Condenser dryer - water pump question

[tmcw]

Have a Hotpoint TCM570 here, and wondering about the operation of the
water pump, the pump at the back-bottom that pumps the condensate up
to the drawer.

When the machine is operating, is the water pump supposed to be running continuously?

When I was stripping it down to fully clean it out (previous owner had
operated it with a ruptured filter, and fluff had gotten into the
system clogging it up), when I looked at the pump and associated bits,
I initially thought the float and switch might have been to trigger
the pump to come on to empty that sump, but since the pump is
continuously on, was then thinking the float and switch were to
trigger the red warning light at the front (to empty the drawer), and
turn off the heating coils, to prevent the water sump from
overfilling.

Anyone able to clarify this for me? Thanks.

 

[Leccy758]

The pump runs all the time and the float shuts the heater off and lights up the full warning light as you surmised.

 

[tmcw]

Thanks for confirming that for me. Seems like the unit is working correctly then, nice freebie.

Another quick question about the same unit, if I may - the bottom panel doesn't stay in position, it seems there is a piece missing from the door (should be stuck in a circular recess), which should normally mate with a protruding part on the main body. Any elegant solutions for this? I'm thinking of maybe a magnet, metal plate and some double-sided tape, but someone here might have a better solution.

Thanks again.

 

[rocks1]

You need part no 1702975 cost about a fiver. Catch plinth cover.

 

[tmcw]

Thanks for that rocks1. It's funny how I'm getting different parts with the same code number:

http://www.espares.co.uk/part/tumbl.../511145/802333/tumble-dryer-plinth-cover.html

http://www.hotpoint-spares.co.uk/catch-plinth-cover-for-ctd40g-p-155496.html

The first link is what I need. Might try to make something before splashing out on the part. Might even chat to the guys at the recycling centre. Good to know what it's called, thanks.

 

[rocks1]

Yep it's the top one you need. the other one goes on the dryer.