I have a Whirlpool Imperial II Super capacity 8 cycle washer. It's really frustrating because it won't agitate the clothes properly.

The tub moves and the bottom of the agitator moves but the top portion on if won't. I would greatly appreciate any help I could get. I have teenage boys and laundromats aren't cheap!

Hold the top of the agitator and try to turn it in both directions. If it turns in both directions, you probably need new agitator dogs. There are four of them between the two sections of the agitator. Cost? About $10.00

PokeFan THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Yes it does turn in both directions. These agitator dogs can I get them at an appliance part store? Maybe Sears repair? Also are they easy to replace or should I call a repair person to do it for me?

I'm not completely appliance illiterate.. LOL I know my way around a few tools, but if it's something that I have to take apart the whole housing I'm not sure my luck would hold out for that kind of procedure.

You should be able to purchase the agitator dogs at any store that sells whirlpool or sears appliance parts.

The job is not to difficult. It requires removing and separating the agitator. The only tool you need is a 7/16" socket and a long extension.

1. Remove the softener dispenser from the top of the agitator.
2. Reach down inside the agitator and pull out the plastic cap. Try not to break the O-ring.
3. Remove the 7/16" hex head bolt.
4. Reach down in side the washer and grasp the bottom of the agitaor with both hands and pull up. It should come out without too much trouble.
5. Place the agitator on the floor. Put you feet on either side of the bottom of the agitator. Grasp the top section of the agitator with both hands and pull up sharply, to separate the two halves of the agitator.
6. The agitator dogs should be visible in the top of the bottom half of the agitator.
If you need more help e-mail.

Hint: it's easier to get the two agitator pieces back together (with new dogs installed) if you hold them sideways with one hand inside the bottom part to keep the parts tight. Otherwise the dogs may come out of their grooves.
Slide everything together carefully and check to make sure they are all in correctly. They will still move freely. When you have the two agitator pieces together, you can turn the top agitator and notice that it will not go "backwards".