Ok everyone, my latest investigative work is finished. The timer seems to
be in good shape -no burnt contacts, and continuity seems fine on all of the
pins. I believe that the problem is in the transmission. I have no idea
how the "burning plastic" odor plays into the situation. Everything seems
to work fine including the timer sending the signal to start the spin cycle.
The problem is that it just makes a noise (motor running, but transmission
not engaged??) when the spin cycle starts.

If I open the lid at this point, hold in the lid switch with a screwdriver
and give the basket a slight spin it kicks in by itself, drains, spins out
and finishes the load normally(after I've removed the screwdriver & closed
the lid of course). So there is apparently some *mechanical* part that is
not engaging when the spin cycle is supposed to turn on (even though it
seems as if it's being told to do so by the timer). Does this extra info
help out in any further diagnosis? All experts feel free to ring in here
In case you guys didn't see my other post, the washer model number is:
LSC8244DQ0 and it is a Whirlpool with no belt.

-paul