I have a Roper Washing machine I bought in 1991. It still works, but is just started making a funny noise while it is washing. I need to know if it is worth having fixed of just get a new washer!

I do not know this particular machine, but try to assist you...

Congrats : 17 years with the same machine shows excellent value for your money!
As long as the machine does it's work properly it is worth to do some maintenance on it.

There are three main reasons for making strange noises during washing :

1 - the motor/drive belt needs maintenance : check the drive belt if it is not frayed. If so replace it.
2 - the drum main bearing ran for whatever reason dry : try to spray some oil into that bearing (note that it is rather difficult to reach the proper location). A dry bearing will slowly but shurely destroy itself, and - as it is extremely hard and expensive to replace - ends up in machine replacement.
3 - there is something stuck in the space between the waterfilter and the drum : open up the filter and check if anything got stuck there (buttons, bra clips).

For spareparts and/or maintence manual : (The Sears website - Service) (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001)

Success !

First, disable Warp Drive. Then activate the anti-matter cells. Reattach the phase inverters. Then make sure the device is plugged in.