Author Topic: Amana commercial quality, ALW880QAW washer splash water over tub (Read 8994 times)

Chunfanho · « **on:** January 22, 2009, 07:27:13 AM »

I need some help please. I have an Amana ALW880QAW manufactured in 2001. It's has been working over a year since we bought this house. Last week, we saw a bit smoke, and smell something burn. I open the front panel and found the water splash out, over the tub as it start drain/spin cycle. Belt doesn't show any crack, but not sure if it is loose. The tub and motor move freely by hand, not stuck. The pump is not plugged, and it really sucking water out good. How much should it be when push in the belt? What's the value of the capacitor? Can some one guide me what the problem is please? Thanks.

Repair-man · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2009, 07:43:20 AM »

I still laugh at Amana's use of the words "Commercial Quality"

Kind of like military intelligence or jumbo shrimp.

Here's a Manual to get you started.

On this machine, water being spun over the top is caused by a damaged belt. When you overload an Amana machine, it caused the belt to get hot and shrink in diameter somwhat. This causes an aggressive spin instead of the belt slipping on the motor pulley with a full tub. At the very least, if the tub is not leaking, a new belt is required.

Chunfanho · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2009, 09:29:40 AM »

On this machine, water being spun over the top is caused by a damaged belt. When you overload an Amana machine, it caused the belt to get hot and shrink in diameter somewhat. This causes an aggressive spin instead of the belt slipping on the motor pulley with a full tub. At the very least, if the tub is not leaking, a new belt is required.
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Thank you AJ team for the quick reply. I found the manual but it didn't list my model number on it. I thought I might be able to locate its service manual. The belt seem to be loose. What tension should it be? Can you tell me what value is the capacitor? It is all taped up with black electrical tape and the label will get damage as I attempted to pill the tape off. Thanks again.

Repair-man · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2009, 10:27:37 AM »

Why are you concerned with the capacitor?

Here is a service guide for your specific series:

Amana ALW Washer.ppt

Chunfanho · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2009, 10:40:09 AM »

Quote from: Repair-man on January 22, 2009, 10:27:37 AM

Why are you concerned with the capacitor?

Hi again. I had access to the capacitor easily, and thought I should check it out. I do have capacitor checker. Some repair book said, if you smell smoke and motor running hot, then could be capacitor, or belt.
Thanks.

Repair-man · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2009, 10:42:36 AM »

OK, so you don't know me, but I will suggest the capacitor if I think it necessary. You asked for help from us, recall?

Replace the belt and be done with it...no doubt after 9 years of use, it needs one anyway. Besides, you do not have to know the value of a capacitor to test it. It is either good or bad

Chunfanho · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2009, 12:42:57 PM »

Quote from: Repair-man on January 22, 2009, 10:42:36 AM

Replace the belt and be done with it. Besides, you do not have to know the value of a capacitor to test it. It is either good or bad

Ok. Will try the belt and let you know. Thanks for advise.

Chunfanho · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2009, 01:05:11 PM »

Quote from: Chunfanho on January 22, 2009, 12:42:57 PM

Quote from: Repair-man on January 22, 2009, 10:42:36 AM
Replace the belt and be done with it. Besides, you do not have to know the value of a capacitor to test it. It is either good or bad
Ok. Will try the belt and let you know. Thanks for advise.

Thank you Repair-man. Replaced the belt and it worked great. It sounds a lot quiet than before the problem started. Thank you very much. Excellent support.

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