My new zanussi fl812!

[zanussi1989]

Hey guys, some pictures of my new zanussi washing machine. Bought it for thirty pound of gumtree! I think it was a old lady that had it last, it's in very good condition!

 

[zanussi1989]

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[zanussi1989]

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[zanussi1989]

Wee bit of mould on the door seal but I've ordered a new one.

 

[zanussi1989]

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[hotpoint9534]

Hello Zanussi89, welcome to the forum.

Thanks for posting the pictures of your FL812, it's in great condition! Those grey fascia Zanussis are my favourite machines. Alongside the earlier Washcraft models they were very well built (therefore very heavy!) and extremely reliable. The FL812 has a nice big induction motor being an 800 spin machine, with very little to go wrong really. Yours is probably a later example as there is no "Made In Italy" on the soap drawer and it has the protruding timer knob. Earlier ones were flush with the programme indicator dial. If you post the serial number from the rating plate I can date it for you.

I have two machines from this range, a Jetsystem ZFL1023 from 1989 and a traditional FL1123 from 1985. I also have a Z9191T from the previous Washcraft series which has an induction motor.

Tom

 

[miele4life]

looks lovely, like it's only just been brought lol. But yeah I'm with hotpoint9534 regarding serial numbers so it'd be interesting to know when this 1 came off the production line.

 

[zanussi1989]

I love theses machines to, one of my favorites. To me they where the best machines Zanussi made along with earlier models. I like the fact it has a induction motor to. I've used it twice and its seem to work fine apart from on the non fast colors cycle i don't think its quite reaching forty degrees! anyone got any idea what could be wrong? That would be great Tom, ill put up the serial number tomorrow, would love to know when it was made.

Lamont

 

[zanussi1989]

[No message]

 

[hotpoint9534]

Thanks for the information! That one was made during the 21st week of 1988.

Neither my FL1123 and Z9191T seem to make it up to 40 degrees on programme 'G' Non Fast Coloureds either, the temperature on the door glass feels more like 30 to me. Yet I'm sure similar machines I used years ago didn't have the same problem. Perhaps age affects the thermostat somehow. They use two separate dual thermostats. The first is for 30 and 40 degrees, and the second is for 60 and 90 degrees. In fact if I put the Washcraft on the wool or silk programme it just washes forever without moving on, so clearly something isn't right somewhere.

My 1989 Jetsystem uses a variable thermostat alongside a single fixed 40/90 degree stat which seems much more accurate.

I might change the 30/40 thermostat on one machine, just to see if it makes a difference. I need some sealant as well though, as I don't want it leaking!

Tom

 

[ozzie908]

@ Tom

just a thought but before you go to the bother of swapping thermostats run a descaler through a 90c cycle as it may have a build up on the heater, Also take into consideration the heater is getting on a bit so may not be as effective.

You may want to check that the solenoid on the timer is holding it still while it heats as that will make it move on before the correct temp has been achieved, sometimes they just need a few boil washes and a quick squirt of WD40 or similar on the clocks moving bits. keep us posted as to how it goes.

Austin

 

[hotpoint9534]

Thanks for the reply, Austin.

I don't think there's anything wrong with the solenoid as I regularly wash at 60c and the correct temperature is achieved. I did have the solenoid fail completely on the Jetsystem which unfortunately required the Crouzet timer to be changed (a job that requires a certain amount of patience). The other two machines use an AKO timer. The heaters seem as powerful as ever and don't seem to take any longer to heat up than I remember on the 60c cycle.

I've not had the FL1123 very long, but I have already run a 90c cycle with descaler. Perhaps I'll try it again. There is another slight fault with it as there's no tumble action on the last rinse (after letter 'J') unless I give the timer a bit of a nudge. I know LavamatJon had the same problem with his FL1012.

Tom

 

[zanussi1989]

That's interesting to know, thanks tom. The first thing I did when I got it was run a descaler thought it, I put it on a 60 degree wash and it seemed to reach the right temperature! So I'll try changing the other thermostat, I can only assume it's that... I'll ask the engineer to. Thanks for your help guys!

Lamont

 

[electron1100]

Zanussi

Hello Tom

Well done on getting a solid sensible well built machine, no problems with low water levels or long washes either it just gets on with the job, easy to service and should last years and years.

Maybe invest in a digital thermo thingy off ebay I bought one for about £7 and it is ideal for checking water temps.

And as already said worth giving it a good boilwash clean out, beware of some limescale removers as they can attack enamelled tubs, I am not sure if this range had them

Gary

 

[fido]

As said, a very well made machine. The only weak point was the timer knob assembly so treat it gently when selecting the wash. The plastic teeth break off until eventually the knob turns without turning the timer.

 

[hotpoint9534]

Thanks Gary. Your suggestion to buy a digital thermometer is a good one. I didn't know about the limescale removers attacking enamelled tubs. Of course most of this range did have them (some later machines used a stainless steel tub but I've yet to come across one) so I'll be very careful in future. Fortunately I live in a soft water area so they aren't usually necessary. The Jetsystem ZFL1023 was from Northampton though and clogged with limescale. The plastic heater box under the tub was almost totally blocked and it took a long time to clear out.

Ariel bio powder in the green box is the stuff I generally use for boil washes and I find it does a good job of keeping the machine clean too.

Lamont, if you any help with parts or other information for your FL812 let me know. I have all the relevant diagrams in my Zanussi archive!

Fido, yes I've had that happen to me. Fortunately the assembly is still available and I was able to fix it. I have another as spare just in case!

Tom

 

[zanussi1989]

Tom that would be good if you could, drop me a email if you like.

Lamont

 

[dascot]

Ah, I really like these machines. They seemed to last and last and were quiet too.

 

[zanussi1989]

Tom is there any chance you could tell me the part I need and forward the relevant diagrams to fix it.... Am going try and give it a go.. It can't be that hard!

Lamont

 

[fido]

A lot of people in the trade swear by Debor glue for sealing things like the top hat thermostats and their rubber housings but I found normal silicone worked fine in cases where a sealant was required. This was usually on machines with alloy tub backplates where there was some corrosion round the thermostat hole. You do need to wait a few hours for the silicone to set before testing the machine and when you do it is best to try it on a rinse with the back left off so you can observe any drips.

 

[hotpoint9534]

Sorry for the delay. Part number 50103850009 is the thermostat you require. It is available here: http://shop.electrolux.co.uk/product/50103850009/THERMOSTAT+NC40 I've used Debor glue before, but haven't tried Fido's method. I would add that it's very important that no water drips onto the motor.

The parts diagram can be found here: http://procornerpdf.electrolux.com/static/Pictures/Views/U0P09/361.PDF Beware that it covers three models so make sure you match the part you need with the correct model.

I also have the instruction manual as a PDF, if you would like it I'll send it in an email.

Tom

 

[hotpoint9534]

Also, make a note of any wires you disconnect so you know where to put them back, and be sure to remove the mains plug from the wall before doing the work. Of course this is mainly common sense!

Tom

 

[statomatic]

Hi, very nice machine, I love the look of the grey panel.

I have an FL812V which is very similar, here is a picture of mine when I've get it:

 

[statomatic]

Now it is almost fixed (installed a new door handle and cleaned some parts), but it is leaking by the drain pump filter cap, I bought a new cap and seal, but there are a few different versions and of course I got the wrong ones!

Here is a picture of induction motor with its large pulley, this machine uses a small (but reliable) electronic control unit for soft start to spin:

I love this motor design because you get the best of both worlds:
Induction motor, so no need to brushes, so better reliability and lower noise.
Electronic speed control, so high spin speed with soft start.

 

[zanussi1989]

Thanks for your help tom.... Parts and the glue is ordered! Not sure if I need to order a new seal for it?? Looks like it has one on the diagram? Are they all standard? I'll take photos of the wiring before I start! Looks a simple job!.... I say that now lol

Statomatic looks a nice machine! Does it have the same drum as mine? They seem similar but with a different case and control panel! My machine def does not mess about when it comes to the spin,One of the things I like about it! Not waiting days for it to sort the clothes out! Lol

Lamont

 

[hotpoint9534]

Hi Lamont,
I hadn't thought about the seal. If you get the seal out and it's in one piece, not perished and doesn't look too distorted it should be OK. But I guess it might be worth changing at the same time.

If the fix works on your machine, I will give it a go on mine.

Statomatic,
That's a very interesting machine. I've never seen one before with that later styling but the enamelled outer tub and original drum. It's also the first I've seen with an electronic module linked to an (old style, not inverter) induction motor on a Zanussi.

According to the technical information, the FL812V was made in the Alcala factory in Spain. Sadly, this closed a few years ago, but I read that a lot of tools and equipment from the production of the old range were transferred here from Italy in the early 90s. Many of the UK marketed Tricity/Bendix machines were produced in Spain, alongside the Zanussi "Delta" range. By this time they'd switched to a plastic tub and different drum, but other internal parts remained the same for a while.

Tom

 

[hotpoint9534]

Having done a bit more reading, it is necessary to insert a small flat bladed screwdriver between the seal and thermostat edge to remove the stat but leave the seal in place. You shouldn't need to remove the seal unless it is damaged and needs replacing.

Tom

 

[statomatic]

@tom, yes it is made in Spain.

There is a few Whirlpool washer/dryer (made in Italy, by Ignis I think) with this induction motor/electronic control design.

The tub is not enameled, it is stainless steel:

 

[zanussi1989]

Had it on again tonight with a new door seal and I think it was at 40 degrees! Or dam near it! Am thinking it's maybe because it's not been used in a while! Which one would I be changing if I was to change it?

Lamont

 

[hotpoint9534]

The 30/40 stat is the one with the white and orange spots. If it is working fine then I'd leave it. Keep the spare one just in case you need it in future.

Did you find the door seal change easy? The retaining spring that joins the seal with the tub can be difficult to fit.

Tom