The model number sticker is at the back of the control console, at the left side when looking at the machine from the front. You probably have a GWL11.

First, let's clarify how the machine works. It does not go into spin with a full load of water. It does a neutral drain first. Due to the mechanical design of it, the machine *cannot* spin until AFTER the water is drained.

The noise in question may be the pump. If so, the noise should (theoretically) be happening for a short time (3 to 5 mins) near the beginning of the wash phase of the cycle, and again during the ending rinse and spin phases after the wash period is completed. A problem with the pump should have no effect on whether or not the machine can spin ... other than in regards to whether or not the water can fully drain out.

Another possibility is a clogged or malfunctioning *divertor valve*. This is a valve that controls how the water flows when the pump runs -- either recirculated back into the tub, or sent out the drain hose. If the valve isn't working properly, fully switching between drain and recirculate positions, the machine may have trouble draining because some of the water may keep recirculating back into the tub. This will typically also result in the clothes being "drippy" to some degree.

Next ... with the machine off, if you reach in and manually turn the basket, do you hear the noise? If so, then 1) there may be a foreign object of some ilk stuck beneath the basket, between it and the outer tub; or 2) the basket drive coupler may be broken or malfunctioning.

Thanks for the info. The machine made the same/similar sound when spun by hand. I also kind of pulled the basket aside and shone a flashlight down in to see if I could see anything stuck down there and did not.

I decided to try to run it again this evening. I didn't put any clothes in just in case it stopped again. It ran just fine, tho there were some odd gunky whitish globs in the sink it drains into. I then did a load of clothing and it finished up without issue.

I am completely stumped. As I said, we've had this machine for 5 years now and this is the first time we've had anything odd like this happen. I am going to delay calling a repair person til/if it happens again.

Thank you again for your advice.

Pulling the tub/basket aside doesn't give access to see inside the tub, what you'll see is the space in the machine's outer cabinet down to your floor beneath. The only way to see under the inner basket into the outer tub is is disassemble it (not as difficult as it sounds).

What are your usual washing habits? Water temp, fabric softener or not, type of detergent? Sounds like there may be a build-up of scum/scrud in the outer tub (evidenced by the gunk you saw in the sink), possibly enough to cause a problem. If you're interested in doing so, running a special cycle to clean the machine may be of help. Would you like the details?

I've seen the cleaning info on another thread, and have done what is in my F&P manual periodically, tho not for awhile now. Yesterday with the empty cycle I put in some of the Tide. I think this week I'll follow the instructions posted here with the Cascade Advanced I have in the house.

Usual washing: Pretty much everything on "Regular" cycle that I adjust temp and rinse on. Clothes on warm with Kirkland Free & Clear. Towels/sheets/blankets etc on hot with Tide w/ Bleach Alternative then softener rinse but no softener. I use that rinse just because those larger items seem to be harder to rinse.

I use dryer sheets, no softener in the washer.

Note I sometimes get the brownish streaks on the sheets and blankets, similar to those pictures on a recent thread here about sheets, sometimes. The softener rinse helps with that. I wish I could do a hot rinse because I think that would help too. I also notice the streaking can be worse if my kids have been playing outside in the dirt more so that their clothes are really dirty. Seems like the dirt and sand hang around in the washer a bit.

Normally, my DH would happily take apart the washer to see what's up. I am not handy at all, so I won't do it. But DH is working full time, in grad school with a full time courseload, we have 2 small kids and 2 cars that don't want to start that he's been working on in his spare time. The washer just ain't on the list!

Sounds like the machine does need a thorough cleaning, at least for getting a start on addressing the problem. If cleaning it with dishwasher detergent (you might also try a strong dose of LemiShine) doesn't have a substantial effect, disassembly is the next step. Pulling the inner basket gives direct access to clean both it and the outer tub. Your pump perhaps also should be pulled to check the sump and impeller for lint accumulation. If/When you feel ready to do that, you can contact me via email through GardenWeb, or you may be able to find the steps that I've posted in another thread.

Thanks. I will do a search first when I am ready, and will contact you if I need more help. I appreciate your time on this!