Lavamt Triple-Water Valve Replacement

[launderess]

Well my barely used "new to me" AEG OKO-Lavamat has been playing up of late.

Sometime not long after arrival noticed the machine was not sending water down fabric softener compartment consistently. No worries as don't use the stuff much anyway. However later on the machine began not filling or doing so with a trickle of water on some cycles.

Monday night was the last straw; went do to a load on "Delicates" and the machine sat there filling for >15 minutes. Ended up having to pour water from kettle each time filling was required to get things done. That obviously is not a permanent solution.

Upon investigation is seems AEG washers of this vintage are prone to having water solenoid issues, and the triple water valve unit must be replaced. Is this a job a novice DIY person such as oneself can tackle?

Called Miele in when the valves needed replacing on the W10170 (the cold water went after >15 years but the tech said best to do both while he was at it), but am getting frugal and wondering if the AEG job can be done on a more cheaper basis.

Can order the part from AEG in Canada for nearly $150 plus shipping. Or, can have it sent from various spares places in Europe for around $60 or so plus shipping and VAT after exchange rate. AEG uses "Appliance cares" an outfit I've never heard of for their local repairs. Regardless have a hunch call out charges will be dear..

My copy of AEG service manual tells how to open up the machine, diagnose some issue and so forth, but gives scant information on how to replace actual parts.

 

[henene4]

Valves

It should be a matter of a few screws, some hose clamps and a few conectors once the top is of, so, I'm pretty confident you'll be abled to do that repair with ease.

 

[askolover]

Launderess I am confident you are very capable of taking care of that repair!!

 

[panthera]

You can do it yourself.

However, it's not unusual for the extraordinarily fine screens on these to gunk up. I'd check that first. I don't know your model number, but this you tube clip is pretty typical for replacement on AEGs.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjDvBIzhugs

 

[askolover]

That's about the same as was on my Asko.

 

[panthera]

Interestingly enough

Some parts of the city of Munich still have local water. Not many, and by now, probably nobody. I did in my old condo, though, and the water would silt up those filters and screens at every opportunity. I just got used to cleaning them all every single, solitary month.

Just now realized the video was in German. Whoops! Won't matter to Laundress, who can cope with anything. Whether single, duo or triple valve, the basics are all the same with these. They replaced the mechanical lever/cam system which was driven off of the mechanical timer. Those always had problems with the sluice-door jamming or the plastic connectors snapping.

 

[launderess]

Thanks guys

AEG = Auspacken, Einschalten, Garantiefall!

First thought was that perhaps the inlet filter screens were clogged. But before putting the unit into service while installing the hose checked the screen, and it was clean. Here in NYC we have very soft and remarkably free of sediment water. Compared to what one has seen (like that Maytag agitator) know this is not the case in the rest of USA.

Then thought if the screen was clogged then all three valves would be blocked, no water would enter. However the Lavamat only seems to have issues with the "center" water valve (fabric softener, delicates, and a few other cycles use this), as opposed to main and pre-wash compartments. Those are full force and strong.

Had an old Malber washer and eventually the Miele which both had cold water intake problems, so sort of know the signs. In both instances the solenoids wanted replacing.

Will probably go ahead and order the spare from Europe and sometime later, when things quiet down after the holidays, pop the bonnet and see what there is.

That a basically brand new washer (again still had the "new" smell when arrived) and is barely used should have such problems early on is a mystery.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?47213

@panther

Just watched the video and you are a sainted angle sweety-pie for posting!

Though my unit uses a triple valve the basics seem pretty straight forward. Will just need to mark the connections to ensure things are put back correctly. Even have a set of hose clamp/bunny ears pliers that can deal with the hose clamps. [this post was last edited: 12/23/2016-09:43]

 

[logixx]

D'uh.. I found that video as well but thought it might be of no use since it's German. But I obviously forgot you're the resident handy(wo)man. Shouda known better.

 

[launderess]

You all are giving Moi too much credit!

*LOL*

Didn't understand a single word of the narrative in German from that video, but can follow pictures well enough! Hahaha!

If you ever want a good laugh, turn on the "translate" function for a Youtube video. Not once has one ever found anything that remotely related to what is on screen.