Miele w1918 washer leaking

[launderess]

Miele and serial numbers for older laundry appliances

It isn't uncommon for Miele techs to be unable to find any information regarding serial numbers from older units (W7XX, W10XX, w19XX), indeed no history exists for mine (W1070) prior to our purchasing and the several repairs over past years.

Miele started selling appliances in USA back in the 1980's or maybe 1990's (not sure), and from what one has been given to understand changes in computer systems/record keeping meant many early units simply aren't in system. Though they do say reaching out to Miele in Germany may turn up something.

Other thing to remember is for most of Miele's early history in USA their laundry appliances were simply European machines with certain modifications to make them work in USA (120v/60hz power). Inside many of the parts are often pretty much the same as their European cousins. This means if you can find the matching European machine (W1918 was 918 in Germany IIRC), often finding parts in Europe is easier.

 

[enduring]

Launderess, great info. Thank you so much for all your input. Thanks for the info on the spares options. I'll check them out.

 

[launderess]

Sometimes it pays to have the good fish (as the French say)

Others not so much.

Have priced getting Miele parts sent from Europe to USA and sometimes after shipping, VAT and so forth there isn't that much difference. Then there are subtle things that end consumers might not know, but techs do.

When had the suspension serviced on my machine it required new springs and "handle". Well one thought springs were springs and handles were handles. Miele tech told then showed me that was not the case. The latter at least vary between those at front versus back of unit. Thank goodness didn't order ones saw from Germany.

Just so you know the 19xx series of washing machines have reached their "shelf life" far as Miele guaranteeing to keep parts in stock (20 years after model ends IIRC). So unless am mistaken the only parts for this series in the USA warehouse or otherwise on these shores are it; nothing more will be ordered from Germany.

For parts that are also used on other later washing machines this isn't a huge issue. But things specific to a particular unit (7xx, 10xx, 19xx) series are a different matter. For instance the motor for my washer is now NLA, as are various other parts.

While exhausting if one has a parts list or numbers calling Miele parts department will tell if something is in stock, and how many are left. MieleUSA parts can also tell if the thing can be or is being reordered to replenish stock.

Finally in case you had any ideas in that direction, calling Miele Canada or Mexico to obtain parts won't work. Each division of Miele North America is contractually forbidden to sell/send parts out of their own particular country. Once tried to get Miele Canada to send something from Persil that was out of stock in USA, they wouldn't and told me why they couldn't.

 

[enduring]

Thanks again Launderess. I just ordered the shockingly expensive water valve from Miele for my Wisconsin machine. Part number 3801391. Cost me $255.21 and then the expensive shipping at $22.80. I went with Miele instead of an off brand from the internet. When I communicated with one seller from Europe, they couldn't answer my questions satisfactorily, and said their valve wouldn't work on my USA machine, because it is the wrong voltage. I don't know about that.

But I have ordered from Miele so it will work. But I don't get a warranty because I'm not an authorized Miele tech, lol.

 

[launderess]

Voltage

For what it is worth the pump and other parts on my Miele washer are 120v not 220v.

Ironically the electronic control module (which is from France or at least made their according to markings) is also 120v.

Again for these older 120v/220v washers and dryers sold in North America Miele made some internal changes. IIRC things are still like that for the new pure 120v washers, but instead Miele puts small transformers inside to step-up voltage where needed.

Think of your new part as an investment. With proper care that machine should last a few more decades. If and or when things do come to the worst, make sure you salvage every part possible before sending machine to rubbish. That includes the "new" water valve. Where do you think all those spare but used parts for Mile washers being sold in Europe or elsewhere come from?

As for the European parts dealers, one shouldn't be to hard on them; most are only used to dealing with their local market.

 

[enduring]

Launderess, this machine was actually bought to be a parts machine for my other 1918, lol. I ended up thinking that I should get it going too. I received my soap dispenser hose, that I bought from the UK, and I plan on putting that in place today. The patch that I used on the original has been holding its own very well so far.

The water valve will be here next week I presume.

 

[enduring]

Great advise Launderess about saving the parts from the machines. I have been planning to do just that. I love these machines.

 

[sudsmaster]

170 not 190 top temp

Barbara ("Enduring"),

I also got my W1918 off Craigslist as I recall, from a group home in Oakland. It also only goes up to 170F. I seem to recall there was a sticker on it saying this was for energy conservation reasons, but not sure, I got the machine over 10 years ago. In any case, there seem to have been at least two 1918's with the 170 top temp.

Personally I'm not sure the 20 degree difference is all that important. But then I also have a W1065 that goes all the way up to 205F, so if I think something requires that high a temp I can always use that washer. But 170 is higher than most other front loaders sold in the USA go anyway.

The 1918 is a fine machine and I'm not sure that new Miele machines are much better, although some have a little more capacity and supposedly better wash routines.

 

[sgt10]

Using tape to repair

Silicon self-fusing extreme tape can be very useful for leaking hoses.

https://kk.org/cooltools/xtreme-tape/

 

[launderess]

One of the best things about modern Miele and other European front loaders is the balancing of loads.

The 19xx series washers are better than what came before them in terms of handling unbalanced loads, and of course things got better later on.

Yes, Miele washers of old were built to last and could handle the odd badly distributed load; but it is hard on machine, and one's nerves for that matter.

Watching how my Lavamat controls drum movements and or handles unbalanced loads is like night and day compared to the Miele W1070. The latter will actually use control of the drum movements to break up an unbalanced load so things spin smoothly. Also because of better motor control the AEG can slowly ramp up to speed which helps with load balancing as well.

My Miele OTOH will make several attempts to balance, but if that doesn't happen and timer says "lets rock", it's off to the races, banging and clanging.

 

[sudsmaster]

One can always stop the older Miele during a spin, open the drain door, pull the emergency string, pop open the door, and redistribute the load manually. If necessary.

 

[enduring]

looking for long drain hose replacement now.

I see that this thread has been active recently. I am now looking for a longer drain hose for my w1918. My plumber suggested getting a length of radiator hose and clamp on to the outlet. I have a long reach to a floor drain, all down hill. About 10 feet max. Has anyone done this? what size hose do I get? I am not finding the size specs for drain hose on Miele drain hoses that are for sale on the internet.

Thanks.

 

[launderess]

You want hose connector like this: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Dishwasher-...let-Outlet-Joint-Join-Connector-/311235939576

or this: https://www.espares.co.uk/product/es1020671/universal-laundry-drain-hose-connector

Then a length of hose or "extender" washing machine or drain hose. The latter will have one end that can accept various sizes of hose connectors. Insert one end of hose connector into hose coming off washing machine and tightly clamp, then insert free end into extended drain hose doing same.

Voilà problem solved. Have done this four times already and indeed as have most collectors with multiple European washing machines.

 

[enduring]

Thanks Launderess, I will look at options for an extension. I have 2 that I could use for my setups.