One small thing I would add for old washers: take a photo of the rating plate before buying parts, if you can get to it.
For Whirlpool and Amana top loaders the model and serial are usually together, but the plate can be awkward. I have seen them under the lid, around the lid opening, on the back edge, or on a rear access panel facing the wall. A mirror or phone video is often easier than pulling the whole machine out first.
The model helps with parts. The serial can also tell you roughly when the machine was made. I have been working on Appliage for that side of it, and it is useful when you are trying to decide whether an older repair is worth chasing.
