Update: After Dale called all the way from Canada to give me some advice, I decided to tackle the problem this morning. I couldn't raise the top off because there is a solid piece of metal on the back that has to be unscrewed and I figured there was an easier way so....I just turned the damn thing over and found a loose spring that had fallen off on the floor. It's pretty rusted but I was able to re-connect it as a temporary solution but I've downloaded a schematic and parts list and I'm going to order new springs and see if that fixes the problem. Thanks for the input.
By the way, it's an 8 yr old machine. Roper, top loading, one speed automatic washer. I found my original owner's guide and installation instructions in the file cabinet but they weren't that helpful. The books tell you to contact a service repair person but for poor folk like me, that's not an option. I'm hoping this little repair will fix it. Thanks again, JoV >
