A 2nd dose of Matchbox from the weekend - 3243H Keymatic De Luxe!!!

[matchboxpaul]

Hi all.

Logging into my inbox two Saturdays ago, I was to find a very unexpected e-mail.

Bit of background.
Back in March 2008, I was perusing another appliance forum and stumbled across an enquiry concerning a Matchbox keymatic with a dicky timer.
Not knowing the status of the machine, whether it was a recently in use daily driver in danger of imminent scrapping, or a collection machine belonging to a non member of Discuss o Mat, I signed up and sent the enquirer a message.

At that time I hadn't accumulated the information I have since found and all I was able to do was ask that it not be scrapped and enquire what the problem was.
Transpired that the machine had stopped heating, with the enquirer (Richard) being of the opinion that the contacts in the timer had burned out.
The machine was in no danger of being scrapped and was a backburner repair project, that he planned to start when he had the time.

I let him know that he should never scrap it and that should he wish to dispose of it, that I would be interested in taking it on and left it at that.

Then in April 2011, I stumbled across a further enquiry from Richard appealing for help with the machine.
In the intervening years I had managed to acquire a copy of the official Hoover servicing information, which includes full circuit and wiring diagrams and exploded drawings.
I got back in touch and sent him BIG photographs of the servicing information for the 3243H, to aid his repair of the machine.
Then I left it at that.

Roll forwards to Satuday 16th February 2013 and an e-mail explaining that, due to other work taking precedence and little liklihood of ever finding time to get the machine repaired, the machine was up for disposal and available to me if I still wanted it.

 

[keymatic3203]

Finally paid off Paul

well done, you've put in a lot of effert and patience on this, and its paid off brilliantly, I know you will love it.

I was thinking earlier, your most longed for hoover machines have taken the most perserverance and effort to obtain, cant wait to see it and hopefully help get it washing again. One things for sure, the chrome and body work will be buffed to perfection. That early 70's line up is on its way.

Looking forward to photos

Mathew

 

[matchboxpaul]

Not for free I hasten to add, I agreed a sale and arranged to go and collect the machine from south of Guildford on Saturday just gone.

Encountering snow flurries on the M1, I did wonder whether I should have arranged a different weekend to collect, but collect I did.

I got there at around half 9 and was greeted by Richard, with the 3243H being by the entrance door.
Having recovered from the shock of encountering a version 2 3243H Keyatic De Luxe for the first time ever, I was asked whether I had had any breakfast!
Bacon sandwiches and a breakfast salad were rustled up for me by Richard and his partner Ana - never had that happen to me before.
Obviously appreciative of vintage machines, the kitchen contained a late 1970s Sharp microwave, a Belling cooker from the 1980s and an Aristocrat branded fridge from the early 80s.
I think the fridge was a Zanussi exclusive line, sold through the likes of TIGER etc.

If they read this thread, can I publicly thanks Richard and Ana for their hospitality and kindness and it was lovely to meet you. Good luck and all power to you with the educational charity you are both involved with and hope all goes well.

Two and a bit hours later the car was packed and I set off back for Derby. Somehow in the time I was down there, as well as the 3243H, a Hoover 3019 spinarinse climbed in the car, as did a Hollandier De Luxe cylinder vacuum cleaner!

I also came away with 5 leaflets for the new 1986 Range of Philips series 90, right hand drive machines and a 1985 AEG laundry range brochure!
These had been kept from when Richard went out shopping for the 3243H's replacement, which turned out to be a Philips AWB073 De Luxe that is still going today.
I will share these leaflets and brochures in another thread in the coming weeks.

Landing back in Derby at around half two, the car was unloaded and the 3243H landed in its new home....

 

[matchboxpaul]

As with all vintage 70's hoovers and just like the two discoveries in Australia, we need a new door seal, with the original having turned to sticky, molten rubber ...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Back removed and there is a slightly non-standard feature on this machine, visible in this photo....

 

[matchboxpaul]

The machine dates from March 1974...

 

[matchboxpaul]

making it two months older than the matching 3022 dryer de luxe we have, which I hope the 3243H will meet in the summer...

 

[matchboxpaul]

A few wires attached - note that MTH925 is shown here....

 

[matchboxpaul]

and yet MTH923 is shown here ....

 

[matchboxpaul]

Wiring diagrams!

 

[matchboxpaul]

I wish I took after my dad and understood electronics - little gizmo here with a glass fuse...

 

[matchboxpaul]

To the pressure switch ...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Round to the solonoids - seem to remember that Gary had to service his 3243H version 1's solonoids as, to get them to close, he had to tap them with a hammer.

Am half expecting these to give similar issues, as they havent had water through them since late 1985.
When the 3236H from Plymouth was re-energised, this was discovered to have weeping solonoids - just like with my parents original machine....

 

[matchboxpaul]

To the three compartment dispenser, with fabric conditioner feature that only appeared on the Keymatic in the Matchbox range ....

 

[matchboxpaul]

Here is the non-standard feature on the back of the machine, in the form of a snuggly fitting rocker switch.

The machine was taken out of service due to the timer not switching in the heater and I am thinking that this switch is a manual on/off switch for the heater!
One wire heads to the heater element and one other wire heads upwards towards the timer....

 

[matchboxpaul]

the back of the mystery switch.
The second wire also heads downwards before doubling back and joining the bunch of wires in the right part of the photograph ....

 

[keymatic3203]

The gizmo with the fuse

is the transformer which powers the low voltage lights on the facia to indicate wash progress. No leds back then.

Now how long do we have to wait for the full frontal shot?

mathew

 

[matchboxpaul]

spot the problem with the positioning of this switch ................. so, if it has to stay, it will have to be moved elsewhere....

 

[matchboxpaul]

Ohhhh, go on then Mathew!

Here you go and final picture for the night.

This was Saturday night and as the machine was collected, pre cleaning - it was well cared for during its near 27 years of dormancy.

Will post the photos of the 3.5 hour Sunday spit and polish session tomorrow.
Paul

 

[supermaticjames]

Just LOVE Keymatics! So happy you got a machine that was on your list for so long, I had a similar experience a few weeks back, scroll down a bit and you will find my thread.

James.

 

[electron1100]

KEEEMATS

Argh Paul this is such excellent news, yes that switch is defo an attempt to manually control the heater, the other wires should be easy to locate on the programer, from the diagram.

His idea of leaving the tub exhaust pipe dangling is fine unles you intend doing a boil wash, coz you will fill the machine with steam..........

Well as you know already know these are wonderful looking and performing machines, Mat insists that i can have mine back any time, but everytine i ring him i get some chinese take away in belfast?.

Paul thanks for opening this thread, you know mat or i can help you out so your in safe hands trust us we are not meat product producers

Gary

You get used to the grey door boots

 

[keymatic3203]

beautiful Paul

and thats before you've worked your polishing love on it.

Just as an observation, that additional switch at the back is the same rocker switch as fitted to the main on off on the facia. So it isnt just any switch.

Well done again, thns posting the final pic, I know you like to keep us wanting more.

 

[keymatic3203]

Gary

prawn crackers, spring rolls and what, non fast coloureds was it. I'm sure you'd be much happier with the computor control 1100.

Mathew

 

[matchboxpaul]

Cheers james.

Great news on the WD23P - all nice and white too!

Paul

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Gary.

I am pretty sure that the extra switch was installed during the repair process, but hopefully not tried for, as you say, a nice warm or hot wash would fill the cabinet with lovely steam being vented right underneath the timer.

I am sure it would have been a case of get the switch in there, then cut an extra hole somewhere else to vent from. I hope so anyway!

Black door seals on machines from the 70s just look soooooo much better than the replacement grey. I look at the 3236H and the grey still jarrs with me.
Yet the thought of a black door seal on a Hotpoint New Generation is just NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Strange eh! Perhaps its just about being authentic with me.

BUT
there is one model of Bosch that you can go and see in Currys today - think its a top end model - and it has a black door seal. You know what - it looks great with it and to my eyes it adds an extra touch of smartness. Its the only machine in the entire store with a black door seal.

Gary and Mathew.
I am really eager for us all to have a gander at this machine and see exactly whats what with it, so will try and make it a sooner rather than later project somewhere.
I made a point of pushing the on off buttons on the fascia Mathew and they still feel like they are engaging a rocker switch behind them.

Be easier to live with on/off at the back of the machine, rather than heater, but will live with either as required.

Paul

 

[mayfan69]

Nice Keymatic Paul!

That is a VERY nice looking Keymatic Paul.

Is this a wide body version?

Cheers
LEon

 

[chestermikeuk]

It Would Be No Use

To Gary, he needs the "E" to work on his shell suites , trackies and sweats......Lol

Paul, well done on getting the Keymatic, looks in fine fettle after all the polishing, interesting set up with the switch, have you heard if the previous owner did fit the switch or I wonder if it was a retro fit from Hoover Service etc to do with hot / cold / mix fill, although its a bit of a pain round the back if under a worktop...need to check the updates manual as I seem to remember reading about a lot of fixes and superceeding of timers..

 

[electron1100]

luvlee

Arghh it looks lovely Paul

Yeah maybe at Mats, i need to go and collect the spares (BTW not the computer 1100) that Mat accidently removed from the garage when he was helping tidy it up, the norty little pixie

so when we can get together ill rent an ambulance to bring me up and you two can take me out and push the bath chair

 

[electron1100]

Programs

Aww mike how can you say that program E does all my stuff, but i have to admit those leggins you wore when we went out and then you left under the bed when you were last here, i could see why you had left them but after a few boil washes and some colour bleach i got the seat staines out, see

It seems a shame to throw them because of a few stains and they fit you perfectly

 

[matchboxpaul]

I am offended Mr King, for the machine hasnt been cleaned in either photograph! lol

Richard kept the machine in a warm climate and always undercover, so it has survived its long period of dormancy in superb external condition. There are brown painted patches and dots which Richard has since confirmed is rust proofer, so will go over those with the old humbrol.
There is a small patch above the powder drawer and one underneath the fascia, beneath the keyplate store, that also require a dab of rust proofer, followed by white humbrol.

Of the three and a half hours spent cleaning and polishing a good half was spent polishing the fascia and door ............. then the bloody sun went in! Sodding typical!!! I then packed up, put the machine away, shut the garage door and the sun came out again! ARGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Will upload the cleaning photos tomorrow evening, so you can see what if any difference I managed to effect

Paul