Whirly DD Problem

[danemodsandy]

Hi:

It seems my trusty 1988 DD Whirlpool Design 2000 washer might not be so trusty any more. When I popped in a load today, the machine made a loud grinding sound, and would not begin agitation. I gave the agitator a spin by hand, and she started right up and went through a full cycle normally, no further problems. But I'm worried; this is a 19-year-old machine, and I have a total dumbass of a housemate who is absolute hell on it. Could this be the usual DD Whirly coupler problem, or does anyone have any more ideas? I definitely want to keep this machine.

 

[whirlcool]

I would think that if it was a coupler problem, it wouldn't agitate at all. Sounds more like a motor or transmission problem to me.
Our 1993 Whirlpool just started making clicking noises when agitatiing the other day. The clicking appears to be coming from the bottom of the machine, so it looks like a new transmission is in our future.

 

[danemodsandy]

OY.

Thanks! I do intend to save this machine, even though my dum-dum housemate has done his double-damnedest to kill it. It's a matched pair with the Design 2000 dryer; I don't really like mismatched washers and dryers, since my laundry space is open to view.