I just installed a new coupler on my Kenmore 110 washer. Now when I turn it on, something is burning. It spins ok, but is noisy and smells like something is burning. I checked the agitator by hand and it is rotating normally. What should I do next?

your dogs may be bad in the agitater.. if u open the lid and turn the agitater back and forth does it rachet or does it turn freely both ways?

It could be the grease. It could run without noise if it was not installed all the way. Here is a link for properly installing Motor coupler video Now if everything looks right it is probally just the grease.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

The first thing I'd do is pull the cabinet off and check for a broken / damaged Motor Coupler.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=137

OR

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385250-replacing_motor_coupling_kenmore_top

The coupler is a three piece unit that is designed to break if there is too much load on the motor or transmission. The "burning" plastic that you smell may be the plastic pieces that mount on the motor and transmission rubbing against each other.

If the coupler is OK, a couple of other places to check are the Lid Switch, Timer and finally the transmission.

Following is the Whirlpool installation and maintenance guide (PDF) on top load direct drive washers that may give you a better idea of where to look.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/f7e2147fa98b28cf85257122007475cb/$FILE/L-55.pdf

time to replace the belt , might need a tub bearing too / tentioner pully might have froze . remove the back panel with the washer unpluged look to see if the tentioner is at its fullest possition if so replace the belt .

You lost a seal in the gear-box, needs a new one, burning rubber smell is from the belt slipping and the gear-box being low on oil giving too much resistance on the belt.
Don't run it until you solve the oil leak and refill with oil

you had the clutch coupling replaced sometimes i have noticed that the smell will last a few loads but no more than that

Hi Karen,
It is not normal to smell a burning smell after a new coupler install. If the pump is not held on the motor with two clamps then it will raise off of the motor and strip the pump. This would cause the burning smell and also cause you to need a new pump. Before you use it again install the second pump clamp. If you cant find it let me know and we can ship you one over. Contact us anytime m-f 9-5. (865)945-3808
Anderson Appliance Parts and Service
Michael Anderson (Owner)

it sounds like he did not install the new coupler correctly. if it is not installed correctly it will rub on itself and burn some of the rubber. it will also make the part fail sooner. the part looks like this.

the rubber piece between the 2 plastic pieces is what is being pinched. the "professional" should redo the job. the coupler only costs him about $5.00 and it only takes 10 minutes to change.

ok " sounds like motor belts need replaceing, that smell is the loose belt rubbing against the motor pully.

Sounds like the motor coupling has broken, fairly inexpensive part but does require some finesse to install. let me know if you decide to attempt it.