Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - GE Top load washer agitates but does not spin. any ideas?

GE Top load washer: can agitate, but will not spin.
Model Number: WBSE6280B2WW, Serial: ZD120150G

Hello.
Thanks for taking a look at my problem.
I just bought a house and the associated GE Top Load washing machine. The house was built in 2002, so I suspect the washing machine is of similar vintage. The problem has been present from my first attempt to use the washer, so I do not know exactly how long the problem has been present.
The washer seems to be completely functional through various combinations of hot/cold long/short load cycles, with the exception that the Spin cycle does not occur. The agitator does appear to vigorously spin in both directions during the wash cycle.

My father and I removed the front cover to expose the inner workings of this beast. Pics here: Picasa Web Albums - slink - Washing Machine (http://picasaweb.google.com/kkissam/WashingMachine?feat=email#) ) When the light on the top indicates that the spin cycle should begin, I observe that the pump does pump all of the water out of the tub. At that point, I would expect the spin cycle to start. Instead, the motor soon gets *very* hot and after a couple minutes, I detect a faint electrical smell. Previous to this, during the regular wash cycle, I see that the motor and the pulley assembly seems to be working fine.

I have performed this troubleshooting with the guide on the Acme site:
• Test the lid switch: My lid switch seems to be completely functional. I can open the lid, hear it a click and the agitator stops. I close the lid, and the agitator immediately starts. Seems ok.
• Test the timer control: not sure how to do this step. Would welcome any suggestions
• Test the centrifugal switch: not sure how to do this step. Would welcome any suggestions
• Test the water level switch: my water level switch seems to be okay. I observe that the tube on the water level switch appears to be free from debris. I removed the tube from the bottom (where it connects to the basin) and blew into it. This makes a click, which triggers a change my father measured with a multimeter.
• Inspect the motor coupler: my unit has a belt, I ignored this step.
• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only): the drive belt appears to be in good shape. In the middle of the two pulleys, I can push it in maybe 1/8”, maybe just a tad farther if I push really hard.
• Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch): no soot present
• Test the motor: not sure how to do this step. Would welcome any suggestions
• Inspect the pulley: looks okay.
• Test the transmission: not sure how to do this step. Would welcome any suggestions

So, basically, I’m stuck. I would really appreciate any ideas, or I would also appreciate the feedback that this is a deadend and I need to call in an expert who can take a look. Thanks again for reading my post!

Carl

Model # does not work please CK. Ge has a problem with motor and clutch going bad. New ones come with motor, clutch and lower wiring harness. Usual cause of your problem. Check to make sure lid switch is good first.

Thanks pugsl.

Oops, typo on the model number: WNSE6280B2WW.

I did check the lid switch. How can I test the motor/clutch assembly, or is this just something that I need to call someone for?

Forgot the test procedures usually just change it when I find problem. Here is a link to your parts.
GE | Model #WNSE6280B2WW | WASHER | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getModel!retrieve.pd?modelNumber=WNSE6280B2WW&pop=flush)
May be able to get cheaper on e bay. Don't like GE washers I would replace it.

that model doesnt have a clutch. they use a capacitor instead now.

that said make sure the wires are pluged into the capacitor.

when it doesnt spin is there any noise at all?

David: when it doesn't spin, there is no noise. I have the front cover off and start a wash. The bin fills nicely and the agitator seems to move aggressively - just like a healthy washer. At that time, I see the motor driving the belt and all is well. Then, I watch the light on the panel switch to "Spin" part of the cycle. The only noise is the pump draining the water - if there's another noise, it's so faint that it's so soft that the pump noise overwhelms it.

David/Pugls/anyone: could you please help me to determine the correct part? The clutch/no clutch is a curveball.

Part number WH49X10035 is the motor kit + clutch (GE Washer Motor 2 Speed WH49X10035 helpfulitem.com (http://www.helpfulitem.com/product/WH49X10035/GEWasherMotorandClutchKitWH49X100352Speed.aspx))

vs.

Part number WH20X10019 is the clutchless motor: 2 spd clutchless motor/motor assembly 2 speed psc, Part #WH20X10019 | Laundry Appliances | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/showPart.pd?partNumber=WH20X10019&productGroupId=0026&supplierId=363&documentId=G0210090&pageId=00004&searchModelNumber=WNSE6280B2WW&backToLink=Return%20to%20part%20list&subCompDesc=SUSPENSION,%20PUMP%20&%20DRIVE%20COMPONENTS)

Thanks again for the help!

most likely the control board. if the motor was bad it wouldnt agitate either.

dont believe its the lid switch because on that model it wont agitate with lid up. may want to confirm this by raising lid while agitating and see if it stops. if not the lid switch could be bad.

Not sure which parts to try:

Controls asm: Number: WH12X10220

or

Control panel asm: Number: WH42X10460


Any recommendation?

you dont need the panel. you may need the board

Update!

I replaced the Board - no dice
I also replaced the Motor - no dice

I also carefully watched a cycle with the front cover removed and must confess that my original description was inaccurate.

The water fill, agitate and pump out all perform correctly. Then, with the cover off, I can hear a "clunk" sound as soon as the water finishes draining (previously I had answered that there was _not_ a sound). The clunk sound occurs identically with the new motor and the old motor.

When the wash cycle occurs, the belt turns clockwise. I can disconnect the power and turn the belt clockwise and rotate fine; however, when I try to turn the belt counter-clockwise, I can move the belt about a 1/4 turn and it binds - if I continue to rotate it counter-clockwise, I get an identically sounding "clunk".

Is it possible that this thing spins counter-clockwise and washes clockwise? Any recommendations based on this new information?

Thanks!

yes. spin and agitate are different directions

transmission could be seized