I have a 20 yo GE topload model
#wnse7280b2ww. It is running normally except it wont spin when there is a load, even a small one in the tub. It will spin with no load. I likely will have to buy a new one, as the transmission assembly is discontinued and the cost of a motor is not worth it, but wanted to be sure it wasn’t something as simple as needing a new belt, which appears to be ok on visual inspection. What could be causing this issue?
Hi,
wnse7280b2ww
I found one close WNSE6280B2WW
Please recheck.
It is running normally except it wont spin when there is a load, even a small one in the tub.
Will the wash basket tub turn by hand?
No weird noises?
but wanted to be sure it wasn’t something as simple as needing a new belt
The belt can be viewed and checked with the front panel off.
Just need a putty knife.
You can also view what happens or not happens (belt turns, pulley turns, clutch turn, wash basket turns, etc) with the front panel off.
jeff sr.
Yes that was a typo. You are correct on the model. The tub doesn’t turn by hand but after watching several youtube videos I seem to vaguely remember one of them saying this machine set up wouldn’t turn by hand. I of course could be misrembering. 
The belt looks fine to me. It spins when it agitates. When it gets to the spin cycle it starts, moves about an inch then stops. There is maybe a bit of a grinding sound but so slight its really hard to say. I can turn the belt by hand but it does seem to bind up a bit in certain spots. A lot of the parts for this machine are “unavailable”. Really my only options for repair are the switch, the capacitor or the belt. Everything else is unavailable or 1/2 the price of a new machine. There was a weird smell a couple of weeks ago after I lifted the lid to remove the load from the tub. Sort of like something was hot. The cover is off. Not sure exactly what the pulleys are doing, kind of hard to see but without a load it fills, agitates, drains and spins. As soon as I put 2 regular towels in it, it wont spin.
Based on the information provided, it sounds like the brake in the transmission and brake assembly is not releasing during the spin cycle. This would likely be caused by debris inside of the transmission preventing the shaft from moving as is necessary to release the brake. Unfortunately, the transmission WH38X10002 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
Thank you. That’s what I was thinking.
The tub doesn’t turn by hand
Ok, that should tell us the tub nut and split ring are not damaged and loose.
When it gets to the spin cycle it starts, moves about an inch then stops.
Does sounds like something in the drive train is binding/locking up = happy washer shopping time.
jeff sr.