Our Maytag Top Loading washer stopped between the wash and rinse cycle. There was s very strong odor of hot plastic in the room. The machine would do absolutely nothing. After emptying it and bailing the water, it must have cooler down some, as now it would at least give an electric "hummm" when trying to start a cycle (any part of a cycle, anywhere on the dial). The water on/off fill also started to work again.

But, that's it. It's been 6 hours now, more than enough time for an overheated part to cool down, but all the machine will do is fill with water.

What's the most likely cause?

How do I check to determine if this most likely culprit is the one problem?

is it better to just buy a new drive motor and pump assemblies for a few hundred rather than waste hours tracking down one small problem and part over days or (worse) weeks of trial, error and forum posts?

I know that many of thses get no reply, so I am hoping there's someone out there helpful, enough to respond.

I really connot afford a new washer right now and we live in the country: miles from a laundrymat.