Maytag Performa top load washer buzzing when should be spinning

[martyshel]

I've got a '97 model top load Maytag Performa washer. When it gets to the spin cycle, the motor sometimes buzzes and sometimes does nothing.... but there is no spinning. I turned it over and it appears that the motor is loose, i.e. I can wobble it pretty good and it appears that the pulley that is attached to the motor has got the belt in a bind. I took off the back panel to try and get to the motor, but with no luck. I can see that there are 2 mounting screws holding the motor down, but there doesn't appear to be on on the other side. Should there be? How can I better access the motor? Is this a common malfunction? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Marty,
Longview, TX

[HayZee518]

I do servicing on commercial maytag-s at a local laundromat. The motor base is spring loaded and it mounts with two tangs and two bolts into the machine's base. There are two belts. one goes to the transmission in the center, the other goes to the pump in the right lower cabinet. Tension on these belts is outward from the center by means of springs on the motor mount. This motor uses a centrifugal switch to operate. there is a start winding and a run winding. When the motor winds up, the centrifugal switch opens cutting out the start winding. In your case could be the transmission is jammed so the motor never gets beyond the start winding function. In one direction you have the agitator function, in the opposite direction you get the spin and pump operation. check the transmission.

[martyshel]

10-4.... what's the best way to get to the transmission? Do I need to take the outer cover off the machine..... do I need to remove the bowl? How do I tell if the transmission is bad or not?

[HayZee518]

The machines I've worked with have two phillips head screws near the bottom of the front panel on either side. Remove these screws and the front panel pulls out. There may be two spring clips on top holding the top cover. The tub and transmission is in the center. There's a round cover on the transmission and its filled with oil. If you can get your hands underneath, rotate the large pulley in one direction and then the other. One direction gives you agitation, the other drops it in the spin cycle where the agitator and drum lock for spin. If it is very difficult to turn in spin, you'll have to take apart the transmission to see what is binding.

[martyshel]

I think I've got it narrowed down to the motor. I took the belt off and the pump pulley and main (bowl) pulley turn easily. The motor pulley, however, is rather difficult to turn. I plugged it in and hit the spin cycle and all I got was a buzzing noise again.... motor pulley was not turning. The motor would buzz for a few seconds, click off, and then buzz again and I smelled an electrical burning odor. I checked all of the electrical connections and grounds and they looked good. Anybody got a link to where I can purchase this fine piece of machinery? Are there any tricks to taking it off (high tension springs, etc....)? I'm off to draw a wiring diagram.

[HayZee518]

go to www dot repairclinic dot com - type in yout model number and their parts detective will take you to an exploded diagram and parts list for your machine. I've done business with this company and turn around time is about a week. you can make a test cord to test your motor. look in my profile and send me an email. I'll make a diagram and send the motor test lead setup to you.