Motor Control Board Fried!

[phillymatt53]

Quick update (since @phillymatt53 asked in another thread):


The washer is still misbehaving. I tried installing a new motor, but as John predicted, it made no difference.

However, I did discover that the washer spins just fine when plugged into an outlet closer to the main panel, where there's virtually no voltage drop. But when it’s plugged into an outlet that's far from the panel (over 100 feet away in the casita) it starts acting up.

I tested voltage under load (using a hairdryer). The laundry room outlet only drops from 120V to about 118V. But the casita outlet drops all the way from 120V down to 108V or lower.

So rather than going straight to the (expensive) option of installing a new sub-panel in the casita (which I'd love to do eventually) I'm going to talk to John about modifying the clutch to allow a bit more slip and see if that helps.

Unless anyone has other suggestions for dealing with the voltage drop? Most of my other appliances in the casita don't seem to mind it much, but this washer is picky. Either way, I’ll be getting an estimate for electrical upgrades and preparing myself for the $$$.

Mark

I would suggest to replace the romex wiring with a slightly heavier gauge (12 gauge) Romex between the casida receptacle and the house breaker box, and make sure the connections are nice and tight.
Modifying the machine is not the answer, you need to address the root problem.

 

[combo52]

Motors starting problems on a direct drive washer

I would imagine there’s already 12 gauge wire going out there. you may have to change to 10 gauge copper, or better yet put in a subpanel with number six or larger aluminum feeding with subpanel.

More practical solution would be to modify the clutch for a little bit more slippage on start, 108 V. at start is still plenty of power to safely run a washing machine.

Easiest way to get it to work for now is just to shoot a little penetrating oil into the clutch. You don’t have to disassemble anything.

You can also disassemble the whole thing and put a lighter spring in that was used on the compact models.

John L