Whirlpool washing machine issue

[kevo1385]

Hi there,

Here is what type of washing machine I have:

Whirlpool - 3.5 cu. ft. top load washer; Model #WTW4800BQ

Purchased July 2014 (10 years old this month)

This issue popped up about two weeks ago and I haven’t used my washing machine since in fear it may be a dangerous problem. I started to smell a really strong odor after my rinse (and spin) cycle. The odor smells like motor oil or something similar. I tried Googling the issue but couldn’t find a specific diagnosis, although I did come across multiple “burning smell” results. The most popular result during my search was that it could be related to the belt, which would emit a burning rubber smell. I don’t know what burning rubber smells like so I can’t say for sure that that’s what it is. Does burning rubber smell like motor oil?

It has been two weeks since I last used my washer but I can still smell the odor inside the barrel of the washer or when the lid is open. It’s not as strong as when I first smelled it but it’s still noticeable. When the lid is closed I can faintly smell it but only when I get close to the lid.

I started doing research for a new washing machine but figured I’d see if I can try to fix it myself before dropping hundreds of dollars on a new one. That said, does anyone have an idea of what the issue might be and if this is something I can troubleshoot myself? Does burning rubber have a similar smell to motor oil?

Any help/advice/opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If you have questions about my issue please feel free to ask and I’ll answer as best as I can.

Thanks in advance; I really appreciate any help I can get.

 

[retro-man]

1st step I would take is to remove the front panel and look around with a light to see the condition of the belt and also check to see if the transmission is leaking fluid. That would give you that burnt oil smell. I had one like this that had that smell and it was my transmission leaking. Put a rebuilt one in and it lasted a few more years and that one started leaking. Good luck in your search.

Jon

 

[DADoES]

 
This is a VMW model, there's no removable front panel.  Service access is from the bottom.

Set it to Drain & Spin to check if the pump runs and the drive motor runs for spin.

Tip the machine back for access beneath to have a look-see for belt debris on the floor and visual evidence of damage. A plastic shield covers belt and motor and transmission pulleys.  Easy to remove the two bolts that anchor the shield for a direct look.

 

[kevo1385]

Thanks, guys! I’ll check and report back. I’m hoping it’s not the transmission and I can salvage this machine instead of buying a new one.

 

[bpetersxx]

going to research

How much does a machine cost

so I can approximate costs

 

[kevo1385]

Sorry for the delay; it’s been a busy week. I moved the washing machine and there’s some sort of liquid on the floor directly where the center of the washer would be. This is transmission fluid, correct? See attached picture.

To answer the second question, the new washer I’m looking to purchase is around $675 with taxes, parts, removal and installation. I took a quick look at how much a transmission would cost and it looks like ~$250 with taxes, not including shipping.

 

[kalanikaau1]

new washing machine

If you are inclined to buy another top load machine, the only model of choice, IMHO is a Speed Queen TC5, avoid the TR series.

Yes the machine is $$$, but what price for a solidly made in USA product with excellent dependability?

 

[kevo1385]

I’ve seen the Speed Queen TC5 recommendations on multiple sites and YouTube. My local appliance store has it ON SALE for $1330 before taxes, delivery, parts, and installation (all in all an additional $300+). I don’t know if my budget can afford something like that at this time, especially since I’ll have to replace my 20-year-old dryer this fall. I’ll have to give it some thought before making a decision.

Thanks and I appreciate your recommendation.

 

[DADoES]

 
What's brand/model of dryer and what's wrong with it that's not suitable for repair?