Posted about this back in November 2010 - 20 yr. old Kenmore washing machine (60 series) - has mechanical timer (dial type) control. You turn the knob to the cycle you want (many clicks as you're turning) then pull the knob out to start. The machine would stop in the middle of pumping out, but if you pulled outwards on the knob would start again. I took things apart a little but did not see any obvious loose connections or anything, it seemed to be a problem internal to the control unit.
After shopping for a replacement control timer and finding out it would cost $125, I figured it was time to look for a new machine. I started reading reviews online and looked at the Consumer Reports reviews. It seems that in the last couple decades washing machines have become more water and energy efficient, but in the process also became harder to use, more troublesome (lots of bitching and moaning in the user reviews), more finicky, and much slower - cycle times of well over an hour, versus about half an hour for the one I have. And the guy at the appliance store I went to said they don't last as long as they used to either. Well all that changed my mind, I bought the control from RepairClinic.com and installed it today. Not too difficult a repair. Now I hope the washer lasts for a while longer. I like energy and water conservation as much as the next person. But the convenience and simplicity of a top loading washer that fills up with water and washes the clothes in a reasonable amount of time - well I figure I did some good for the environment by not tossing out a fixable washer. -- H