stops

 

[shanenc14]

Yes, it goes silent. Happened again last night, and during the pause I didn't hear the pump running or anything. Pump runs continuously when the motor is running on direct drive, right? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[brisnat81]

If it’s workinf the way Whirlpool built it, At the end of the wash, it should pause. When it restarts, it should pump out. After a couple of minutes it will pause again, there will be a clunk and it will start to spin.

If the neutral drain solution is worn, at the end of the wash it will pause and then with a clunk it will start to spin and drain simultaneously. Then after a couple of minutes, it will pause, the tub will stop spinning and then it will start to spin again. It is because it starts to spin too early that the spin pauses and the fabric softener is lost.

 

[pierreandreply4]

do your whirlpool direct drive washer sometime skip the first spin and start filling for the first rinse if it do that then it might be a defective timer motor maybe you should look into this know by experience since the inglis superbII direct drive washer that I had from 1993 to 2005 had to have the timer replace since it was pausing and skiping the frist spin on normal cycle?

 

[shanenc14]

Brisnat81:

I think you may have it. Would changing the gearcase oil solve the issue or am I looking at a total gearcase replacement here?

 

[DADoES]

 
This video shows the difference between a properly functioning neutral drain and a malfunctioning neutral drain.

1 min 20 secs to 3 mins 34 secs shows proper function -- agitate, pause, drain, pause, spin.  The narration explains regards to the rinse sequence but it functions exactly the same after the wash period (although perhaps without the spray rinses).  You can see the basket move slightly due to motor inertia when the neutral drain lock releases at the second motor pause (although that doesn't necessarily occur in every instance of neutral drain release).

3 mins 35 secs shows neutral drain fail.  It doesn't show the second pause and restart of spin but that will occur ... which in your case of using softener, the softener will release prematurely when spin/(drain) stops and spin resumes.

Just changing the oil is not an assured fix.  You need to change the neutral drain components with the Whirlpool part number kit that I referenced above to be sure the problem is solved.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LVaj-mK-nQ

 

[shanenc14]

Well, after watching DADoES's video, and following the instructions to test the neutral drain...I suppose it's time to get my hands dirty in the next few days and replace the neutral drain kit in the gearcase. Thanks a million for all the help guys!

 

[shanenc14]

Hi guys,

Another question about replacing the Neutral Drain Kit. I've been unable to find a gasket for the transmission/gearcase. Is there a OEM/Whirlpool approved gasket making material that I can use to seal the tranny back once the kit is replaced?

 

[DADoES]

 
There is no gasket, the transmission cover is glued on with a sealant.

Check at 7:45 on the video I linked in the first reply way above for that fellow's choice of sealant.

Clean/scrape off all the residue from the original sealant to insure a good seal.  Apply a thin, even layer of the new sealant to the rim of the cover ... it'll compress and ooze out some when the screws are tightened. Let it sit for 24 hrs to dry/cure before installing back into the machine.

 

[eurekastar]

I hope your repair is a success! I just did the exact repair. It can be a little messy but very straightforward. Glenn's advice and direction is very helpful.

 

[mrb627]

??

Didn't they use a cork gasket/seal at one point?
My memory is hazy.

Malcolm

 

[shanenc14]

Finally Getting Around To It...

Finally getting around to replacing the Neutral Drain kit in the gearcase. Before I get it torn down, does anyone know what size socket is used to remove the bolts that hold the cover on?

If I remember correctly, its 1/2" to remove the 3 retaining bolts that hold the gearcase in, just wanna get all needed tools together before I start ripping everything down, as it's gonna be messy.

Thx Everyone

 

[shanenc14]

Changing Oil Required?

When replacing the neutral drain kit, is it required to drain and replace the oil in the gearcase, if the oil currently in the gearcase is still in good shape? Also, if draining the oil, what solution would you recommend using to thin out the oil and clean the internal parts when changing the oil with new 80w-90 gear oil?