I have a Whirlpool washing machine (Top Load Agitator). 19 yrs old. There had been some light clattering during Wash & Rinse cycles. NO Clattering on Spin or Fill. At any rate, life came to a halt when the machine is pouring smoke from machine and the motor only gives a strong HUMMMMM (louder version of holding the mixer tines of a kitchen mixer when it's turned on).

I have the motor, gearbox, and pump out. My assumption is my motor is toast. Could there be any other variables such as gearbox locking up? The motor shaft turns free and easy going clockwise. has much noise, rough spots, and squeaking turing the shaft counter-clockwise. The gearbox seems to turn free n easy while out of the machine. There is some pivot play where the long shaft goes into the gearbox but I assumed that was design in nature (it's a circular play give or take of 10 degrees all the way around.

Any help would be appreciated as far as other variables before I start buying parts.....David (aka MrStarbucks)