Washer spins intermittingly

[lion22]

Hello. I have a GE combo unit (washer on bottom), appx age is 1995. The washer spins intermittingly (it never gets to full spinning speed). It started doing this appx 2 months ago and I replaced the belt which corrected the problem. Now it's doing it again. When I did replace the belt it had abnormal wear (rubber shreads found on the floor of the washer). Any assistance is most appreciated, thanx much...

L22

[KevinA]

Without knowing the model# I can ask a few questions and make a few guesses.
When you replaced the belt, did you notice any damage on the motor pulley or the drive pulley? Chips, bends, cracks, etc etc
Is the motor putting enough tension on the belt? Does it have 4 retaining nuts for tension, or an idler pulley?
Does the motor cut in and out, or is it simple dragging?
Have you removed the tub cover and looked for a sock or something similar between the outer tub and the basket? This can put a strain and keep the spin slow, but chew up the belt in the meantime.

[lion22]

Hi Kevin, thanx for the response. The model# is 1995 General Electric Washing Machine, model: wsm2780rcwad. When I replaced the belt I did not inspect the motor and/or drive pulley. As far as I know, the motor does not cut in and out. All washer operation appears normal until the spin cycle. I did not remove the tub cover. The tension thing may be the problem. I spoke with someone mechanically inclined over the weekend and they said the same. Perhaps a bearing is worn, or even the motor mount screws may have come loose. I'm gonna do a more extensive inspection to check what you and he have pointed out. Any further info you can provide, based on having the model# is much appreciated. As far as the motor I think it has an idler pulley. When I take the belt off there's a spring tension piece (I believe this is what you are referring to?) that snaps the belt into place. Thanx again...

[Jake]

Hi,

That model# shows its a Frigidaire made top loader, I have seen some Frigidaire made GE front loaders, but not top loaders, they may have made a few back then.

Anyways, i would try turning the transmission pulley with your hand, with the belt off, it should turn rather smoothly, if not, then you may have a bearing problem, which i did see alot of back in the 90's on this design.

Its a very costly and labor intensive job to do this, I would recommend you buy a new washer, than put $200 plus into yours.

Jake

[Mad Mac]

Jake, this is the regular "417" stack unit with a GE badge stuck on it - I used to run into the odd one of these. I'd endorse your advice on this, repair would be costly if this is a bearing/transmission issue.

[Jake]

Yea, I had a feeling GE just put their name on it, I didn't see too many of these though when i worked for Sears.

Jake