Washing machine repair.

I had the same problem with a Hoover 200M that had never had the agitator removed in 20 years. After I removed the bolt the agitator would only lift about a centimetre as if there was something else holding it. After reading as many reports as I could find, I decided that there was just the bolt and I would try brute force as some suggested. The way I finally got it off, after trying many things, was to lace a strong string through the top holes on the agitator. I used some old baling twine for this as it was the strongest thing I had. This gave me three loops of twine and I threaded one of the socket extensions through this to form a strong handle. I was then able to jerk it upwards vigorously. It took me about ten jerks but then it simply came up as if it was wondering what all the trouble was for. Cleaning the scaled mess underneath was actually an even harder task but now it is done, it was certainly worth the effort.

what are you wanting to clean?? most places are the pump & bowl under the agitator..

the pump is under the machine, some have a little plastic side hatch you open to get to the pump.

the bow is gotten to but removing the agitator, usually a thumb nut down the middle of agitator, and then pull up agitator to remove out the top,

soak up all the water & clean out the dirt & scale you find.

This is sometimes difficult as the agitator is somewhat pressed on. There is a special tool that can be used but it can be accomplished my hand.

Follow this link for precise instructions http://www.ehow.com/how_4870353_remove-agitator-maytag-washing-machine.html

How old is this machine? There are several small plastic tabs that make the agitator work and these break after time and have to be replaced. They are cheap and the repair should not be expensive if this is the case. This is the first place I would look. If you can spin it by hand and there is not much resistance that would be a good clue. I assume the motor is fine and it spins and pumps normaly? You might want to get the motor coupling replaced at the same time because they usually last about the same amount of time. This too is an easy and somewhat inexpensive repair.

sadly its the gear box have it replaced if the machine is old replace the washer as the gear box is a very expensive repair

good luck

I can't seem to get the Sears Parts site for your washer model number.

Can you verify that it's correct?

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.

In the interim, here is the Whirlpool Service manual for top load, direct drive washers.

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


Following is a procedure for removing the agitator(s) on top load washers.


http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=136

If you take the agitators out, I'd make sure that any "gunk" is cleaned off and check the splines inside the agitator and on the transmission agitator shaft.

It's probably not a serious problem.

They make agitator repair kits with the reversing dog ears and retainers. The only item number that I can come up with is 2921. You can order them from most appliance parts dealers. You need to determine if you need the one for long cam or short cam. Hope this helped somewhat. Good luck.

Hi Nyree,
Check the center of the agitator, where you add softener.
Remove by pulling up. It will be full of old softener.
It may be necessary to remove the whole agitator ( set screw on bottom).
The inside also gets full of old softener.

Good Luck.
PeterN

hi clare
have you taken the agitator out and cleaned it and under it after a while they build up a scale there
cheers grant

Check the paw. It is a plastic somewhat u shaped piece that sits on the bottom of the machine and is connected by a plastic lever and a solenoid. It usually breaks on the end and as such won't lock the gearbox in. If you keep running it like that there is every chance you will probably burn the motor out.