Whirlpool washing machine - no start, motor hums. Bad motor or cap?

[LeeH]

I get the same results on all cycles. Motor just hums. I've read multiple posts on applicance board from folks with the same symptoms. A few were timer issues. Most were either capacitors or motors. What do you think?

Whirlpool WTW5800SWO

[LWJ]

Upright? By no start, you mean it doesn't agitate?

Let's assume that the motor is turning and the agitator is not. There is a gizmo that transfers power from the motor to the gearbox. Costs $18-25. Super easy replacement on upright whirlpools. I had this recently. They come apart like legos or something.

If it is a front load, all bets are off.

Good luck!
Larry

[LeeH]

Top loader. There's no movement at all. It hums when it should be filling, agitating, or draining.

[pete3799]

Try this place.
Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man - Do-it-yourself appliance repair help for all major appliance brands and models.

[widgeon13]

I have had to replace the belt on our top loader.

[kaisen]

Sounds like a capacitor

[74-911]

Originally Posted by LeeH

Top loader. There's no movement at all. It hums when it should be filling, agitating, or draining.

If it won't fill or drain, it's probably the timer. On all the top loads we've had the filling of the tub has nothing to do with the motor.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I have had to replace the belt on our top loader.

My thoughts too. And an easy fix.

[LeeH]

Well, turns out it's none of the above. The pump seized. Now I need to figure out how to change that with the tub full of water! Should be fun!

[LWJ]

It is easy. Clips off. New one clips on.

Draining it WILL suck however.

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by LWJ

It is easy. Clips off. New one clips on.

Draining it WILL suck however.

Not as bad as I thought. Just siphoned most of the water with a hose. Then, spin, Shop Vac, spin. Shop Vac.

Oh... did I mention that my 12 year old does her own laundry? The sock has become one with the impeller. Oh well. Looking on the bright side, the $20 bill I found underneath the washer will pay for half of the new pump!

[herr_oberst]

Cuppla questions; First off, you're joking about the 20! I never get that lucky.

2nd, what was your 12 year old doing wrong that caused a sock to get sucked into the pump?

[azasadny]

Good work!!

[pete3799]

Our washer stopped draining once.......found a piece of plastic wedged in the impeller.
Pulled it out and all has been fine since.
If you can pull that sock out it might come back to life.

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Cuppla questions; First off, you're joking about the 20! I never get that lucky.

2nd, what was your 12 year old doing wrong that caused a sock to get sucked into the pump?

No joke! There was a $20 bill under there! Not sure exactly how it ended up under the washing machine, but it did make me smile!

The sock had to pass between the small gap between the metal basket and the plastic tub. Probably just happened during a very hasty loading of the machine. We've had a lesson. Told her next time she buys the pump.

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by pete3799

Our washer stopped draining once.......found a piece of plastic wedged in the impeller.
Pulled it out and all has been fine since.
If you can pull that sock out it might come back to life.

It's not coming out without a fight. Can't see it in the picture, but the sock is sticking out both sides of the pump. It's pretty well wrapped up in there. Plus, there was a little water leaking from the center of the pump. I'd rather pay the $40 and put a new one in while it's apart. I'd have to crack it open to get the sock out, which I may do, just for fun.

[Bill Douglas]

Good skills. The money that would have been spent on a repairman can now be spent on Christmas ham or wine instead - much more fun.

[MBAtarga]

or can be spent at the local Goodwill store buying more watches!

[scomiro]

Turn on the water , had the same deal w/mine , also the inlet gets clogged and the thing is sucking air.

[snelson1]

Had same problem - found bra pad in pump. Removed pad from pump and machine works again. Glad I found your post. Been struggling with this for a couple of days. Thanks so much!