The nightmare ends (for now...)
I have had to tear the machine back down three times, as the small leak escalated grew to a puddle, after every wash.
I took the support tube out, which came originally from the donor machine, which Ian donated to the cause, for which I am very grateful.
To be sure, I took out the counter-face and found a hole in its mounting. Once that was renewed and everything Debored back together, the machine still leaked.
I stripped the machine again and replaced the bottom seal (for the second time) after I found that the carbon face wore some pitting. Back together – still leaking.
I then refaced the rubber seals, took off all Debor sealant and used silicon sealent instead. Back together – the leak had slowed but was still there.
I refitted the original top-hat seal (under the agitator) – the leak persisted. Fitted the old and crusty top-hat seal from the donor machine – no more leaks.
After a boil wash, two 40 degrees washes and a cold wash, not a drop has come down the support tube.
A few weeks ago, the flyback also stopped working – basically the knob had become very stiff to operate. While trying to sort it, the delicate wires from the internal solenoid crumbled. Thankfully, I managed to procure a new flyback, the fitting instructions for which are copied below, in case anyone needs to reference them in the future.
Once again, thanks to everyone that offered advice and even spares to get this old machine running again – it has been quite a journey – one that I hope has now come to an end!
R
