I have a serious issue with my Whirlpool direct drive washer. I am not mechanically inclined so please bear with me.

I first noticed that the machine wouldn't spin at the end of most cycles. But it would spin when I would bring the knob back to the spin selection. I first suspected a problem with the clutch. I tilted the machine and look underneath to find a pool of oil on the floor and oil splashed all around the inside walls of the cabinet (photo 1). I removed the gearbox to get a better view of the problem. The top cover was filled with oil. The clutch was also oil dirty (photo 2). I don't know what could have caused this. Could it be a broken seal somewhere or maybe a water leak?

I wonder if this could be the cause: The lint filter which is part of the upper agitator keeps the lower and upper agitators together. If the lint filter is broken the upper agitator will not stay attached and start to move around. The lint filter is easy to break (photo 3). I replaced the upper agitator a few times already. I tried a few things to keep the two agitators together even with a broken lint filter. I finally screwed the bolt at the top of the transmission shaft (usually attaching only the lower agitator) from the softener compartment through a thin plastic disk and a second rubber washer (photos 4 and 5). This has kept the two agitators attached together. However, I noticed that the bolt would not stay tightly screwed on the transmission shaft leaving the lower agitators not tightly attached to the transmission shaft. Is it possible that water was leaking from there? I don't know how it made it up there but there was oil in the hole (under the bolt) on top of the transmission shaft (photo 7).

I am not too hopeful with this machine. I may not be able to fix it at a reasonable cost. However, I have another identical machine and I don't want to repeat this mess. Could anyone please briefly comment?

Thank you!

Thanks for your kind reply sidfink43. I found a solution for the agitators in another thread. It may not be the cause of the oil leak but I will feel better knowing that water won't probably leak there.

I haven't opened the gearcase yet but I am more hopeful. Which seal are you referring to, the Sealer (paste) or the Gearcase Cover Seal? The transmission shaft feels a little loose in the seal. It could have been the source of the leak. Anyway I will replace both (no choice with the sealer). The clutch has also been soaked in oil. I was thinking of changing the clutch kit as well.

I don't know what's the best way to get rid of the oil found all over the gearcase. I guess it's time to get dirty...

Thanks!