[Russ59]

Our Amana was purchased new in May 1999. It will not spin or agitate. It fills, drains, and cycles through just fine, but the drum and agitator won't move. It makes the sounds like the agitator wants to move but won't.

I've inspected the belt it looks fine (no belt buggers on the surface or cracks etc.). I don't see any oil spills or water leaks. The motors don't have an odd smell etc. The lid safety switch appears to act normally (stops everything when opened etc.).

My question is, does this sound like a fatal problem? I don't want to spend more than $200 on a repair. I'm assuming it has something to do with the transmission (gearbox?) not engaging properly.

Thanks
Russ

[PS Staff - Sheila]

You may have two problems.

Tip the washer back and remove the belt.

Spin the pulley counter clock wise and see if the cam is engaging.

Check the break pad and see if they are worn.

Here is a link to your washer model LWA50AW.

[Russ59]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

You may have two problems.

Tip the washer back and remove the belt.

Spin the pulley counter clock wise and see if the cam is engaging.

Check the break pad and see if they are worn.

Here is a link to your washer model LWA50AW.

Thanks!

I got the belt off. That was easy!

I was able to spin the pulley and the drum engaged. I spun it the other way and the agitator moved again. Would this indicate that the gearbox is OK?

Not sure how to check the brake pads.

Thanks for your.

By the way, I purchased an LG WM0642HW from Home Depot for delivery in a few days. If I can diagnose and repair this one, I'll cancel my LG order!

[Russ59]

Thanks Sheila for the pointers. The drum and agitator spin when I turn the pulley. I thought that strange. So I reconnected the belt and turned the washer on. Looking at the motor more closely (and in motion during a cycle), I discovered that the motor was spinning normally, but the motor pulley was not! I surmised that the pulley was 1) stripped off the motor shaft (thinking it's a press-on pulley), 2) the chuck key had backed out and needed tightening or 3) that the chuck key/pin had snapped. Using the motor/parts diagram, I discovered that this model uses a roll pin to keep the pulley attached to the motor shaft. I got a pair of pliers and removed the remaining pin. I then lined up pulley and shaft holes. It looks like the replacing of the roll pin should do the trick!

And to think that I placed an order for a new LG 0642HW from Home Depot just hours ago!!!!!!!

While do this I found that the belt is quite hammered (cracked and frayed). Do replace the belt, do I have to separate the pump and motor?

Thanks
Russ

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Yes to replace the belt you must separate the pump and motor.

It is a easy repair but the you may have to pry the pump off the motor shaft.