Kenmmore 70 series washer agitator keeps agitating. the machine washes fine but when it is time to drain the agitator keeps agitating. when the washer goes to spin cycle the agitator keeps agitating. Also washer will only a very small load, maybe 3 pair of jeans.

What does it do in the wash cycle?

Look for a blown capacitor if the other components are all fine.

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Either your timing motor has broken or the gears that it drives are stripped. The timing motor is easy to replace but if the gears are stripped you will need a whole new dial assembly.

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Hello. Since your machine is 18 years old and the agitation/spin is costly to repair I would definitely recommend a replacement washer.

I recently had this problem. It was found that the main drive belt broke and the washer would fill but not spin, agitate or drain. I replaced the belt and everything worked again. A defective or disconnected cover switch would also cause the same problem.

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.

Three places to look.

1. Assuming that this washer has a two piece agitator, I'd check the "agitator dogs" on the top section.

2. It's possible that the splines on the agitator have worn over time.

See the following description of how to remove the agitator.

Look inside the agitator at the splines.

3. It's also possible that the splines on the agitator shaft have worn.

With the agitator off, check the condition of the splines. If they are worn, the options are to replace the agitator shaft (disassembling the transmission) or replacing the transmission itself.

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Spins, pumps, won't agitate right: check THIS out


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the agitator dogs are problably remove agitator cap remove bolt holding agitator in ..dogs are part #80040

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.