[hoader]

I have a Whirlpool washing machine
Model LSR8444LQ1
Heavy Duty Super Capacity Plus

I bought this washer used but it is new to me. The washer fills and agitates but it has trouble with the spin cycle. My wife started in the “Normal wash cycle” and it didn't spin. I pulled the back panel; the motor, coupling, and transmission are fine. There is some kind of clutch that slips. It started spinning after a little help and finesse. I then ran it through a complete “Normal wash cycle” and the timer didn't control things according to the sequence sheet supplied with the washer. It started the pump-down and 1 second later, it tried to start spinning. The tub was pumped down in 30 seconds and took over another minute before full speed spin was reached (this is a guess by watching it).
I then ran a “Heavy wash cycle” and pump down went for 3 minutes (it still emptied the tub in under 1 minute). There is a “spray” mode and goes for about 10 seconds. It worked for the wash and first spin cycle but I had to help it start the 2nd rinse cycle. Very slow spin for the first 4 minutes leaving less than 3 minutes for a good spin. I then ran another load in “Normal wash cycle” and the pump-down cycle worked this time.
I find it difficult troubleshooting what is wrong when it is behaving inconsistently. At first I thought the timer was faulty having pump-down and spin only seconds apart. The clutch seems to be slipping too much and occasionally doesn't engage. The spray seems to happen too briefly to do any good. The motor maintains normal operating speed. How do I pick the bad component to make this machine dependable?
Thanks hoader