Washing machine problem

[Timothy Murphy]

My neighbour's Hotpoint washing machine spinner only works intermittently. It isn't working, and then when she tries 20 minutes later it works fine. I looked at the belt, and that looked OK.

Any idea what is likely to be the problem?

[Invisible Man]

Sounds like a sensor or cut-out problem. Something overheating? Water level too high because of partially blocked outlet, filter or pump? Built in time delay for safety reasons?

Does the machine make any noise when the spin is activated but does not work?

[Brian Reay]

The water level sensor is one option.

These are pneumatic sensors with a tube that runs down to the drain/lower pipework of the machine. As the machine fills, the pressure in the tube rises and the sensor switches to indicate water in the machine. When the water drains, the pressure drops and the sensor knows the machine is empty. Spin cycles are inhibited if the sensor thinks there is water in the machine.

In your situation, I'd suspect a partial blockage- causing the pressure to drop slowly and the sensor being "slow" to think the machine is empty.

All the sensors I've seem are about 2.5" in diameter and maybe 1" thick. They've a narrow pipe which runs down to the lower pipework and a couple of wires to the control electronics (or mechanical programmer in the old days). They tend to be located in the upper half of the case- above the "high water" point.

In my experience, the blockages tend to be near where the narrow pipe joins the other pipes. A mix of that grey "slurry" and fluff being the cause. Give it a good clean and run a rinse cycle.

-- Brian

[Timothy Murphy]

Thanks for your response. Yes, I think there is a noise when the spin is activated, as though the motor is trying to turn, but cannot.

I tried spinning by hand, and the bearings didn't seem too bad.

[The Natural Philosopher]

worn brushes.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Describe "isn't working" in a lot more detail. Exactly what happens?

Also, what's the spin speed? (Things work differently on the high spin speed models.) If it's a high spin speed model, does spin work at the lower speeds (or conversely, only at high speeds)?

[<me9]

Brushes on last legs. Affects spin first. Hotpoints have quite soft brushes and wear out quickly.

[Al]

Brushes?

Or possibly an intermittant 'door open' sensor preventing the spin from starting - Not an uncommon problem with my Hotpoint machine.

Al.

[Timothy Murphy]

Thanks for all the advice. The mention of water sensors made me wheel the machine on my Lidl trolley to the washing machine service station in the next street...