Maytag Atlantis Model 8551AWW washing machine...fills up with water...then starts the agitation cycle and will agitate for about 1 minute...then shuts off...after about five minutes the agitation cycle turns back on for about 30 seconds and shuts off...will do this all day long if I would let it. If I let it sit for about 30 minutes and put it on "spin", it will start and complete the spin cycle. When the washer is agitating for 30 seconds or spinning the timer is working. The weird thing is we smelled a burning smell the other day. The other thing is when it shuts off of the short agitation cycle or the complete spin cycle the motor sparks blue. Can you help?

1
Unplug the washing machine, and turn off the water supply to the machine. If necessary, remove the water hoses from the back of the washing machine because they may be in the way of the access panel.
2
Check that the agitator is seated correctly by opening the lid of the washing machine. If it's loose, pop off the top of the agitator--if there is one--and tighten the bolt that holds the agitator in place. Or, in some models, simply pull straight up and then reseat the agitator.
3
Remove the access panel located in the back of the washing machine by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. This allows access to the drive motor.
4
Press on the drive belt that works the agitator. If the belt moves more than 3/4 inch, tighten the belt to fix the spinner problem. If the belt is worn or cracked, replace the belt.
5
Replace the drive motor, if tightening or replacing the drive belt doesn't fix the agitator. Purchase a new drive motor at a wholesale retailer. Disconnect wiring, remove screws holding motor in place and insert new motor. Screw into place, and connect wiring.
6
Check for any black substance leaking under the washing machine. This might indicate a clutch problem, if the washing machine spinner is not working. Contact a professional repairman to replace the clutch.


Read more: How to Fix Washing Machine Spinner ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2092465_fix-washing-machine-spinner.html#ixzz2JXhQRhyW