FIXED Kenmore washer won't spin out all water from clothes model # 110.15842400

[Lewis-the-dog]

Model Number

110.15842400

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

1-5 years

Our Kenmore washer, model #110.15842400, has been having problems spinning the water out of loads completely. Until today, it seemed to spin lighter loads well, clothes/items came out damp but not soggy like heavier loads did. Today, the washer stopped spinning all together. The motor runs and sounds like it is trying to spin, but the tub does not move. Not sure if it's moving during other portions of the cycle, as I don't want to start a cycle and not have it drain the water out, and be stuck with a washer full of water... help! what is causing washer not to spin? would it be more economical to purchase a new washer, as my husband thinks? this washer is only ~5 years old.

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

It seems like a lot of Kenmore washers are having similar problems as mine, not spinning/bad motor couplers. Any chance that Whirlpool/Kenmore is recalling these?

 

[Jake]

Hi,

So its draining the water fine within 90 secs? but then won't spin fast enough?

When you open the lid after the water is out, its not spinning now?

Check your motor coupling, to make sure it didn't break.

Motor couplings are the most common part to go out on these models, as its just like a belt, and can just wear out over time.

Here's the motor coupling for your model you can order if needed:
Motor Coupling 285753A


Watch this video to access/replace it:

[video=youtube;9K1KHEogf3c]

If the motor coupling is good, then its likely your basket drive/clutch assembly thats worn out.

Here is the basket drive for your model(Video Included):
W10820043 Basket Drive


Here is your clutch assembly(Video Included):
285785 Clutch Assembly


Jake

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

Well I replaced the motor couplers and now the washer is spinning again. HOWEVER, the first load of wash we ran came out well extracted, but the following 2 loads we ran were progressively more wet after the cycle. Seems like there may be something else wrong with the machine. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Sherry (aka. "Lewis-the-dog")

 

[Jake]

Yes Sherry,

Then its likely the basket drive/clutch assembly as I pointed out above.

Jake

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

Jake,
I watched the washer go through a wash/rinse/spin cycle last night (lid open with lid switch depressed). It is progressing thru all the parts of the cycle properly, and seems to be spinning well now with it's new motor couplers!... really whizzing! But at the end of the spin cycles there is a 'slushing' sound of water remaining in the outer tub, like it's not getting pumped out. Not sure if this is normal since I never paid attention to that before. And the water isn't being extracted from the clothes very well (still).

Based on this new information, do you still think it's the basket drive/clutch assembly? Or could there be a problem with the pump or clog somewhere in the drain hoses? Would a 'clog' cause the machine not to extract water from clothes well? We did take the hoses off a few months ago to check for clogs, but didn't find any (been having this problem a number of months now). We couldn't get the hose that comes off the back of the machine to the sewer drain stand pipe to check that one, but the rest were clear. Thoughts?

 

[Jake]

Yes, it could be either something semi-clogging the drain pump or the pump itself wearing out.

What I always do is time the drain water extraction, and watch the water drain out from the drain hose into your drain stand, it should drain out all the water in the tub within 90 seconds, if it doesn't then I'd take the pump off and check for something clogged in it, or cracked/broken impellers in the pump.

The water should drain out with a good bit of force.

Jake

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

here's some more info...
i timed the pump draining the water, and it got it all out within ~90 seconds (closer to 100 sec for a large load, and way less than 90 for small load). the rest of the cycle seemed fine, UNTIL it got to the extra rinse... the basket filled and agitated. then it pumped the water out, but the basket didn't spin, the water continued to drain. the machine then started to spray water on the clothes for the 'ultra rinse' but the basket, which should spin during this portion, started to move then stopped. after a few seconds, i reached in and turned the agitator, and the basket started and continued to spin during the rest of the cycle; however, it didn't seem to spin nearly as fast as it should have, and the clothes inside were still quite wet. i then switched the machine to the 'normal' wash cycle's final spin and it spun very fast and got all the water out of the clothes; they were just damp. so it seems that the problem is in the extra spin cycle... does this sound like a problem with the basket drive/clutch? (as you've suggested before). and will this soon become a problem in the 'normal' wash cycle too..... should i start looking for a new washer?

do you think washing machines are not built to last very long anymore? should i look for a less expensive one, expecting it not to last more than 5 years? i was considering the new Amana front-loader (NFW7200T) or the Whirlpool Duet HT (WFW9400S). Would you recommend one over the other? Do you have insight into the reliability and rate of repair for either model? The prices are quite different between the two.... I'd prefer not to spend a ton of money on a new washer, unless necessary. We do have a king-size bed and it would be nice to be able to wash it's bedspread at home, however.

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

one more comment...
i did not remove the pump last night to check it, as it seemed to be pumping the water out just fine. but should there still be a little water in the outer tub after the cycle is finished? there's still a slushing sound as it stops spinning, even though the water seems to all drain within the 90 seconds (or so) that you required.

 

[Jake]

Yes, it does sound like the basket drive/clutch assembly is worn out.

Yes, the slushing sound is probably the inner spin basket, it has liquid in the top ring for balance control.

If you use your washer daily/many times a day and have a lot of family members in your household, then 5 years is basically equivalent to 10 years for machine wear.

It would be best to invest in a new washer, Sears still has basically the same prices for them since 5 yrs. ago.

Jake

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

Thanks for your time and help.

 

[Jake]

Glad to help.

Jake

 

[Lewis-the-dog]

Hey Jake,

Just for posterity... what's a ballpark cost of having an appliance repair person replace a basket drive/clutch assembly on a direct drive top-load washer?

Sherry

 

[Jake]

About $200 labor, not including the parts.

Jake

 

[Rabbit Ears]

Hello!
The sloshing water sound happens when your basket suddenly stops after the spin cycle. That is the liquid they use in the top balance ring of your spin basket, that's normal. As far as I gather your pump is doing fine.

As you discribe it....your unit is doing fine.

Jake,
I watched the washer go through a wash/rinse/spin cycle last night (lid open with lid switch depressed). It is progressing thru all the parts of the cycle properly, and seems to be spinning well now with it's new motor couplers!... really whizzing! But at the end of the spin cycles there is a 'slushing' sound of water remaining in the outer tub, like it's not getting pumped out. Not sure if this is normal since I never paid attention to that before. And the water isn't being extracted from the clothes very well (still).

Based on this new information, do you still think it's the basket drive/clutch assembly? Or could there be a problem with the pump or clog somewhere in the drain hoses? Would a 'clog' cause the machine not to extract water from clothes well? We did take the hoses off a few months ago to check for clogs, but didn't find any (been having this problem a number of months now). We couldn't get the hose that comes off the back of the machine to the sewer drain stand pipe to check that one, but the rest were clear. Thoughts?

 

[Rabbit Ears]

I got my Kenmore's clutch assy and motor coupling replaced works and is smooth as new!!!

Thanks JAKE and LEWIS!!

 

[Jake]

Excellent, glad to hear that.

Jake

 

[mmckinn]

I'm reviving this thread because I am having a similar issue with my Kenmore 110.15862400. Would the parts recommended above work for this model? It makes a pretty loud noise when the clutch engages and begins spinning. I recently replaced the coupler because the basket was not spinning and that fixed it. However, clothes are progressively coming out wetter and wetter. Water appears to be draining properly too. I'm willing to replace parts on this thing as long as it keeps running after repair because it's been a trooper over the years. Plus, it's not real difficult to work on. Thanks!

 

[Jake]

Hi,

Yes, your model takes the same parts I posted above in post #3.

For the not draining properly problem, what I do is fill the tub on high water level and do a drain/spin cycle and pull the drain hose up from the drain pipe and watch how fast the water comes out, it be flowing out very strong and it should drain the entire tub of water within 90 seconds.

Jake

 

[mmckinn]

Sounds good. I will give that a shot. Thank you!