Whirlpool Washer agitates and spins when it wants to!

[maypo52]

JWWebster - Just out of curiosity, why would the new plates cause a failure?

Here is a tip: Next time you install a neutral pak into a tranny
use the original plates. Do not use the plates that are furnished with the kit or their will be a failure.

[JWWebster]

I wondered that myself and was told by the rebuild man that the
plates are for different manufactured runs on these trannys and what is not provided is which tranny fits which plate. So use the original and that problem goes away.

[tidebatt1]

Update.....
I decided to use the old machine the other day to wash some shop rags etc. Just for giggles before doing so I replaced the start capacitor (picked it up at a local store for about $4) Even though my old capacitor tested good for the cost, I couldn't turn it down. My machine purred like a kitten when it came time. I tested the capacitor several times just to make sure, but it tests good, just like the new one. So after the first load I put the old one back in, and my problem showed up again. Stopped it, removed original capacitor, replaced with new one, advanced the timer around to where it was and...it worked like a charm. Am I to think that it was my problem the whole time? Not to say that I didn't enjoy learning about the machine, and it's inner workings, I just don't see how it could test good yet be bad?

[JWWebster]

With our weather anythang is possible. That start capacitor allows all the windings to be energized for the first 5 seconds. That is all it does. these can get open. They can leak out. They can swell. A permanent split capacitor is one that allows for a split in the windings AFTER the motor gets going. It does this by separating inwardly. I have not seen too many of these fail however. Puzzling

[Repair-man]

That start capacitor allows all the windings to be energized for the first 5 seconds.  A permanent split capacitor is one that allows for a split in the windings AFTER the motor gets going. It does this by separating inwardly. I have not seen too many of these fail however. Puzzling

The term "permanent Split Capacitor' refers only to the motor type. Permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors do not have a starting switch or a capacitor strictly for starting. Instead, permanent split capacitor motors have a run-type capacitor that is permanently connected in series with the start winding. This makes the start winding an auxiliary winding after the motor reaches running speed. These are used mainly in compressors. The washer uses a split-phase motor.

The capacitor does not separate inwardly. It has no moving parts, only electrode plates with paper wrapping and a dielectric paste for conductivity.

[apptech]

 

[JWWebster]

So this whirlpool motor is a split phase and the capacitor's function is to do just what exactly? does it boost power to kick start the motor or does it stay hot all the time. I heard the foil within splits but I have had the motor switch off these machines and it does indeed have a centrifugal switch which drops the start winding out. So obviously this would be considered a run capacitor or a start capacitor? which is it? My alcohol infused old brain must be slipping.

[Repair-man]

A centrifugal switch is used in conjunction with split phase and other types of single phase induction motors. Centrifugal cutout switches will open or disconnect the starting winding when the rotor has reached a pre-determined speed, and reconnect it when the motor speed falls below it. Without such a device, the starting winding would be susceptible to rapid overheating and subsequent burnout.

The capacitor in this case is a start cap, used to boost the motor up to run speed, and is not in the circuit once the centrifugal switch comes up to speed and clicks over to run. What causes these caps to blow is excessive strain on the motor, either by overloading or from other components that are binding. The caps get quite warm to the touch.

[JWWebster]

Thanks for clearing that up