my washing machine sparks inside the timer dial itself?

You don't need to replace the washer. The timer might need replacing. My dad was a repairman. He has rebuilt these before too. A new timer can run you as little as $30 but as much as $150. It depends on your options and the brand and if you get a generic part or a direct replacement. They are not that hard to replace, if you are handy, but if not, just let a repairman do it, then the work is under warranty (reputable ones warranty their work).

Replace the timer. It's pretty easy for a handyman to replace.

Find the tag, get the make, model, serial # and call an appliance

parts shop. Sears has a call center devoted to this. Order a

replacement timer, expect to pay less than $40.

If the timer price plus labor to swap it costs too much, then

consider replacing the machine with a used one. CraigsList?

Used appliance store? We bought a used Washer/Dryer set from

a newspaper ad for $125.

Run an empty short cycle with hot water, a little bleach and a little pine sol or similar cleanser, it will help kill the smell, I do it all the time. I also spray a mildew remover like Tilex or something in the tub once a month or so, let it set a bit, then wash a small load of old towels or rags before washing good stuff. My washer has a filter assembly down at the bottom too, hubby removes the cover and we wash the filter real good - it can start smelling too. Good luck!

Some sparking (seen in a pretty dark room) is quite NORMAL, to hear loud "POPPING" at all is NOT. Sounds like a possible BAD timer (or a shorting/failing motor etc. ) either part is easy to fix IF you are handy. The PARTS though are around $100.00 each (various models MORE )

Here is what I do when I have a problem like this.

Go to: www.repairclinic.com

Enter the info on your washer. They will walk you through the repairs and if you need a part, they will sell it to you at a very low price.

Unplug it, and call service man. Or if you got a little handy man in you, pull back cover, it could be something as simple as a loose wire off of a terminal.

don't turn the timer when you put the washer on put it on the program then turn on there's nothing really wrong most timers spark when turning

call a mechanic or replace your washing machine

There is nothing wrong.