As I am sure many of you are aware I own a Hotpoint WM31W (1200) washing machine, that had a replacement motor installed a few years ago now due to the old GDA seizing up, and loosing power, even when washing small loads, wouldn't turn the load over properly.
The machine was (and still is) under Hotpoint Domestic & General Guarantee. Hotpoint replaced the GDA motor with a different motor which they call the HEC motor (Made in Germany, official new replacement for the GDA). I never noticed any faults for the past 2 and 1/2 years the motor has been inside the WM31 until now. It could possibly be nothing, and don't want to phone Hotpoint yet, until it gets worse. But I have recently noticed the machine spinning at 1000rpm, and when it advances onto the 1200rpm section, The motor slightly Jumps, and then the machine slows down, as opposed to increasing to 1200rpm. I know in the past my WM31 has had a timer fault, and skipped the 1200rpm stage before, but this is just like the motor is cutting out when it starts to increase. It only happens every now and then, but I ma not sure whether the motor should cut out, or if it is something to do with the timer just advancing to far, and cutting out. Its not like the motor fuses the electricity, or even cuts out the pump, just means it doesn't reach 1200rpm. If its something to do with the timer, could I fix it, or would that void the Guarantee?
Finally I have recently noticed on a cottons 95 wash the other night with a small load, the motor was clicking when it advanced into the intensive wash tumbles(after 40 section), could it be a sign the motor is on its way out, is it something to do with carbon brushes?? Could this clicking have been caused from the motor cutting out at when increasing to 1200rpm?
How long do these replacement HEC motors last before they start breaking down? Seems it has lasted longer than a GDA which had to have brushes replaced every 5 months, but surely it should last longer than 2 1/2 years??
I hear Indesit sometimes replace old GDA with other motor types too, including an FHP, apparently all similar, so if anyone has experienced same with a different motor, would be nice to know?
Hope this makes sense, and someone can reply to help me out.
(Finally am I able to reinstall a GDA, as I understand to install the HEC you have to adjust some things inside that hold the motor in place)??
I'll try film the faults, though very busy at the moment with my new Job, and as I said, it only skips the 1200rpm stage every so often, usually after heavy use.
Thanks in advance.
Post# 624592 , Reply# 1 9/13/2012 at 01:14 (4,240 days old) by fido ()
The clicking motor indicates that a copper strip in the commutator has come loose and is sitting proud of the others. I'm surprised you still have an extended warranty on such an old machine but if I were you I would phone the repair people and tell them the machine works but makes an odd clicking sound. It is then up to them whether they come to look at it. If they tell you to carry on until it actually stops working you could then say you are not sure if it's safe to use like that.
Hi Fido:)
thanks for helping/give advice etc.
I will phone them up.
Yes we got a promotional 5 years Parts & Labour guarantee as standard, and ever since have just renewed it (until Christmas this year, when unfortunately it won't be renewed).
I'll let the mechanics do their thing when i phone them, and tell them its making strange clicking noises, and not always reaching 1200.
thanks again.
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