Clothes Washer Maintenance from Schmeg.com

  

MOTOR JUST HUMS-
Try tightening the terminals/wires on the motor. Loose connections at this point can cause the motor to "hum," but not start. The wires sometimes vibrate loose from the terminals. If this is not the problem, suspect a burned out motor. You can replace the motor with a new one by simply turning off the power, disconnecting the wires, and removing the mounting bolts.

MOTOR RUNS, AGITATOR DOESN'T-
Most likely, this is a broken drive belt problem. Or the belt could be slipping on the pulleys, or the pulley could be slipping on the shaft of the motor. If a slipping pulley is the problem, try tightening the pulley by turning a set screw that holds it to the drive shaft of the motor. The screw may be in the hub of the pulley under the drive belt or at the hub of the pulley on the motor.

WASHER FILLS SLOWLY-
This could be one of two problems:

1) The water faucets to which the machine is connected are not turned fully on. Or, it could be the water pressure in your area is not up to par. Check the water utility company if you suspect that this could be the problem.
2) The inlet screens in the hoses connecting et machine to the water faucets are blocked wit sediment. Some machines have two sets of screens: at the faucets and at the inlet valves.

WRONG WATER TEMPERATURE-
First, make sure that the water is turned on fully at the faucet connections. Then, make sure the water is hot (or cold) coming from a kitchen or lavatory tap (just in case the water heater is not working properly).

If the water supply to the machine is okay, flip the water selector to "hot." If there is no water coming into the machine, flip the selector to "warm." If the machine receives only cold water, the hot water valve probably is defective. This is a job for a pro to check and replace.

CONTINUING WATER FLOW-
Chances are the plunger in the water valve is stuck open.First, turn off the electricity to the washer. If the water stops, the problem is an electrical one. If the water keeps running, the plunger is definitely stuck open.

Try turning off both hot and cold water to the machine. Then turn both back on quickly. A small jolt may unstick the valve. If not, the valve will have to be removed, and the screens, diaphragm, and plungers cleaned and/or replaced. This is a job that you can do. Turn off the power to the machine and turn off the water at the faucets. Then remove the inlet hoses at the water inlet valves and remove the water inlet valve. The component parts on most washers are simple to clean and replace.

WASHER SNAGS CLOTHING-
Try reducing the size of the wash. A heavy load can cause tearing.

Check the smoothness of the agitator and make sure a "fin" hasn't cracked or broken off the unit. The basket surface could be rough, which can cause tearing. Replace the part in either case.

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