Top load direct drive washer won't spin, loud noise, but coupler appears intact? Kenmore type 400 110.28422700

[dohertyc9]

I have a Kenmore top loader which agitates, drains, but makes a loud machine-gun sound when trying to spin. Opening the lid stops the sound so I'm pretty sure the lid switch is fine. With an empty tub the agitator will slowly spin a little (I jumped the lid switch) but the tub does not. 

I pulled out the pump and motor and took out the coupler. It appears intact. I replaced the coupler and reassembled the motor and then I ran the spin cycle with the machine tilted backwards. I observe the coupler spinning fast during the spin cycle. 

Based on YouTube videos and repair articles I've read, it seems like either 1. the clutch is completely slipping, or 2. the transmission itself is shot.

What do you think? Is it salvageable?

Thanks!

 

 

[vee8power]

Does the clutch spin when it's making noise ? If not, it's the transmission. If the clutch is spinning normally, take the agitator off and check the top of the basket drive where it mates with the aluminum drive  block.

[dohertyc9]

 

8 minutes ago, vee8power said:

Does the clutch spin when it's making noise ? If not, it's the transmission. If the clutch is spinning normally, take the agitator off and check the top of the basket drive where it mates with the aluminum drive  block.

Cool, thanks for replying!

The clutch is spinning. 

I took the agitator off. The aluminum portion starts to weakly spin and then stops.

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

It's a bad transmission, the main spin gear which is a nylon/plastic material has stripped out.

[vee8power]

1 hour ago, Budget Appliance Repair said:

It's a bad transmission

The transmission most likely is the problem. I was trying to rule out a worn out drive block, but it does sound like a bad transmission.

At least now, with the agitator off, you've completed the firs step of the transmission replacement if that's what you want to keep the machine. That's a reliable model; the plastic timer being one possible exception.  Replace the motor coupling to and check the agitator dogs too. 

These guys have great retail prices:

https://partsdr.com/part/3360629-transmission

 

[dohertyc9]

Thanks! Looks like it's a $150-ish repair vs getting a used one for $100-200 here. So it comes down to if I want to haul a washer up and down the stairs...

Do you think I need to replace / check the clutch while I'm at it?

The agitator dogs visually look intact and they seem to catch and prevent the agitator from spinning both ways

I will go ahead and replace the coupler since that was cheap and I already ordered it. 

 

 

[vee8power]

22 hours ago, dohertyc9 said:

The agitator dogs visually look intact and they seem to catch and prevent the agitator from spinning both ways

 

Then they're good

22 hours ago, dohertyc9 said:

Do you think I need to replace / check the clutch while I'm at it?

 

If the machine spun  ok before the noise, the clutch is probably ok. Definitely look at it for rust, oil, or loose parts though.