[davisongal]

Hi- I am hoping someone can help me fix my top-load washer. I washed a cotton quilt batting that fell apart into a thousand "wads" of cotton of various sizes and lenths. I pulled out as many as I could, including some from the drain holes in the washer tub.

Now the washer will not drain. I pulled the drain hose up and gave it a quick look - no obvious blockage. Any suggestions for a pretty handy gal who does not want to admit to hubby what disaster I've created now?

Thanks much

[stew_1962]

Will it spin? Or did it stop running?

[davisongal]

It will spin for a minute or so, then stops

[stew_1962]

Is the quilt now removed from the tub?

It might be the out-of-balance switch (found on some makes).

Grab the agitator, and move to the left and right, the front to back. Recenter and try the spin cycle again.

Let me know.

[stew_1962]

A couple of other possibilities exist:

1. Debris between inner and outer tubs - this may cause the tub to not turn properly, motor overloads and kicks out on the thermal overload. To correct, you have to do some major dismantling of the washer to remove the debris. This will be dependent on the brand.

2. Debris stuck in the pump - same issue as above. Thermal overload kicking out the motor. You may be able to disconnect the hose from the pump and remove the debris. Most newer pumps cannot be dismantled; you will have to replace it if you can't remove the debris.

I'm hoping your problem is in the last post - out-of-balance switch.

What brand is the washer?

[davisongal]

Hi - sure appreciate your input. After some additional research, I fear it is junk between the tubs and perhaps into the pump. The washer is a whirlpool calypso (complete piece of expensive crap, but that's another story).

My husband is a handy guy - is this possibly a do it yourself job?

[labman]

Stew has some good ideas. There is no reason you husband shouldn't be able to fix it. Stew may be right on taking the pump apart, but on the old ones, they were easy to replace. You removed 2 screws holding the control, flipped it back. And removed a couple of clips, and then pulled all but the back of the cabinet off.

[stew_1962]

Oh, a Calypso... now that's a beast of a different color. 2 Microcontrollers manage the complicated innards of that beast.

There's a lot "out there" in internet land on the problems people have had with the Calypso not draining... :(

I got intrigued and did a little research for you. This article has the best answers for you: http://fixitnow.com/2004/01/mailbag-...re-calypso.htm

Read the whole article before you dig in... the pump assembly for this washing machine is about $105! Several people mention laying it on it's side and pulling the hoses off, cleaning them out.

AND REMEMBER - electricity and water make for a nasty combination. BE CAREFUL IN THERE!

Good Luck

[stew_1962]

Thanks guys - missed the boat on this one. There is simply NO reason to make a washing machine THAT complicated! Supposed to save water - but can run up to 70 minutes washing. Save water, use electricity?

Mine is a 1978 model Maytag...

[labman]

Yeah, does it need to be so complicated? I have been trying to help in furnaces where we are thin. Today a guy posted that his furnace won't run because the THERMOSTAT is flashing change filter. I doubt he will get the help he needs here. I have helped a lot of people figure out their problems, but have no idea where to start. Even simple stuff like a stuck relay means replacing the whole control board. The check engine light came on on my car the other day. I just ordered an $142 shop manual. Figure I can't do much without it.

We have some very good people here in some areas, Tom in plumbing, tkrussel in electrical, and some others. There is a new guy doing fridges that sounds like he knows a lot more than I do. Then we are thin or worse in some areas. We get a few more good people, maybe I can stick to dogs where I have a great background.

[applguy]

Everyone is correct. The Whirlpool Calypso has turned out to be one of the worst flops this factory has ever built. It was their answer to the Fisher & Paykel washer from New Zealand. Maytag has a washer, called the Neptune TL, that is almost just as bad. The problem with the Calypso is that debris not only collects between the tubs, but also in the diverter tank on the bottom of the outer tub. The drain pump is so expensive, because you don't just get the pump, but you get a new pump motor as well. I've heard tell of a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool for this unit, and I would recommend to any owner of this product to look for info on any such suit and see about getting involved. I think Whirlpool should eat these washers and give everyone their money back. Horrible machine. Even the factory service reps told me that this washer is not for people who have dirty clothes. What is that about?? The last time I dealt with this problem, I had to disassemble and clean out the drainage system 3 times before I got enough material out. It's messy and it bites. The drain pump is on the bottom of the unit, above the base pan, which has (3) 5/16" screws on the front edge holding it in place. The only way to clear the hoses is to take them off the drain pump (grey, right side on bottom) and then water comes rushing out of the tub. I would not recommend anyone other than Factory Authorized Service personnel work on this machine. There are seals in certain places that require replacement just because the unit was disassembled. Just decide if you're happy enough to warrant a lengthy and no doubt (justifiably) expensive repair, or get rid of it. Your troubles are only beginning, not to mention how this unit is destroying your clothes. Sorry to be so blunt, but this is one machine that really boils my blood.

[stew_1962]

Guess somebody had to tell her - I was reading the nasties on this monster...

Hey Tom & Labman, guess the appliance guys are invading!

Applguy's GOOD! I've been out of the business a LONG time - but its hard to stay out of the "what's the matter with that thing"...

[tony incerto]

Washing machine fills with water then stop working

[crzypilot88]

It's most likely blockage in the hose attached to the pump. It's worth a look anyway. BE SURE TO SHOP-VAC THE REMAINING WATER BEFORE DICONECTING THE HOSE!! Lol a bit of a mes I made last night :] gl

[kjaxc3]

Well I have to say thanks to you guys got my washer rolling and draining