Whirlpool Washer Won't Spin, makes Humming Noise

[webberpeter]

I have a whirlpool washer model gsq9344eq0. A few months back I replaced the transmission, it was quite dead. When the trans was replaced, one half of the motor drive coupler assembly (the three prong white piece on the trans side and the black coupler piece) was also replaced. Three days ago, the basin was not spinning, although the motor sounded as if it was. I pulled the motor off and found that the axle on the motor had stripped out the plastic piece on the coupler. I replaced that part (With the new metal/plastic hybrid piece). I was able to run the washer for 5-6 loads. In hindsight, I feel like I may have smelled a faint 'burning' smell (at the time, I blew it off as dust burning off in the motor. Today, My wife tried to run a load, the load got to the point of rinse (and filled the tub), but stopped there.

After draining the basin and fiddling with it. I was able to observe the motor humming while in the spin cycle.  I took the whole thing apart, and found no mechanical binding: I can spin the basin by hand from the brake, I can spin the basin by hand from the transmission/clutch, I can spin the basin by hand from the motor/axle)
I ran the motor while disconnected from the transmission and the pump, and it spins freely. Once i reassembled things, I can still spin everthing freely by hand-- but when the motor attempts to engage, it hum. . .

I looked at the clutch and do not see anything obviously wrong with it (what should I be looking for). I also tested the start capacitor using the procedures found around the net, and it seems okay (granted, I don't have the equipment to test the quality of the cap, just that its working).  What else should I be looking at, or could it still be one of these two?

thanks for the help!

[AJ]

Could be a bad connection on the wire harness were it plugs into the motor. Well the motor is humming wiggle the wire harness were it plugs into the motor to see if the motor will kick in and run.

[webberpeter]

Tried, same result.

To clarify , if I removed the coupler to the trans it does spin...

[AJ]

So the motor runs during the agitation cycle, but only hums in the spin cycle?

If so I would disconnect the motor from the washer, but leave the wire harness plugged in. Then well the motor is humming see if you can give the shaft a spin by hand to get the motor running. If you can't spin it by hand at that point because it seems like the motor shaft is locked up then I would replace the timer, part # 3951912

[AJ]

Tried, same result.

To clarify , if I removed the coupler to the trans it does spin...

Sorry, just read the second line. Long day I should have went to bed a hour ago...

Hmm, seems something is physically keeping the motor from turning then.

[fairbank56]

Today, My wife tried to run a load, the load got to the point of rinse (and filled the tub), but stopped there.

  So, it didn't go into agitate? Did the motor hum at that point? Have you tried spin mode with empty tub and pump removed? Have you tried different speed settings to determine if it's happening only at a certiain speed? (3-speed motor)

Eric

[Earl Dryer]

Sound to me like a bad Start/Run Capacitor.

[fairbank56]

  The capacitor is a start capacitor only and may very well be damaged now that it has repeatedly been energized for long periods of time. Normally, this capacitor is in the circuit for less than a second while the motor gets up to speed, at which point it is switched out by the centrifugal switch. Start capacitors are not designed for continuous use and can be damaged very quickly if left energized.

Eric

[haroldsappliance]

Does this unit have a motor speed switch? That is always a possibility. If so, change the speed selection and see if it will preform normally. Check your pump for obstruction. Keep it simple.

[fairbank56]

  Already suggested that 

[webberpeter]

Thanks for the input.. I ran though the parts, and from my best guess it was either a clutch or the start capacitor (no speed switch on this motor). I too the cap to repairclinic, they tested it and it was fine. Their suggestion was to replace the motor.... so I did... and it's working great...

I'm not really happy about it... I did the trans 6 months ago, and debated heavily at that point just replacing the machine... now I'm almost 400$ in parts into this think in the past year... Just waiting for the timer to go out on it...

[AJ]

That's cool that you live close enough to RepairClinic that you we're able to stop in and have them check the capacitor.

Glad to hear you got it running again, thanks for the update.