"Dan O."

So it's definitely is turning one way during
wash and the other during spin?

That's what it says in the timing chart
of the appliance's wiring diagram.

Sounds like the description of an air lock. Have you checked the water
system for signs of a blockage? Excessive foaming of the drain water
might cause that as well.

Good idea. Will do this ASAP.

and also agitates funny.

Funny how? and when, during wash or spin?

During the drain or spin cycle, it would agitate unusually. The
center of the tub would agitate back and forth normally but the tub
would also move in a single direction as if wanting to spin but does
so in a stop and go fashion.

Whenever it decides to spin, water isn't pump out first.

If the pump is attached directly to the main drive motor on your
model, it won't.

If I understand correctly, you're suggesting maybe a neutral drain
cycle missing somewhere? The spin/drain is replaced by the unusual
agitation. I may be finding myself taking the transmission apart. I
once successfully rebuilt a Honda automatic transmission, but a
washer may be harder.

If it is a separate, remote pump you'd have to check
the timing chart of the appliance's wiring diagram to see if it is
suppose to or not.

what design of washer

I'll jot down the model # at my grandmother's, at next trip.
Unrelated story: A neighbor complained of a no spin today,
I walked over and did a continuity test on the timer and found
melted contacts. A new timer solved it. I wish the Gibson is this
easy.

Thanks.
Tibur