The washer started “slipping” for lack of a better word when starting the spin cycle. It made some odd noises and would sometimes not start the spin cycle; in addition, the lights would dim in the room. Agitate and drain works fine.
So I took the motor out, and it seems like it has a bad spot on the motor - I noticed this when spinning the motor by hand. The rear bearing also seems worn, as it has some play (side-to-side, not in & out) in the output shaft. I found another used motor (was told it was good) and it did the same thing on the spin cycle. I took that motor out (disconnected from transmission and pump), set it on the floor, and plugged it in. When trying to turn on the spin cycle, the motor doesn’t turn. It’s drawing a lot of juice (lights dim) and will only turn if I start it by hand. Did the same test with the original motor, and get the same result. I believe in both cases the motor works fine in the agitate mode. Lid switch is not the problem, I had it bypassed when testing.
I realize it’s possible I’m dealing with two bad motors. But, is there anything else that would cause the motor not to start on spin cycle?
Oh by the way, I think the 2nd motor is from a Series 80, it’s only a 2 speed motor. Original motor is a 3 speed.
If the motor alone starts and runs in one direction but not the other you likely have a faulty timer. The timer reverses polarity of the power feed to the start winding to change motor direction of rotation. What is the model number of your washer?
Could be the timer or the speed select switch. You did say it drained which means the motor did run in spin direction (same as drain direction). After drain, the motor pauses and then starts again (releases neutral drain mechanism). The only way to figure it out is to electrical troubleshoot with wiring diagram and multimeter.
It’s the switch on the control panel, probably labeled fabric selector or something. The switch on the motor serves two functions. After the motor starts, it opens the circuit to the start winding. It also has a set of contacts that causes the motor to always start in high speed no matter what has been selected at the control panel, then when the motor gets up to speed it switches the current path through the control panel speed selector switch. Can you post a clear readable photo of your wiring diagram?