I have a Kenmore Series 70 washing machine and needs help on the spin cycle. Will not spin unless we get it started. Once started works good. Any ideas on how to fix it?

Hello

You have to do a little research here, to check what is going on in your machine :

Older model washing machines have often a motor that actually consists of two different motors into one, one for washing and one for spinning. Each motor has it's own start capacitor.
With newer models with electronic speed controllers spinning may be arranged either the same way, or via an electronic board.

When the capacitor is faulty, the motor can not start spinning. But once it is "turned on" by hand, it will keep running (sounds familiar?)

There is also another possibility : the belt between the motor and the drum is slipping. But that is easy to see, as once you have the rear panel removed you can easily see which of the two possibilities is the one with your machine.

If it is the capacitor : the real problem is to find the start capacitor, as there are two of them : one for washing, and one for spinning.

Start with removing the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.

Find the two capacitors : they look very similar : an oval or round metal container with two or three connection points. Often with stick-on connections.
Now disconnect one wire from one capacitor (does not matter which one).
Reconnect the power, and see if the washing cycle still functions (empty drum).

If NOT so : this is the washing motor capacitor. Remove the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.
Careful : there still can be power on the capacitor, so do not touch both contacts.
Reconnect the wire you took off. Disconnect the other capacitor, and bring it to a service shop for washing machines to have it tested and - if needed - to be replaced.

If so : this is the spinning motor capacitor. Remove the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.
Careful : there still can be power on the capacitor, so do not touch both contacts.
Disconnect the second wire also and remove the capacitor. Bring it to a service shop for washing machines to have it tested and - if needed - to be replaced.

If you have a multi meter you can also measure the capacitor for leaking. Let me know if you want to do that, and I'll advice you what to do / how to do that.

Of course you can also come back to the board, discuss your findings and ask for advice !

Success !

:)

I'm having a very similar problem. My machine will agitate just fine, but when it gets to the spin cycle, it just drains the water and won't spin. What I have discovered in my case is if I put a toothbrush in the switch and remove it just as the drain/spin cycle begins, I will hear a clunking sound and the basket will begin to spin. If I pull the toothbrush out and it doesn't start, I have to put it back in and take it out. It's important to not let the "spin" cycle to ramp up. It seams that the gears will only mesh at low speeds. I thought it was perhaps the coupler between the motor and the pump so I disassembled the unit last night (I found a very good set of step by step directions on Fixya.com - here they are:)

Here are the steps for the most common of the 70 series washers.

Remove the two screws that hold the console to the cabinet and flip the console back.
Remove the two clips that hold the cabinet to the rear panel of the washer and unplug the lid switch harness. The cabinet will tilt forward and slide off.
Remove the clips holding the water pump and move it to the side.
Unplug the wires from the motor and remove the clips holding it.
You will see the motor coupler.
Make sure you can turn the gearcase shaft with a pair of pliers so it is not locked up.

I discovered that the coupler was fine. Now I suspect it's the clutch or transmission gearbox. I found the part number on the Sears website and found the gearbox for about $145 online. I'm mechanically able so I will probably buy the part and do the install myself. If you are not able to do it yourself, it may be best to call a repair man.

Good luck.

In my case, that same thing happens. Goes through the wash just fine, but when its gets to spin cycle, it doesn't spin.

But, all I have to is turn the dial around again and put it back to the part of the cycle where the spin cycle start and it goes through the spin cycle just fine.

Why it doesn't spin the first time around... I don't know.

Any clue?