Washing machine cuts out...why?

[cassie]

My old washing machine has started to cut out and blow the "fuse" as it starts the spin cycle. The extra effort involved seems to be too much for it !

This happens when all other electrical equipment is turned off.

Does anyone know a) what the problem is and b) how to cure it (apart from a new machine ) ?

[Théière]

Could be worn out brushes in the motor or faulty winding on the commutator

[Pierre ZFP]

or the motor start/run capacitor? (if it has one)

These are really cheap (a couple of €) so maybe worth replacing if it's easy to get at.

[Gluestick]

Depends how the multi-speed function is controlled.

Might be a duff Thyrister: or even the whole board.

 

[Théière]

Is it full of volcanic dust? [:)]

Yep too early for those suggestions [;-)]

Could try with the power off, removing the belt from the motor to the drum (less load) and trying to spin. Or connecting the motor via a test lead to the mains to see if it blows a fuse.

Or disconecting the motor and running it to spin to check the circuit board.

Lots of fun to be had [Www]

[Northender]

Is it a fuse tripping or the earth leakage differential trip (the main fuse usually slightly larger or sometimes on its own away from the sub fuses).

[BIG MAC]

Brushes almost certainly