Mashing Machine Sparking

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 09:00

Yesterday I noticed a sparking noise coming from the washing machine, when I look through the door I can see orange flashes coming from below the bottom of the drum.

Doing some research online showed that it was likely the carbon brushes, so I took the machine apart and the brushes while low were not THAT bad (see photo below), I want to replace them anyway, but need to order them and am going on holiday tomorrow.

I noticed when I put it back together that the spark only really occurs when the machine is NOT spinning (spins fine though). I tried a rinse and then a spin cycle, both fine, but when I do a wash cycle it sparks. This makes me think it might be related to the heating element?

With the covers off I can still only see the spark through the door, there is no flashing that I can see when looking at the motor (bad view though). The machine is a Siemens, came with the apartment so no idea of age.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 09:14

Just tried a cold wash cycle, and while much better (less crackling noise/sparking) it is still there to an extent. I was thinking the only two things below the drum would be the heater element and motor, the connectors on both looked fine and each had a ground wire which was on tight. I guess my next step is to remove the heater and check if with a multimeter (which I don't have) for continuity?

Nightglow · 30 Jan 2014 at 09:31

Those brushes are pretty good,still some life in them.

More likely to be heater element about to die.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 10:06

Thats what I was afraid of. That or there is some mention that it could be a capacitor? The other odd thing I have noticed is that the countdown timer can sometimes jump back up, I tried a 15 minute cycle and after it got to 3 minutes, it went back to 10, then 15 minutes. Perhaps this is because the heating element isn't warming the water and thermostat is relaying this to the front panel? It has done it before it started to spark, sometimes it sat with 1 minute remaining for over an hour...

Father Ted · 30 Jan 2014 at 10:09

Just read thread title -my advice would be using a softer variety Maris Piper perhaps. King Edwards are definitely a no no.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 10:17

Ahhh damn it! Would probably work pretty well as a mashing machine, just not for very long..*insert starch joke*

pitchfork · 30 Jan 2014 at 11:06

I do have to wonder what would happen if you put some spuds in on a boil wash.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 12:33

I'm thinking a sneaky mod changed it for fun. W and M are totally opposite on the keyboard. I'm not THAT stupid....right? :S

Anyway, mystery solved! See below for the condition of my lovely heater element. We've only lived here 2 months so doubt it was all us. I use calgon type tablets as Danish water is generally quite hard. But looks like chalk wasn't really the problem. The manufacturer date on the element is 2007, so I guess 7 years is alright for an element? Now to find a replacement in Denmark before we go on holiday!

It shall be mashing no 'tatoes any time soon

pitchfork · 30 Jan 2014 at 12:39

I'd say it's pretty knackered mate.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 12:44

pitchfork said:
I'd say it's pretty knackered mate.

I think you might be onto something there...

I expected a loud bang to accompany this kind of damage, or at least a tripped fuse...I sometimes leave it on a timer so it finishes when I get home from work so I guess that could have happened. Scary!

Nightglow · 30 Jan 2014 at 12:52

Benihana said:
I expected a loud bang to accompany this kind of damage, or at least a tripped fuse...I sometimes leave it on a timer so it finishes when I get home from work so I guess that could have happened. Scary!

NO.

I have seen a washing machine on fire, due to heater element fault & it didn't blow the plug fuse, nor the mcb. :eek:

7 years for a element in hard water is good, in hard water areas, a washing machines should be descaled very three to six months.

Benihana · 30 Jan 2014 at 13:32

Yeah I doubt I'll be using the timer function anymore. I'm surprised there is no safety circuit for a 2000w element to stop it from doing this! In Denmark they don't have plug fuses which is even more worrying.

So apart from using calgon or similar, would you remove the element and descale it manually?

Just bought a new element and carbon brushes, so will be a fun little task when I get back home from holiday.

Nightglow · 30 Jan 2014 at 14:09

Benihana;25758872In Denmark they don't have plug fuses which is even more worrying. Wow! No plug fuses.:eek::eek: So apart from using calgon or similar said:
No, just leave it in the machine, & descale every 3-6 months depending how hard the water is, some even recommend doing it monthly.

Benihana · 10 Feb 2014 at 13:22

FYI, replaced the heating element and carbon brushes and its now working perfectly. If anyone else has problems with their washing (or mashing) machines, have a go! Its dead easy!

Worst part was getting the gasket/seal back on the door, the retaining clip/spring was a right pain! Chuffed that I did it all myself

pitchfork · 10 Feb 2014 at 13:41

have a go! Its dead easy!

They are remarkably simple machines, it shocks me how few people are willing to even attempt a repair.

I suppose they're scared of the whole "water and electricity" thing.

Benihana · 11 Feb 2014 at 08:01

Yeah as long as you are sensible and unplug the machine & stop the water, I'm not sure how you could hurt yourself or the machine that much. There are plenty of helpful youtube videos out there which seem relevant regardless of the brand. Next up, the fridge!