Machine won't drain - loud clicking noise...

[wooday]

I would be grateful for any advice.

I have a Zanussi Aquacycle 1000. The machine won't drain, and there is a loud clicking noise. Could it be a coin or such like stuck in the pump? If so, would that be easily sorted?

The noise seems to be coming from below the drum. I can get the top off, but have yet to figure out how to get access to below...

Any comment appreciated...

 

[breezer]

remove all pipes, put m/c on its back, that way you can access the pump much easier

 

[wooday]

Thanks for the quick reply, Breezer. Much appreciated.

I'll tackle this tomorrow afternoon...

Happy Christmas

 

[breezer]

good luck, and bear in mind a w/m is heavy, if you can get a hand to put it on its back

 

[wooday]

I am convinced the pump is where the fault is. The noise is coming from it. I can't figure out how it is removed for checking - I have removed three screws I could see around the rim, but if there are more I can't see them.

I am even wondering if I am supposed to remove the front casing of the machine to properly access the pump, but think surely there must be an easier way.

Thanks for the support. I don't know if I'll get time to "get to the bottom of this" before Christmas... Que sera sera.

 

[Sleepyhead]

On the underside you'll see the white plastic catches which hold the filter housing and pumps in place, you have to close these and push into the machine a little. The pump will then pull out to the side.

 

[wooday]

Thanks to Breezer and Sleepyhead! My washing machine is running again.

I had quite a job today, getting it to bits, and discovering that the problem is a build up of gunge and chalky white stuff (Yukk) inside the chamber of the pump. I cleaned out all of the filter, pump and tubes of six years of build up of washing for a family of five. Now it's running like a dream, and I didn't have to add a single penny to our December expenses!!

I did have a false start, when I had forgotten to replace the rubber washer inside the pump - but all fine now.

Grateful to you both and to this site - I just needed that bit of encouragement and input to be able to get the job done. It seems more straightforward in hindsight, but I know I could do it again - was a feartie before I tried!

Have a great Christmas and New Year 2007