Thread Number: 42370
Miele W1986 Cold Water Intake Problem
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Post# 623464   9/8/2012 at 17:31 (4,219 days old) by lee280zx ()        

I started getting a blinking light beside the "Water Intake" indicator on my W1986 (accompanied by the constant beeping and shut-down of the cycle).

I spent this morning trying to track the problem down. I disconnected both supply hoses on both ends. I checked all of the filters (including the ones that are just inside the back of the washing machine where both water supply hoses connect). There were no obstructions.

I also checked the flow from each spigot for the water hoses, and the water flow for both spigots was very strong. I then checked the hoses by connecting them to the spigots on one end and leaving them disconnected on the other end. I turned on the spigots, and water shot through fine.

I reconnected everything and tried to run a cycle. Here's what I found: The hot water comes through at a nice, full flow with problem at all (I pulled the detergent drawer out and verified this). However, the cold water just barely trickles out if I turn on a cold water cycle.

I almost never wash anything in cold water (if that could have anything to do with the problem). The machine will start washing on a hot water setting just fine, but then it shuts down later in the cycle when I presume it needs cold water (to rinse, I presume).

What could be causing this? Is there anything else I can do to try to correct the problem myself?

I live in an area with hard water, so I could try running some CLR through to clean out any hard water deposits. I was thinking I could put some in the cold water hose and then run a cold cycle. Would there be anything wrong with trying that?





Post# 623495 , Reply# 1   9/8/2012 at 22:36 (4,219 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

This happened to my 10 year old W1986 last year.  The problem is the hardness of your water and what it does to the intake valves.  The only time my  problem was showing up was during the rinses which use cold water.  After a few of these cycle shutdowns I  watched as the water entered the machine for the rinses and realized that water flow was greatly reduced so I began pouring water from a bucket into the detergent dispenser during each rinse fill which solved the cycle termination problem.

 

I called Miele service and described the problem,  when the Miele tech arrived he connected his laptop to the PC area on the control panel.  He went to a screen on the laptop that displays machine faults, and as soon as he did his laptop displayed the water valve fault along with an actual picture of the inside of the machine with the defective  water valve outlined in red.

 

The machine has 3 water intake valves combined on to one unit part .  He replaced the unit and that fixed the problem.  He said it was due to hard water build up and they replace all three because if one is failing  due to hard water the rest will fail in the near future.  My guess is that warm to hot water helps move some of the hard deposits along into the machine where the detergent will deal with them, but cold water doesn't work as well with this..so the build up occurs in the cold water valves easier

 

I didn't think about running a cleaning solution through the fill hoses, but if you do you might want to connect the cold  hoses to the hot source to try to clean them,  but I do know that the problem is in the fill intake valves for cold water and not in the filter screens in the hoses and it is due to having hard water.




This post was last edited 09/08/2012 at 23:12
Post# 623532 , Reply# 2   9/9/2012 at 03:18 (4,219 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Jerrod6--

Thank you for the reply. After I read it, I bought a couple of gallons of vinegar and CLR. I tried the vinegar first because I know it's safer and I've read in other forums about people using it with laundry (in small amounts, like a teaspoon).

So I disconnected the cold supply hose at the spigot, pointed the end down to drain it, then filled the hose up with vinegar, and ran a cold cycle. I did that a few times with not a lot of change (but some, I think).

Then I decided to do the same thing with the CLR. I ran it through at least three or four times. During all of this, I kept the detergent/softener drawer out of the machine so I could see the water flow. I also placed the liquid detergent holder in the opening alone to catch the CLR as it came out. It worked well. I'd say I caught at least 80% of the CLR before it hit the rest of the machine.

I then ran all sorts of different cycles in quick succession (using the END option in between). I wanted to cycle water through the cold water valve, and cause the machine to open and close the valve, but, at least as importantly, I wanted to run a lot of water through the machine to rinse out any CLR in the system. I'm afraid it could damage the hoses or other components.

By the end of all of this, the cold water was flowing better, but not sufficiently to avoid the WATER INTAKE alert/shutdown. I noticed that by switching among the different temperature settings right after starting a cycle, I was able to get the cold water to open up fully with a vigorous, full flow. This usually happened after I switched from a hot setting to the warm 105 degree setting (some hot would come out, but then cold would flow fully). I would switch to cold and it would stay open.

This makes me think I am gaining ground. I just put more vinegar in the cold supply hose. I ran a tad past the valve, and now I'm going to let it sit like that all night to see if it loosens things up more. I'd have used the CLR for this, but I'm afraid it's too harsh.

Tomorrow I'll try to run many more cycles and see if the cold water flows freely.

I really appreciate your input. It let me know that this at least MIGHT work. I don't want to put in a service call. I just had to install a new door seal, and that cost around $400+ (I also chose to put a new drain hose on as a preventative measure). Another $400 repair right now is just not acceptable. $800 in repairs on a 9 year-old machine is not acceptable. I hesitated to do the first repair, but I felt as though this machine was worth maintaining. Now I'm starting to wish I had thrown it out and bought a lesser machine.

Have you had any other problems with yours?


Post# 623536 , Reply# 3   9/9/2012 at 04:01 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Water Intake Valves On All Washing Machines

launderess's profile picture
Will fail sooner or later, Miele's are no exception.

We have very soft water and my Miele's cold water valve behaved the same as your's about a year ago, so called service to have it swapped out.

Thing is that Miele washers use cold water not just for the rinse but during parts of the wash cycle as well (such as when filling and indicators tell the unit internal water temperature is higher than what the thermostat is set for), and if the unit cannot get cold water when called for will shut down/indicate fault.

My unit is older than either of you guys and have had Miele out here at least once a year on average for various issues. Yes, it tis expensive but want to keep the old girl up and running.

Most repairs can be done by the owner if he knows how to do so properly. All one then need to is order the proper parts from Miele.

In the case of the water valve watched Miele's tech do it and while one wouldn't want to, the process wasn't *that* bad.


Post# 623560 , Reply# 4   9/9/2012 at 06:08 (4,218 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
What is CLR?

Keep descaling with the vinegar. My washer tech told me it is a good way to solve a problem with calcium build up in a water valve.


Post# 623589 , Reply# 5   9/9/2012 at 10:51 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
CLR

launderess's profile picture
Calcium,Lime(scale) & Rust remover.

Product sold on this side of the pond made from acids to remove/deal with hard water mineral deposits around the home.



Post# 623602 , Reply# 6   9/9/2012 at 12:21 (4,218 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Thank you!

I hope it's not too agressive for this purpose. Perhaps it's better to stick to vinegar or else to a liquid citric acid.


Post# 623612 , Reply# 7   9/9/2012 at 12:57 (4,218 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Thank you for the replies. I'm being careful to keep the CLR out of the rest of the machine as much as possible. I think the vinegar might be good as a preventative measure, but I'm thinking the valve is bad enough now that I need to use the CLR. I rinse out the machine thoroughly, of course.

I think I'm making headway. I can get the cold water flowing freely now. But, I have noticed that it depends on how high my cold water tap is turned up to. If I turn it on too high, the cold water flow becomes restricted again. So I'm trying to leave it in the right spot and run several cold cycles right now. Time will tell if the problem reappears.

Launderess -- How can you have one call per year? That's got to run $300+ per visit, which means every three years you're spending $1000? It just doesn't make sense to me. My machine was about $1500 new, I think, and it ran for 8 years without any trouble (which isn't that good to begin with). At the rate you're spending, you're paying about $2600 for the second eight years of functionality.

Plus, there are my neighbors to consider. I won't have them thinking this is the kind of household that uses appliances which are constantly requiring service. If it were my sister it would be different. She lives in the country and has a Mercedes, sauna, and room for a pony.


Post# 623621 , Reply# 8   9/9/2012 at 13:21 (4,218 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
It might not be just the valve.

Some of the more sophisticated machines incorporate a 'flowmeter', which is basically a small water wheel which revolves under the flow of incoming water, measuring it as it goes. This wheel could also be encrusted.

Post# 623686 , Reply# 9   9/9/2012 at 16:25 (4,218 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Agree with Laundress about the use of cold water even in cycles that use 140F or 190F.  The machine will take in cold water so that the cycle starts with warm water instead of immediately going to 140F or 190F.

 

In my nine, going on ten years(in January)  with my machine the water valve has been the only  problem.  The machine has never missed another beat and always delivers clean clothes without CL bleach even using the default cycle which only gives a  20 minute wash or 12 minutes if you don't have a full load,  so the way I look at it is that a $400 repair is cheaper than trying to buy another Miele washer.   I think the cost of my repair was $275 and $75 dollars of that was just to have the man drive to my house.  You are going to pay that kind of service charge with no matter what brand you have. I think the the W1986 is constructed much better than most machines available today except the 3XXX series, even though the newer machines have their steam utilities and advanced  tumbling techniques,  and I think that includes the newer 4X series. No need for steam because I have almost 200F WATER temperatures if I want them and I can get that temp very quickly. 

 

So it is worth it to me to keep my machine going as long as I can. I have it programmed for water+ in the washes and rinses so rinses don't get any better than this in today's washer world especially when many washers only last 5 years and then are completely irreparable. 

 

What happened with your washer boot?  

 

Why worry about what your neighbors think?  I don't care what mine think and they honestly don't care anything about what I get repaired, just that I keep my house looking good on the outside other than that my neighbors can bug off. 




This post was last edited 09/09/2012 at 16:51
Post# 623693 , Reply# 10   9/9/2012 at 16:45 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
the cycle starts with warm water instead of immediately goin

launderess's profile picture
Well yes and no.


On my Miele the washer will add cold water if it senses incoming water temperature is higher than what the thermostat is set to, however if one raises the setting cold water intake stops. This system by the way is the reason Miele washers must have both intake (hot and cold) connected even when using a unit as cold fill only.

One can start wash at any temperature one wishes. To save electric costs when doing a boil wash often will pre-wash in warm, then do the main wash starting at tap hot (120F or 140F depending upon if the boilers are on producing heat in winter), so not as to wait about for heating cold water. Also when doing a "cleaning out" cycle will also start with hot or very hot water.

Mind you my machine is older so maybe things that came along with the 19** series and after are different.


Post# 623697 , Reply# 11   9/9/2012 at 16:59 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
One Call Per Year

launderess's profile picture
One did say "on average".

Have only had the unit for about fifteen years or so, and was making a guestimate.

Wasn't charged for all the calls as the first several were to deal with a problem that Miele never solved and has given me the run around. Unit stopped spinning going into high speed final spin when selected and have been given various answers as to why.

Aside from the nintial installation call out have had the following:

New drain pump and speed switch
New cold water valve

That seems to have been about it so in hindsight Miele hasn't been out *that* much that one has been out of pocket for, however the unit still will not spin at high speed. Latest theory is it could be the tachmeter (sp?), but since one feels that should have been investigated during any of the previous visits aren't going there yet incurring a call out charge.

Also Miele recently changed their call out pricing scheme. Back when one had those calls it was flat rate plus parts. Today IIRC they now charge a nominal fee just to arrive and then bill for labour/time and parts. So the longer they are working at your home the more it will cost.

As for running for eight years before having a problem, what can one say, nothing is perfect.

While Miele does build great washers, things do happen which is why spares are stocked and sold. It will also depend upon much the machine is used and how. Someone doing several loads per day is obviously going to put more wear on a unit versus one that is say at a summer cottage.

When all is said and done the only thing you can do to lessen call out charges is order spares and do the work yourself (common enough in Europe/UK), or use the unit until several (if any) things are "broken" and have one big service call.

For instance one had no idea the pump on our machine was bad, but the tech said it was going so best swap it out and be done. Pump was ordered and installed so that was that.


Post# 623701 , Reply# 12   9/9/2012 at 17:04 (4,218 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Yeah, I think they are a bit different with the 1986.   There is no option to do a warm prewash.  It is going to be cold and in the winter for me that water will be 38F.  After several minutes using this, the heater  starts turning off and on and gradually heats the water to around 105F before the prewash ends.

 

Even if I select 140F or 190F wash  cold water will come running in if the machine thinks the water is too hot.  So seems like it will not use really hot water in the beginning of  these cycles.  It doesn't even turn the heater on for several minutes after the 140F or 190F wash starts and even then it cycles on and off,with gradually longer and longer on times until near the middle of the wash  cycle when the heater just stays on until the end. At this point you can  feel the heat coming through the glass in the door.  So I think Miele was trying something different with these washers but they clean very well.

 

Laundress - What model do you have and when was it produced?   I would like to read the user manual and specs for it. Sounds interesting.

 

 


Post# 623709 , Reply# 13   9/9/2012 at 17:51 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
W1070

launderess's profile picture
Can select any water temperature one wishes for certian cycles, though IIRC for special ones like "Woolens" there is a max setting internally that cannot be changed. Have never tried washing wool at anything >100F so cannot be sure.

If the temp dial is turned off (tap cold) the washer's sensors aren't activated and whatever water goes in is what it is. For the pre-wash one *thinks* heating will stop at 100F, regardless of how high the chosen setting. Again cannot be sure as it's been ages since one has read the manual and never tried going over warm water for pre-washing anyway. Most times use tap warm anyway to save energy costs.

Today's modern detergents will shift blood and other "do not start in hot water" stains quite well in warm water and it also serves to heat up the tubs for the "hot" wash to follow.


Post# 623716 , Reply# 14   9/9/2012 at 18:58 (4,218 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Jerrod6--The comment about the neighbors was a joke in reference to Launderess' avatar, Hyancinth Bucket (it's pronounced "Bouquet").

I understand what all of you are saying about the cost of the repair vs. the cost of a new machine. But, had I known that I'd be looking at $650+ in repairs within one year, I would have thrown this washer out. Even a $500 machine usually lasts several years. I just expected more from this machine.

When you say the boot, are you referring to the door seal? It just started disintegrating and leaking. I don't put anything unusual in my machine, either. No harsh chemicals.

Right now I can get the cold water flowing well by playing with the cold water tap. If it is on too high, I get no flow. I presume that the higher the incoming pressure of the cold water is, the more the machine closes its cold intake valve. I think if it closes much at all, the mineral buildup from the hard water is causing it to seal off almost entirely.

I've come up with a new plan. My next step is to use a small pump I have. You can connect any garden hose to it (and thus either of the water supply lines) and it will pump out at high volume whatever liquid it is sitting in. I'm going to sit it in a 5-gallon bucket filled part way with vinegar and connect the cold water tap. I'm then going to turn a cold cycle on and switch back and forth between cold and hot to open and close the cold water valve repeatedly while the vinegar is flowing through the cold water intake.

If that fails, I'll do the same with the CLR. At this point, I'm willing to try all of this to avoid putting hundreds of dollars more in this machine. If it doesn't work, I may just throw it out. $650+ in repairs in one year is simply too much given that I'll still be dealing with a 10 year old machine after any repairs. And I don't use the machine that much to begin with.


Post# 623719 , Reply# 15   9/9/2012 at 19:17 (4,218 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Again,

launderess's profile picture
You can order the part and do the work yourself. All that is required is the proper tools and a bit of time. Miele tech support will help walk you through it and or you can ask for assistance in the group.

For the valves you have to open the front of the unit (IIRC) then pop the top off, the rest is merely series of unclamping, unscrewing, removing, swapping, reclamping.....

Miele's techs often will tell customers on a service call for an older unit to "chuck it" and buy new. It's your money and your call. IMHO it's going to take something major like bearings, motor or something to go before I get rid of my unit. It does what I want and more importantly uses enough water to get the job done.

Finally suggest you do a search of forum archives, as most everything "old" is new again in terms of questions on washers. We have been down this path with other members and their Miele's as well.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK


Post# 623720 , Reply# 16   9/9/2012 at 19:24 (4,218 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Launderess -- I should do it myself. I'm very handy and have every tool known to man. I don't know when I got so lazy. If my latest idea doesn't work, I'll probably give it a whirl. Thanks for the suggestion.

Post# 623865 , Reply# 17   9/10/2012 at 09:58 (4,217 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        
inlet valve repair

I have recently done up a triple inlet valve for another Miele. I assume they use the same valve.

The intention is that the valves are a throw-away item. But you can rebuild them. Price a new inlet valve first, if is cheap enough then buy it and fit it.

If they are expensive, then you can use cheap/generic ones and wreck them to get the little rubber diaphragms inside.
again, I'm not familiar with your model, but I did this on a Miele W830 and it worked perfectly.

The Miele uses a triple inlet valve - one inlet, three outlets, one to prewash dispenser, one to main wash dispenser, and one to fabric softener dispenser. On the W830 washer it was filling very slow on all inlets, some worse than others. I did this:

remove plug from power supply.
turn off tap and disconnect hose.
remove top panel
double check power is disconnected
look at water triple inlet valve. On the W830 it has a triangular plastic connector board on top, all the wires connect to this board and two tongues from each solenoid poke up through this contact board. > unclip the wire connector from this triangular white plastic connector board. (This board would come complete with a new water inlet valve, it is just this connector that makes it something special to Miele and justify the extortionate price they probably charge. Under the triangle of plastic it is just a generic European triple valve.) You can pull up on the plastic board to remove it off the three solenoids. It is tight but it does come off. Use a screwdriver at each pair of terminals sticking through to prise it off. At least on the W830 it is not glued or soldered, it just pushes on to the terminals.
Now you can pull up on each solenoid and wiggle them off. (the solenoid is the circle of plastic with two terminals sticking up, there are three of them.) You might need to pry them up with a screwdriver but be careful not to break the plastic tube that goes up the middle of each.

When you have removed the three solenoids, you should see a plastic body with three plastic tubes or spikes sticking up. The big news is that you can unscrew them. At the base of each tube is a plastic disc of the same plastic (all one piece) which is divided up with spokes all the way around. The disc is about the size of an Australian twenty-cent piece. So you all know how big that is, right? You can use the points of a pair of needle nose pliers to turn the plastic disc to unscrew the plastic and open up each valve. (three valves in one block). DO NOT grip the plastic tube in the pliers, you will wreck it. Just use the plier tips as a key to turn / unscrew the disc base. Inside each tube is a fine spring and metal plunger, DON'T lose them. Place the plastic tube/disc aside, leaving the spring and plunger inside. (the plastic thing looks a bit like a mushroom...)
Now inside the valve you can see the cause of the trouble, a black plastic / rubber diaphragm. It will have hardened up with age and not be as flexible as a new one.
You will probably find that a cheap inlet valve for many makes of washer will give you a matching rubber diaphragm. I used Fisher&Paykel, and they fitted fine. I have also used European Whirlpool ones, too. (From an Italian made Whirlpool.) Heaven knows what is in US machines, but an Electrolux branded one (eg Frigidaire) MIGHT fit, especially if they use European or Chinese inlet valves.
Any way, that is enough words.
Put it all back together carefully and try it.


Post# 623963 , Reply# 18   9/10/2012 at 17:16 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

I have the old valve unit  and the box with the new part number  so will try to post some pictures of them.   I do agree that if you have the part you can do it yourself once you unscrew  the two hundred(not really) screws that hold the top on. And the Miele 1986 is the same machine that was sold in AU, just with different cycle names and  a max temperature listed at 190F instead of 95C.  I found the programming instructions for the  1986 machine in the AU Miele 1986 manual.  Of course they dare not print this in the USA manual because... well... we are idiots. 

 

Sorry I  don't know anything about Hyancinth. 

 

Now to find the old part in the basement.




This post was last edited 09/10/2012 at 18:26
Post# 623975 , Reply# 19   9/10/2012 at 17:54 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
Ok I took some pictures of the old part

Here is the top of the valve unit containing the electronic connection points.  But this doesn't look like anything you can just prey off.  I dunno.




This post was last edited 09/10/2012 at 18:32
Post# 623976 , Reply# 20   9/10/2012 at 17:56 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
From side

view from side


Post# 623978 , Reply# 21   9/10/2012 at 17:58 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
from the bottom

This may not actually be at the bottom of the unit depending on how it is placed into the machine, but this is were I think the hoses from the dispenser  connect to.  Note the insides.  Each one of these looks be be different not sure what that means.




This post was last edited 09/10/2012 at 18:33
Post# 623979 , Reply# 22   9/10/2012 at 17:59 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
part number

Here is the part number 


Post# 623986 , Reply# 23   9/10/2012 at 18:13 (4,217 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
One more thing!

For the rinses, check to see what cups the water is running into because the machine uses much more water in the rinses than the wash so It might send water through multiple cups for the rinses....especially the last rinse using fabric softener. 


Post# 624042 , Reply# 24   9/10/2012 at 20:54 (4,217 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Well, I can report that the vinegar/CLR method was a failure. Because I didn't test it in the right way (didn't know how to) when I started, I can't even say for sure that the CLR and vinegar did anything. And I really ran the stuff through. I am confident when I say that I ran it through so much for so long that if it could have worked, it would have.

I don't think I want to tinker with the valves. I suppose I will either replace them myself or pay Miele to do so. I really hate it. If I do this and I have several trouble-free, repair-free years, I will be happy with my Miele purchase. If not, these will get chucked in favor of an LG or the like with an extended warranty.

I really appreciate everyone's input. It did help. For instance, I hadn't considered that switching to a new machine might mean that it would use less water, thereby making it less able to clean clothes. I'd like a machine I can program in terms of how much water it uses.

The parts through Miele are about $240 plus tax and delivery for the cold water triple-valve, and $140 for the hot water valve (which is just a single valve). I'll have to call to see what it would cost to have them installed.

One last question: Does anyone think it would be a good idea to replace the supply hoses? Or are they pretty much good for the life of the machine?


Post# 624128 , Reply# 25   9/11/2012 at 08:34 (4,216 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        
(excitedly) yes, yes, that's the one!

Thanks for posting the photo, Jerrod6.

That beige plastic plate at the top with the part number stamped in it - Yes,it is removable. You stick a screwdriver between the plastic plate and the valve underneath and pry them apart. You need to alternate prying at each of the three valves, levering up a couple of millimetres each time.

See on top of the plate, there are three pairs of prongs sticking up through the plate? they are the solenoid contacts poking up through the plate. The purpose of the plate is just to carry the electricity from the fancy multi-wire connector to each of the valves. On cheaper machines (and older Mieles) there is no plate, and the wires go to each solenoid directly. Click on Launderesses' link at reply #15 above to see what I mean. They are the same valve assembly, only the plastic connector plate on top is different.

You could then easily source cheap inlet valves - three singles, a single and a double, or a triple, and swap the rubber diaphragms as I outlined above. I'm happy to give more help if needed. Note I do NOT have the machine I repaired, so I can't do photos.
If Jerrod6 wants to rebuild his valve and take photos along the way, I'd be glad to give guidance...

Any way, I have found this online... (see link below)

It is from the UK so the solenoids are 240 volt, but it looks like from Jerrods's photo we can see that even the USA models have 240 volt solenoids so you are right to go. (Even if the voltages didn't match, you could swap the solenoid coils over easily, they also just pry up to remove.)

It's not rocket science, it's an easy swap. The Miele price for that part is astronomical. (nobody is surprised...)

If the hot fill is still working well, then the hot valve doesn't need to be replaced.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO gizmo's LINK on eBay


Post# 624147 , Reply# 26   9/11/2012 at 10:53 (4,216 days old) by lee280zx ()        

Thanks to all of you for the continued responses. While I wasn't willing to try to install the Miele part myself (it was going to be over $250 with shipping and tax), I will buy and install the part Gizmo linked to on eBay. I contacted the seller and he said it is a direct fit for my W1986.

That's enough savings to make it worthwhile, and, even if I somehow ruin the part, I'm only out about $80. I spent almost half that much already on CLR and vinegar!

The eBay part seller said that I can get to the part just by removing two screws on the sides of the lid. I see that there is a cover on each side of the lid near the front. I'm guessing if I pry those covers off, I'll find a screw underneath each. Do I really just need to unscrew those two screws and the lid will lift off?



Post# 624184 , Reply# 27   9/11/2012 at 12:59 (4,216 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        
IIRC

There are two screws under covers on each side of the top near the front.  I think there are two screws in the back.

 

You might have to lift the top up from the front of the machine first, then remove it completely from the back because I think the back part fits into something to form a type of hinge.

 

This is all from my memory so best to unscrew what you see and try to remove it and take it from there.  There is nothing deep down inside that is holding the top on(refer to the laundress link in post 15 and go down to the 3033 pictures.  I think the back of the 1986 top  looks something like this.  Take it one step at a time.

 


Post# 624337 , Reply# 28   9/12/2012 at 01:31 (4,216 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

from memory...

unscrew each screw on the side of the lid, towards the front. (1 each side = 2 screws total.)

Slide the lid towards the back, this disengages it from the two plastic retainers at the back.

then hinge the lid upwards from the front, lift it up, up and away.


Post# 624509 , Reply# 29   9/12/2012 at 16:52 (4,215 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
I never had an error light for the water supply, but I have had 2 valves on 2 different machines develop a slow leak...

Post# 626603 , Reply# 30   9/21/2012 at 16:06 (4,206 days old) by lee280zx ()        

I just finished the repair myself!

Thanks to all of you, I just finished the repair myself with the part from eBay that Gizmo linked to on eBay.

I would rate this an easy repair. I've worked on a lot of appliances before (and cars, homes, etc.). It might be a bit more difficult for someone who hasn't. But it was basically just removing 9 screws, pulling off and reconnecting that plastic connector plate, and pulling off and reconnecting the hoses.

You'll want to color-code or otherwise mark the hoses, and take plenty of pictures at all different angles before disassembling things.

Thanks to everyone. This saved me hundreds of dollars.


Post# 626659 , Reply# 31   9/21/2012 at 20:09 (4,206 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Told You So

launderess's profile picture
Glad things worked out for you as they did.

L.


Post# 961742 , Reply# 32   10/10/2017 at 12:59 (2,361 days old) by hhsuds (Canada)        
Me too


Thanks to all, just did the same repair on my Miele W1926. Fortunately I had bought the part a couple of years ago anticipating the failure. Was wondering if stock piling any other parts for my machine might be a good idea.
Take good care.


  View Full Size
Post# 973158 , Reply# 33   12/12/2017 at 03:46 (2,298 days old) by Tsuma (Houston)        

My W1986 stopped shutting off incoming cold water and luckily I found this thread.

After much searching for a cheaper triple cold water valve Miele 03801391 (TNR 3801391), I think I found a replacement.

Miele USA parts department wanted a ridiculous amount of money for 03801391 part, and the only offers on eBay were for used valves.

Thanks to the pics in this thread, I found new identical looking Miele 1678013 valves on ebay, many offered from the same seller in Germany.

I contacted the seller and they said it was the same part, so I immediately ordered one.

Will report back if it there are problems.


————
eBay
New message from: dany96 (31,721TurquoiseShooting Star)
Hello

yes is the same.

MfG
Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Harald Streicher
Unterhaltungselektronik
Tel: 0179 1244461
Ringstr.11
54570 Kalenborn-Scheuern

Your previous message

Hello, I have a Miele W1986 machine with defective triple valve. Is this valve the same as Miele 03801931 ?

Solenoid Valve Washing Machine Spare Miele 1678013 Output 1 REDUCED 220V
seller dany96

• Located: Kalenborn-Scheuern, Deutschland
• Member since: Dec 01, 2000
• Positive Feedback: 99.9%


Post# 976512 , Reply# 34   1/1/2018 at 19:42 (2,278 days old) by Tsuma (Houston)        

Happy to report the replacement valve works great. The hoses were easy to remove after removing the top panel of my W1986 (two screws in front sides) and then the metal drum barrier.

One additional step was needed. It's egarding the board attached to the valve, to which the single 4-wire connector plugs into. I needed to take this electrical "baseboard" off of the old valve and place it on the new valve, as the new valve did not come with one.





Post# 1010948 , Reply# 35   10/15/2018 at 22:25 (1,991 days old) by munenori (Canada)        
Miele solenoid

Hi Tsuma! I have a Miele W1918 and a problem with its solenoid 03801391. I'm glad to see that you have solved the same problem with your machine. Recently, I'd ordered a replacement from England, but it didn't work because the water outlet diameter was too big for the hoses. I wonder if you received a solenoid from Dany96 with the right diameter, or if you had to arrange something. I see that replacement model is 1678013, but its metal base is a little different than the original (pic). I will appreciate your advise. Thanks

  View Full Size
Post# 1016799 , Reply# 36   12/4/2018 at 17:02 (1,941 days old) by cantare (Menlo Park, CA)        

I bought one of the eBay knockoffs from a UK seller; also corresponded with Harold (dany96) in Germany regarding my W1918. None of the listings mentioned the W1918 in their compatibility list. These cheaper parts appear to differ from the original 03801391 primarily in that output 1 is reduced ("reduziert") by means of a plastic plug (the green bit in photo 3) to about the effective size of a pinhole.

I wanted to try dismantling the new part and transferring the innards as gizmo describes, but unlike the original, the new valve refused to come apart. When I tried unscrewing the discs with needle-nose pliers, the little "orange-section" vanes broke off--and the stems wouldn't budge at all.

I wound up comparing the output 1's and establishing that 03801391 has a black washer-like ring that restricts it somewhat, just not to the radical extent of the knockoff "reduziert" part. I grabbed a drill and a 5/32" bit and bored out the pinhole to something close to the original aperture, installed the part and have been running just fine ever since with no flashing lights or rinse cycle underfills.

So even if you get the "wrong" valve, there may be ways to make it work! Link is to the item I bought; photos are of my dismantled original valve and the new one from the listing.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO cantare's LINK on eBay


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size

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