On Sun, 04 Oct 2015 12:02:59 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:44:01 +0000, Kathy
m wrote:

10 year old Moffat Washing Machine- has been no problem until it started
leaving a 'dirty' ring around the top of the tub. Have also noticed a few
small spots on clothes. It's definitely oil. Is this the transmission ( as
I have read it could be)? Is it worth a repairman's visit or should I go
straight to purchasing new?

Are they lying? Doubt it. But they say "highly improbable."

http://www.moffatappliances.ca/faq/faq2.jsp#6
"6. I am getting oil on my clothes/floor.
To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance
from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Greasy or oily stains on clothes:
• The 1995 and newer washer transmission design makes it highly
improbable for oil from the transmission to get into washer and
splatter on clothing. Most of the time it is caused by splatters from
cooking oil. Stains from foods or cooking oils, sometimes called
"invisible stains", may not be noticed as you put clothes in the
washer. If not completely removed in the wash cycle, the oily spots
may pick up dirt from wash water making the spots visible. The washer
does not cause these spots.

To prevent:
Wash garments as soon as practical after wearing, using more
detergent than normal and the hottest wash water fabric can stand.

To correct:
Rub in undiluted detergent, let stand 30 minutes and rewash, using
hottest water fabric can stand.

• If your water is extremely hot, 150 degrees or higher, the water
inlet hose(s) could start to break down, causing black greasy stains
on clothes. Refer to the Use and Care Guide for your water heater, set
the temperature accordingly, and replace the inlet hose(s). "
Easy way to find out.
Thoroughly clean the washer. Remove all signs of oily ring with a good
greese cutting detergent (dawn dishwashing soap is a good example).
Then get some clean old towels or other ultimately expendable fabric
and run a cycle with a small amount of the greese-cutting detergent -
then run the load again with clear water - look for any signs of oil
on the drum. If none, run the load again with your normal detergent
and check again.. If there is no oily deposit you are pretty safe to
assume there is no oil leak in the washer.

If you are using a fabric softener, double check your "dosage" as too
much WILL leave deposits.

Also check your laundry detergent and if your water is very hard, use
washing soda or water conditioner like "calgon" to reduce or eliminate
hard water scum.