Amana washer spins at only 200 rpm

[hleebeard@sbcglo]

I saw that I could easily spin the tub with my hands using the pulley after after it engages.     Then, I looked at the belt and saw it was glazed over.  After putting some solvent on it and scrubbing it on the sidewalk to break up the glaze, I let it dry somewhat and put it back on. Now it spins very fast ......for now.   Will put on a new belt asap.

[Repair-man]

That may well have been all that was wrong with the machine in the first place...we usually assume people look at the belt first, since it is the most obvious failure point. Guess we need to assume less and ask more

[JWWebster]

About those belts: If you do not sell them for a living it is hard to tell if they are bad. You have a sharp eye. Good work!!

[hleebeard@sbcglo]

Well I bought a new belt and put it on my NAV5805AWW.  I expected to get a fast spin like I got after I put solvent on the old belt, but no!  The tub spun at about 240 rpm again.  This is puzzling.  Do you think the drive pulley may be worn out.  It looks like it is made of cast zinc or aluminum.  How do I tell?  If the v-belt fits correctly will it ride high in the v of the pulley.  How high, should it be flush with the pulley rim?

[hleebeard@sbcglo]

Well, I checked the pulleys and they are not worn such that the new belt bottoms out in the vee.  Therefore, I then considered them good.  Just for grins I removed the .065" shim and put in the .0325.  Voila.  The washer spun the clothes much faster.  However, this is only one in a row.  I will spin some more loads and see if I finally have a fix.

[JWWebster]

Check that pump for a worn/stiff bearing in spin and look for bearing seperation in it. Look for obstackles inside it.

[Mr. Fix-It]

Also check the tensioner spring on the motor and that the motor slides back and forth freely.

[hleebeard@sbcglo]

Well it was one in a row with the .032 shim.  Appears I tested it with a very small load of clothes.  About 3 towels.  Then when wife washed a big big load it only spun about 200 rpm again.  Hmmm.  Well I put the .062 shim in there and now it spins well on a heavy load.  Remember the .062 shim would not work well on a very light load.  could it be a brake versus clutch "fine line" issue?   Anyway we were successful for now.

[hleebeard@sbcglo]

The pump turns easily and the spring appears to be installed in the motor which move around quite easily.  I am supprised how loose the motor is.