My Ecologic, is this really how it's supposed to tumble?

[electron800]

Hi all,

Well for quite a while now I've been suspecting my Hoover has a timer fault or something thats making it do strange tumbles. I include a link to a video of it. Please watch it and give me your opinions, also if you know of any way of sorting the problem any help would be much appreciated. It's a bit of a strange one, I fear the only cure would be a new timer.

Thanks in advance

Matt

 

[rolls_rapide]

What is the actual programme name of "D"; i.e. what does it say on the guide on the dispenser drawer?

I have a feeling that I read somewhere before (maybe in a Hoover Service Data Book), that some machines had a momentary pause. Probably something to do with the design of the timer.

The wash action looks like it defaults to 'gentle action', adding in the extended portion to bring the wash action up to 'normal action' specification when the timer increments itself to the next click position.

When I've got a spare moment I'll see if I can locate the book: probably won't be for a day or two (buried in the glory hole that is/was the spare bedroom!)

 

[electron800]

Programme D

is "fast coloureds" Thats the most vigourous action the machine does.

The more gentle action is just the first part of the tumble before the pause, then rests until it reverses.

Woolens action is only the anti-clockwise, first stage of the tumble before the pause.

I guess it might be useful to know that the timer has managed to work itself out of line, you have to turn it one click past the desired programme mark on the dial to get the programme you intend to use. I've heard this is quite a common problem on these types of timer. Is it at all possible to sort this problem out as well?

Thanks again

Matt

 

[rolls_rapide]

Woolens action is only the anti-clockwise, first stage of th

Aha! That may be the clue to the mysterious wash action. I'm sure that previously on predecessor machines, Woollens wash action tumbled in both directions.

The Ecologic range had 'Sensorspray' paddles which had an asymmetric design, allowing a gentle action in one direction and a more vigorous action in the other.

The design of the timer has probably been compromised to allow the gentle action in one direction only. It would have been a different kettle of fish had the machine purely electronic programming, like modern machines.

Regarding the dial being one click out, the most common reason is the shaft splits/wears on the dial, allowing a little play. As long as it still turns, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[keymatic3203]

Seems ok to me

Hi Matthew, that seems ok to me, I've worked on many logic/ecologic machines, and yes that rhythm of wash action was introduced in at least some of the ecologic range, the washer/dryer 1300 definatly did on both the washing and drying functions.

Also I prefer the programmer knob of your machine to the smooth thumb wheel of the high end machines. I find the old style timmers far more robust than the thumb wheel type, the switch contacts are stonger. Many of the logics I have in storage don't spin due to the spin contacts having burnt out, so I pedict you have many years happy washing with your ecologic. I still use my A3060 1100 as my regular machine, that is now over 30 years old now, I got it off a skip 10 years ago, replaced the pump, good overhall and it's been ok since. I can't help it I just love all the hoover machines.

Mathew

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Matt

It does make for freaky viewing, but is very consistent - 2 tumbles in the same direction, but with a brief pause in between.

I know nothing of the programming of these machines so will bow to Mathew, who has loads of experience with logics and ecologics.

Has just made me realise that me and rob havent yet properly employed the services of our A3960 Ecologic 1300. Will be interesting to see if ours does the same weird tumbles.

Next time there is an opportunity to take a machine somewhere to play, methinks the Ecologic would be in the running - but then i do want to get the microprofile sorted some day! decisions decsions.

paul

 

[electron800]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Glad to know the machine isn't faulty afterall, really put my mind at rest.

I'll just leave the timer be, as long as I know how to get the correct programme it dosen't really matter that it's out of line.

I think I'll be needing new armature shortly, after I had the brushes chaged it tends to squeal a bit at the start of the programme. I'll leave the old one till it starts to cause problems though.

Thanks everyone!

Matt

 

[bertrum]

Hi Matt,
Looks ok to me too.
If needed the timer and motor speed control pcb can still be bought as spare parts.
You may find the motor takes a few washes after a brush change for them to bed into the shape of the armature.
good luck
bert

 

[electron800]

thanks

good to know parts are still readily available, the brushes were changed in January though and it's been used many many times since then.

Ah well, it still soldiers on!

Matt