Washing machine - overfilling

[Fredxx]

I have a washing machine which will fill itself to the brim and overflow if allowed. Even if I thump the vacuum switch it'll still continue filling.

It has a pipe connected to the drum (somewhere) and the other end to a vacuum operated switch with 3 contacts. I can confirm this works.

If whilst it is filling up I can blow into the pipe and pinch it, then replace back onto the vacuum switch, release the pinch in the pipe and the machine stops filling. Indeed I can rock the machine on either side and the switch will click on and off.

I tried silicon grease to seal any air leaks but it still exhibits this behaviour.

Any ideas - apart from a new washing machine?

[Andy Dingley]

Check that the pressure bottle (low down on the bottom of the drum, where the hose connects) is clean inside - especially for Zanussi.

[Zapp Brannigan]

There must be a kink or blockage below where you're pinching the pipe. Strip it out and clean it. If you can't, or time is a premium, try gently pushing a a length of flexible wire into the top of the pipe and de-clagging it that way.

[Tabby]

Also dont overlook the possibility of a pinprick sized airleak. That would work fine when you blow in, but wouldnt work during wash cycle.

Worst case is a new pressure switch with its tube attached.

NT

[Jason]

The Hoover washing machines used to be bad for this. The pipe would rub against its [sharp] spring clips on the spin cycle and eventually wear through. You know it is worn through when it floods the kitchen.

[Fredxx]

emachinestops filling. =A0Indeed I can rock themachineon either side and th= e

I apologise for not replying here earlier, but with the build of a new PC which doesn't have Outlook Express and bein short of time, I'm afraid this has been put on a back burner. Any ideas of news readers which behave like OE?

First of all the pipe was in good condition. I took the vacuum unit apart and used silicone grease to make sure that there were no leaks and that it functioned correctly. There is a bell type structure where the pipe is fitted above the pump, but this this is near impossible to gain internal access to because of internal structures.

I still found that the machine would overfill.

I then took the pipe to a lower level and emptied a bowl-full to ensure there were no blockages. Water seem to flow freely, though this would have been after blowing into the pipe.

The machine worked for a while, but soon returned to it's old antics.

This time I did a boil wash (up to now its always been used for 40degs cool washes) and emptied a bowl-full of very hot water to try and clear and dissolve any blockage.

It has now worked a number of times reliably, though still not confident of leaving it unattended!!

[Owain]

Thankfully there aren't many, but Thunderbird has a similar user interface (and will import OE mailbox files)

Owain