Washer fills, starts high speed agitation and runs for about 6 minutes (estimate) then when it tries to shift to the slow speed agitation it sounds as if it is trying and trying to start, but causes the lights in the laundry room to flicker while it is having it’s tantrum. Has also started doing a similar thing at the begining of the spin cycle. Incoming voltage is 124. Pulled the motor and cleaned everything up, the centrifical start switch is free and operating correctly and the windings are as follows. High speed 1.7 ohms, low speed 1.8 ohms. The door reed switch is fine and there are no shorts in the wiring harness. I fully suspect that the problem is the motor but was shocked when looking online and seeing that some of the parts suppliers want $319.00 or more for the motor when the washer was only $340.00 new. Where do they come up with these prices and does anyone have another opinion on what the problem could be or am I right?
It does sound like the motor
The problem here is GE. The price their parts very, very, very high.
Check with a local used appliance store or any thrift/charity stores in your area that take appliance donations; they may be able to get you a used motor.