[bacch]

I dropped some small nails into my washing machine and they went through the holes in the basket. I have taken off the top and front panel and am still trying to pry off the agitator top (which sounds like a common difficulty based on other posts). Assuming I can get it off, should I be able to simply lift out the inner basket and locate the nails? Thanks!

[applianceman]

You don’t pry off the agitator top you pull the entire agitator off by pulling from the bottom. It is typically not that hard to pull up.

Once you get the agitator off you will have to take the agitator coupling off. Then there is a big nut that is a log easier to remove with a spanner wrench but I have heard of people taking it off without one.

Take the top off the washer.

Then you will have to take the tub out of the case because the spin basket will not come base the control panel even if you take the top off. Then remove the top ring off the tub. This page will help more http://www.appliance-repair-it.com/GE-washer-disassembly.html

[bacch]

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep trying, but the agitator is really stuck. A friend couldn't get it off, either. When I looped a rope under it and over a board for leverage, the rope broke.

[richappy]

Use a stronger nylon rope! To remove the spin basket you will need to purchase a spanner wrench WX5X1325 probably around $50.
Another way to get the nails out is to fabricate a piece of metal screen and jam it in the inlet to the pump. Make sure it is a tight fit and has no areas to let nails pass through. Tilt the washer on it's side with the drain lower, then fill and drain the washer several times, nails should pass through. It just might work! However, if you have a lot of soap residue in the tub, you might have to add some vinegar to dissolve it and free up the nails.
If the nails are less than 1 inch, they might not damage the pump impeller and just get pumped through, but you take a risk they may jam and damage the pump impeller.