Bosch wfk2801 not spinning - sometimes

[coopersim]

Hi

I have a small problem with our wfk2801 in that sometimes it doesn't spin, this affects all programmes and it only happens sometimes

I don't have rinse hold or any other obscure option turned on, and I've done the usual in terms of checking the drain and pump, I've even gone to the lengths of dismantling the entire kitchen waste traps to clean out and see if that fixes it, which unfortunately it didn't

 

[coopersim]

I should have mentioned that restarting the spin cycle, sometimes two or three times eventually gets it to spin correctly.

During the 'bad' spin phase the machine spins slowly, churning over rather than getting up to full speed, then goes from say 4 minutes to zero then ending the cycle.

I've read that some people have cured similar bad spins by replacing the motor brushes, could this be the case? It is nearly 12 years old!

 

[zipper]

After 12 years both motor brushes & drain pump are probably way overdue for replacement.
Are the drum bearings good? if so it is worth investing in brushes and/or drain pump.

 

[coopersim]

Thanks zipper

I've had a look at a video explaining how to check for excessive bearing wear, and mine isn't showing signs of wear, so I think I'll do as you suggest and replace the motor brushes and the pump

Thanks

 

[coopersim]

I've replaced the carbon brushes, but the old ones still had plenty on them (40mm) so I don't know if this is going to fix the problem

Could there be something else at fault?

 

[zipper]

Do the brushes move freely in their holders & contact the commutator properly?
Does the commutator have an even brownish colour...or does is look like it has suffered arcing damage?
Is the motor plug properly in place (no loose wires etc)?

 

[coopersim]

The new brushes are not totally the same angle as the old, but I thought they might "wear in"

The commutor looks fine, no damage that you speak of, and the plug is firmly home.

I'm hoping that cleaning the motor up and putting in new brushes will fix it, but I'm not holding out too much hope

I also have a new pump on order as you suggested, but I'm worried that this one won't be as good quality as the old one, and will it have built in thermal cut outs to prevent the PCB from frying should it get jammed with something?

Thanks for your help so far!

 

[zipper]

That sounds very strange, new brushes are not much longer than 40mm. Do you only use the machine a couple of times a year or has it been serviced earlier? After 12 years I would expect the carbon brushes to be completely worn out (possibly several times over). Same with the drain pump. Before you unpack the new pump perform an emergency drain, remove the lint filter, & check for slack on the pump impellor. Then run a drain cycle with the lint filter out & observe the pump impellor. Pause the cycle a few times, does it run erratically, stick every now & then etc? Most drain pumps have a klixon fitted these days, if it overheats the klixon will activate.

 

[coopersim]

No, we've used the machine probably 6 times a week for the past 11 years solidly (I found a date stamp on the machine of September 2001) It has never been serviced in that time

I have to say, looking at the inside, it seems like a very well built machine!

I will try what you recommend and report back, thanks for the prompt reply.

 

[coopersim]

Here is a video of the pump in action, I think it sounds dodgy..?

 

[zipper]

It is history.
It'll probably stall when loaded.

 

[coopersim]

Big thanks zipper!

New pump arrived today and it's all up and running

 

[coopersim]

I've got a bit of the problem back unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't fully spin leaving clothes sopping wet, and today I came to the machine at the end of the cycle to fin only the on/off light illuminated and all the rest of the lights and time remaining were blank.

Any ideas what else could be wrong with it?

 

[zipper]

So it ran ok for a month?
Have you checked the waste hose, sink spigot/stand pipe etc for blockages & checked the filter for coins or other junk?

 

[coopersim]

Everything is clear pipe wise

It's worrying that the display goes blank, I thought that might be electrical?