Optima. Why doesn't it spin?

The simplest way is to lay the washing machine on the right side so that you filter closer to the floor and from bottom of the washing machine is accessible drain pump. It can be fixed by three screws
or just turn pump counter clockwise and pull out.

Dado

If your pump had something in it, it wouldn't have had to clog it, but rather just stopped the internal spinning. My coworker removed a dollar bill from his water pump, and it fixed the problem he was having (same as you've described) and the water pump worked well after it was re-installed.
Worst case scenario, you reinstall it and it doesn't drain and you spend 40 or 50 bucks online for the part. I would reinstall and see if it works. I'd bet on it.

see the causes and fix it. God bless you
If your washer won't drain, check these: It spins, but doesn't pump It doesn't spin or pump It pumps, but the water returns It spins, but doesn't pump If your washer spins but doesn't pump the water out, the drain line is probably clogged. In many washers, a small sock or other piece of clothing can get between the clothes tub and the outer tub that holds the water. If the clothing gets between the tubs, it may then get into the drain hose that's attached to the pump--or even into the pump itself. If it's in the pump, you need to remove the hoses from the pump and pull the item out. To remove the sock from the outer tub port, open the washer's main access panel and remove the large-diameter rubber hose that connects the pump to the bottom of the outer tub. Then, using needle-nose pliers, try to grab and remove the clothing through the port. Sometimes you can't remove the stuck clothing from below. Then you have to remove the agitator, top of the outer drum shield, and inner clothes tub. This isn't easy to do--and you may need special tools--so you might be happier getting a qualified appliance repair technician to do the job. If the drain line isn't plugged, the problem may be with your pump. Even if the pump appears to be turning, the internal impeller may be broken. If so, you need to replace the pump. It doesn't spin or pump If your washer doesn't spin or pump water out but the motor is running, your washer probably has a frozen pump pulley. If so, you need to replace the pump. To check the pulley, remove the pump from the washer and try to rotate the pulley manually. If it doesn't turn freely--if it's frozen or stiff--replace it. It pumps, but the water returns If the water that pumps out of the machine goes back into the machine after the spin cycle, your washer may be siphoning the water from a laundry tub that has a slow drain, back into the washer. The usual remedy for this is to improve the draining of the laundry tub. (Is something stuck in the drain?) Also, check for these problems: If the drain hose reaches more than about 4 inches into the laundry tub, cut off the excess. If your drain hose is lower than the washer's cabinet, install an air gap/siphon break assembly.

Ok, replaced waste pump - slight improvement but clothes still bad... only just seen your solution Mike!!! I didn't even notice a spin control board there, I will check/swap it tomorrow as I've only just put everything back in place(incl. kitchen cupboards etc!).
Is this a common problem with this model?? There's a mountain of appliances near where I work and I'm free to take whatever I can find, I'd say some people just buy a new machine without even checking if the filter's blocked looking at some of these appliances!
Thanks all!

see the next steps and use the common sense: God bless you
It spins, but doesn't pump If your washer spins but doesn't pump the water out, the drain line is probably clogged. In many washers, a small sock or other piece of clothing can get between the clothes tub and the outer tub that holds the water. If the clothing gets between the tubs, it may then get into the drain hose that's attached to the pump--or even into the pump itself. If it's in the pump, you need to remove the hoses from the pump and pull the item out. To remove the sock from the outer tub port, open the washer's main access panel and remove the large-diameter rubber hose that connects the pump to the bottom of the outer tub. Then, using needle-nose pliers, try to grab and remove the clothing through the port. Sometimes you can't remove the stuck clothing from below. Then you have to remove the agitator, top of the outer drum shield, and inner clothes tub. This isn't easy to do--and you may need special tools--so you might be happier getting a qualified appliance repair technician to do the job. If the drain line isn't plugged, the problem may be with your pump. Even if the pump appears to be turning, the internal impeller may be broken. If so, you need to replace the pump. It doesn't spin or pump If your washer doesn't spin or pump water out but the motor is running, your washer probably has a frozen pump pulley. If so, you need to replace the pump. To check the pulley, remove the pump from the washer and try to rotate the pulley manually. If it doesn't turn freely--if it's frozen or stiff--replace it. It pumps, but the water returns If the water that pumps out of the machine goes back into the machine after the spin cycle, your washer may be siphoning the water from a laundry tub that has a slow drain, back into the washer. The usual remedy for this is to improve the draining of the laundry tub. (Is something stuck in the drain?) Also, check for these problems: If the drain hose reaches more than about 4 inches into the laundry tub, cut off the excess. If your drain hose is lower than the washer's cabinet, install an air gap/siphon break assembly.

you say it drain, but sometimes it won't spin,this could be your filter if it is blocked these new machines can sence it and won't let the machine spin easyest thing check your filter,you never know might be that simple

Remove power for a while and allow the machine to reset. Now it is important that the drain pump be removed and checked to see if there is any dirt trapped and causing the pump to overload. Also check the inlet flow , if low it must be removed and backflushed to improve the flow. The door swithch must be checked as also the water level switch. Make sure that after removing the panel that the connections to the program module is intact. Finally check the motor drive , check for free movement of the agitator, if not check this assembly , the belt, bearings and the shaft.

Hi

This issue usually occurs due to kinked drain pipe, clogged drain filter or drain pump. First make sure that the drain is not clogged and remove clogs if present. If no visible lint is present then remove the lower front access panel to check the drain filter and drain pump for any clogs, you'll need to clean the drain filter and drain pump completely. Hope this helps... Please post back for any further assistance.
Daniel

Hi from retired Englishman in SW France,

Sorry but you have not mentioned whether you were able to check the function of the drain motor itself- it could be blocked/jammed which would account for the machine not stopping (still trying to drain but being unsuccessful). Soaked clothes take ages to dry in a dryer!

Following are my complete and hopefully 'coverall' pre-typed guidance notes for checking both the drain motor filter and the drain motor ;-0)
REMOVE POWER AND ENSURE YOU HAVE A WATER RECEPTACLE/RAGS TO SOAK UP THE WATER WHICH IS BOUND TO POUR OUT (alternatively use a wet vac as sensibly suggested by VinnyB1234!)
If you are unsure where the filter is, it is often behind the front lower (kick) panel (or in some machines at the rear in an awkward position!). These panels are either held on by (plasic) screws or will just pull off. Most filters are held in by a round cover/knob. Sometimes the filter will not come out with the cover and you will have to persuade it to come out to play.
It's surprising what people have found in theirs! It is always worthwhile checking it on a regular basis.
Now- whilst the filter is removed it is normally possible to see the drain motor and ensure it is not jammed by a foreign object such as a needle or a toothpick. It should be able to be turned by hand/finger- the power IS OFF!
At this point it is also possible to test if the motor works. No clothes or water in the machine, select a spin cycle and put the power back on. You should be able to see the motor turning at some point, possibly straight away. Using something suitable like a glove see if it is easy to briefly slow the motor down. If it is easy then the motor is malfunctioning.

If this has assisted you please consider a 4 thumbs up for the rating.
Thanks and good luck!
John C

My washing machine completes its cycle but is leaking water from the left hand side on to the floor, Why is this???