I'm trying desperately to avoid buying a new washer but may have used up all my luck. I've replaced the motor coupler, clutch and agitator guts. If I'm down to motor or transmission, I think it's time to move out of the 1980s.

The motor coupler fixed my initial problem of no spinning long enough for me to get a week's worth of laundry done. Then the machine started making a loud noise when spinning and leaving the clothes dripping wet.

I replaced the agitator cam & dogs since it was easy and i wasn't sure what was causing the noise. I also checked to make sure maybe I hadn't somehow installed the coupler incorrectly. Lid switch is fine, by the way.

I moved to the clutch next and replaced it. It tested fine without any clothes in it but as soon as I tried a small load and it went to the spin cycle, it made the same loud noise for a brief moment and stopped. Now the motor hums for a few seconds and stops completely.

Basically, it's worse than before I replaced the clutch. Note that I did leave the motor/gear assembly on its side too long and some oil leaked out, so I'm afraid something may have seized. I checked the drain pump & hoses for obstruction.

I don't (yet) have a spanner wrench so I wasn't able to remove the block basket drive but a visual check seems like it's fine. I do want to take out the inner tub so I can clean the smelliness from between the tubs. Affresh couldn't overcome 20+ years of stink.

I also don't have an ohmmeter (yet) to test the capacitor, let alone am I enthusiastic about the idea of messing with the wiring because I don't have a crimper (yet) or quick connects (yet)...you see where I'm going with this. If I'm going to spend a lot on cool new tools I'll use once every couple of years, I'd rather invest in a new, energy efficient washer. And the leaked oil concerns me because I'm much better at disassembly than assembly.

Based on what I've read hither and yon, it's possible it's the tub bearing; motor switch; capacitor; motor; or transmission. Can someone please help me prioritize what to check and how, given that I don't see any point to invest more than another $50-75?

Thanks for any advice...including "send it off to the museum"!