[Spinman]

OEM Whirlpool Washer, circa 1981 - infrequent use - no service/maintenance to date - 1st repair issue:

The fill & empty cycle works properly, as does the timer.

The agitator will not move - completely stationary during wash agitation and spin cycles.

Motor is running - belt looks to be in good shape - and is turning.

Returned to the laundry room just before final spin cycle was scheduled - and noticed the problem. The agitator was working when load was started. So something happened during the most recent cycle.

There was a slight smell of something burning - at 1st I thought it was electrical - and then focused my examination to the washer. I'm assuming that it was not an electrical smell, but maybe a friction smell...I first thought the belt was slipping. Perhaps the clutch, or brakes?

When I moved the unit - the floor under the left rear corner of the unit (transmission area) was covered in a thin layer of yellow grease.

Appreciate any quick hints on what I need to do to diagnoise the unit and narrow down the problem. Hopefully a connector, rather than the transmission...

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

You probably have a bad tranny. Pull off outer case, remove pump and motor. Turn the transmission coupler counterclockwise. If the agitator never moves this confirms bad tranny.

[Spinman]

Placed the unit with the front panel on the ground and removed the rear access panel.
Loosened motor tension and removed belt.
Large pulley on transmission shaft is spinning free - no tension - is this normal?
Is there some sort of clutch that engages the pulley when drive power is required?

Not quite sure what the transmission coupler looks like - but there was a slightly tapered unit just below the pully that had several "fingers" extending from it (is this it?).

I was able to grab this with my fingers and it turned - there was some resistance - but I was easily able to turn it with my fingers. Turned both ways - turned the agiator in the tub in each direction.

Is the pully suppose to be loose - or is there a set screw that I should look for and tighten?
Am I looking for a clutch repair?

Thanks!

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

You might have a bad solenoid plunger,bad wigwag ,broken solenoid wire or bad timer or bad belt. Probability in descending order.

[Spinman]

Not at home at the moment - I'll put the belt back on the unit tonight and continue my diagnosis attempts. Thank you for your help!

Speaking from memory - I did notice that the wig-way was moving - but it did not seem to traveling the entire length of the track - only 1/2 way in & out.

In addition - other then moving in & out in the track, it did not seem to be accomplishing anything (not that I know what it should be doing).

With the wig-wag moving - does that eliminate anything from the checklist - and focus my analysis in a particular area?

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

With the washer full of water and turned on check the voltage between the yellow wire and white wire on wigwag. If no voltage=broken wire or bad timer, if voltage you either have a bad wigwag or busted solenoid plunger (pin broken off).