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2 things First is that I assume this not to be a 1 piece agitator. If it was the whole thing should turn back n forth Make sure its top (nut) fastner is tight. Usually just push down slightly and turn Clockwise.
A sectioned agitator has a lower section separate fro the upper. The lower can be attached to the agitator shaft and will move back n forth but the top has teeth that engage 1 way and allow slippage when the agitator comes back the other way. This "ratchet" action (some whirlpool older models that i have seen) if it has teeth ground off or grease build up under the teeth can cause them to stop agitating and just kind of sit there.
Drain and remove the clothes, Take the top by hand and try turn it back n forth see if bottom moves. If the top is slipping and the bottom stays put remove the top nut (turn Counter Clock Wise) and try remove the upper section. If you can get it off you may be able to see why its not turning, and get the part to fix it.
Please let me know if this helped you. Rate me with as high a mark as you can. thanks and good luck.
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It sounds like you have a bad agitator coupling. I think the coupling is what you are calling the bottom gear. In any case it is a yellow bell shaped coupling. http://www.appliance-repair-it.com/GE-washer.html
Your agitator dogs are worn out. Remove the agitator and seperate the upper section from the lower section. There are 4 small teardrop shaped pieces that are the agitator dogs. They have either come apart over time or at least the teeth have worn off them.
Post back with any questions. Please verify the model number. I couldn't pull up a parts list for it. I know the last digit should be a 0 (zero) instead of an o.
Thanks/Mike
If the bottom agitates and not the top, the problem is likely the 4 "agitator dogs" designed to allow the top agitator to turn only one way.
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.
and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.
Look at the section on the Sears site for Agitator, basket and tub.
See the part "Dog, agitator "
Remove the fabric softener unit, lift the top agitator cap (use a screwdriver) and you should see a plastic part in the center of the top agitator with a 1/2" square drive.
Remove the drive and lift off the top agitator. Turning it over you should see the 4 "dogs", replace these and the top agitator should turn in one direction only.
Replace the 1/2" drive, the cap and fabric softener unit and the top agitator should work.
Also see the following illustrated description of the above.
you have to replace the dog's in the top ov the agitator.the part# ror this part is WPL80040462.the cost is $4.62.to replace the dog's you nead to remove the fabrick sofeiner assembly from the top of the agitator.next you nead to remove the top cap.now you nead to use a 7/16 socket to remove the bolt in the agitator.now you nead to grab the agitator at the bottom and pull it up.now yopu nead to seperate the top from the bottom.place the agitator on the floor,put a foot on both side's of the bottom of the agitator and pull up.now you the top portion of the agitator.turn top portion upside down and remove the cam.you will see the rubber dog's.replace the dog's and reverise the prossess.
This problem is generally caused both by by overloading the machine and time. The kit to repair it is called an "Agitator dog kit" and can be purchased at any parts outlet for likely less than $10.
To replace the Agitator Dogs, follow these steps:
Remove the agitator center cap by either pulling
straight up or gently placing a flat blade screwdriver into a slot
located in the cap.
If the agitator is equipped with an inner cap with a handle, remove this as well by pulling straight up.
Remove the center bolt of the agitator.You will have either a 7/16” hex bolt or a recessed square plastic nut.If you have the square recessed type, use a 3/8” to ½” ratchet adapter to remove.
Remove the agitator by grasping the bottom flange and carefully pulling straight up.Try to keep all the parts assembled while doing this, so do not pull too hard.This will make this repair much easier.
Place your hand over the top of the agitator and
separate the upper portion of the agitator from the lower portion and
turn the top half over in your hand.The agitator dog assembly will come out in your hand.
With the agitator dog assembly in your hand, lay the rest of the agitator aside.Pay careful attention to how the dogs are installed.Remove the worn dogs and reinstall new ones.It’s that simple.
With all the dogs replaced and the assembly
still in your hand, place the upper part of the agitator over the top
of it, upside down, ensuring the inner assembly tabs align correctly.
Now keep your hand over the agitator top to hold all the pieces together and turn the entire assembly over (upright position).
Carefully align and reinsert the upper portion of the agitator to the lower portion.Again, making sure the two pieces align correctly.
Place the entire agitator assembly back on the gearcase shaft and reinstall center nut.NOTE: DO NOT over tighten the nut, or the agitator will not spin correctly.Just make the nut snug.Reinstall center cap and inner cap (if equipped).
Is this a two piece agitator? You may just need dogs, they are inside the agitator. Rotate the top of the agitator back and forth, top should engage the bottom portion when turning counter clockwise.
This problem is generally caused by worn agitator dogs which are part of the agitator cam under the top portion. The dogs act as a clutch to drive the upper portion of the agitator. The do wear out with age and require periodic replacement. The following link explains:
This is a very simple problem that can easily be repaired by the average do-it-yourselfer for very little money. Replacement parts can be purchased on line at searpspartsdirect.com. Just type in your model number and look under the "Agitator, Basket and Tub Parts" heading for item number 10. For a little more, the entire cam replacement kit (which includes the dogs) can be purchased as item number 9. If you do not wish to purchase on line, take the part numbers listed on the website and go to your nearest appliance parts retailer. These parts are commonly part of their in store inventory.
Read through the link thoroughly and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps you.
Does the bottom of your agitator work correctly? We had the same problem if you pop the cap off the top of your agitator there is a cam in there with 3 dogs that engage the agitator causing it to spin. If the bottom part is agitating correctly then chances are the dogs in the cam assembly are shot. If the bottom is agitating correctly then it is very possible you have something stuck under the bottom section of the agitator. If this is the case remove the top cover (same as before it's just a lid that pops off) inside you will see a 1/2" square use a 1/2" drive ratchet with a 3" or 6" extension unscrew this piece remove the top section of the agitator then the bottom. Once the bottom is out check to make sure all is clear inside the washer. Reassemble in the reverse order making sure the lower section sits all the way down on the splines for the drive mechanism. If neither one of those solve the problem I would suspect you have an issue in the drive train of the washer.
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