Kenmore 70 series washer pausing for long interval through cycle

Check door switch: If the lid switch is bad it will not drain or spin. Try this test: With lid open let it finish wash cycle. Press lid switch down with screwdriver. Washer should begin draining. Release switch. Motor should stop. Press switch a second time. Washer should start spinning as it continues to drain. If motor doesn't come on while lid switch is pressed, replace the switch. OR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q942xn_2VXY
Click if helped.

If this has always stopped during the rinse cycle, most likely it's the "cool down" part of the rinse cycle.

See the following Sears site for manuals. Enter your model number and you should be able to download the proper manual for your washer.

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/

Note after reading a bunch of information. I went home and removed the hose from the Level Switch and "clean it", if you will and re-attached. Started a load, and bingo bango bongo, it work. Thanks for the insight.

sounds like the timer to me

Lid switch problem. Press down on lid and try to start machine. Reply.

check the lid switch some washers will fill and was with the lid open but will not spin, if the lid is closed manually actuate the lid switch or bypass it electrically, or replace it.

Timer is defective. Your unit has a netural drain. When finished agitating, the shuts down and then starts up reversing to drain and spin. On the initial reverse start, the water drains without the transmission spinning. After a timed period 3-4 minutes, the timer is supposed to pause, stopping the motor for a few seconds. When the motor stops again, the transmission shift to the spin cycle and when the timer resumes power tothe motor it should spin. You are doing the same thing when you lift the lid...stopping the timer and then the tranny shifts and when you set the lid down, the washer spins. Replace the timer.......

The problem is most likely the lid switch

the timer it bad. there is a contact inside it that has gotten stuck. replace the timer to fix problem

You most likely have a broken coupler between the motor and gearcase.
You can buy the part for about $10 or have someone come out and replace it for about $150-200.
If you will post the complete model number from the the washer so I can see which style cabinet you have, I will try to walk you through the repair. It isn't very complicated if you are handy with home repairs.
With the age of the machine it probably just needs a coupler, but it could also have a problem in the transmission or basket drive that has caused the failure.