UPDATE: Hotpoint Microtronic 9550

[hoover1100]

As many of you will know we recently obtained this machine off ebay, picked it up the other weekend.

First surprise was that it's actually almond, in the ebay photo it looks very much white!

Otherwise the machine is very much as expected, a bit battered and bruised, but the important parts (fascia, chrome door trim etc) are all in good nick.

So here's the ebay photo as a reminder of what we were expecting...

 

[hoover1100]

A few 'slight' problems however...

First of all, the words "in good working order" in the advert were very much over exaggerated, we knew the door glass was missing, but the door seal is also torn, the door catch is broken and the door release button doesn't seem to work...

 

[hoover1100]

but there are also more pressing matters...

the suspension is twisted, as this photo under the lid shows...

 

[hoover1100]

but even more problematic...

is the fact that it doesn't actually work! It won't turn on, no display, no noises, absolutely nothing. I am hoping that this is something simple like a faulty connection or a loose wire, really don't have the equipment or knowledge to know where to start with this one though. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to look for first to try and get power to it?

 

[hoover1100]

A couple more shots

Meant to add to the above post that we have tried the obvious of changing the fuse in the plug, but that didn't help, and is about as far as my electrical skills go!

 

[hoover1100]

Another...

The powder drawer, date code on this machine is 89, which I believe dates it to May 1985, so a relatively early version of this model. On the positive side the bearings turn smoothly with no play, and the motor and other parts all look clean and well maintained...

Next door to the flat we collected the machine from was a derelict hotel being gutted and renovated, didn't get a chance to ask, but wouldn't be surprised if the machine came from there, given how dirty and musty smelling it was, and how much mould was in it, it certainly looks like it's spent some time sitting in a damp empty property!

 

[hoover1100]

So that's where we are now...

Until we can get power to the machine there isn't much point in sorting any of the other issues, so for the time being at least it may just have to sit in our outhouse.

For £4.99 you can't really go wrong though can you!

Matt

 

[andyvivo]

Hi Matt
From memory the door opening won't be to much of an issue. It probably will not work correctly until the glass and new door seal is fitted.

If you tip the machine back and remove the 13mm nuts retaining the suspension rubber and bracket, and inspect the chassis you may see hairline cracks. If you do you will need the reinforcment strut that connects the suspension legs in one long support bracket.

When it is switched on do you hear any kind of hum from the machine? or even a flicker of the l.e.d's iluminating? if there is some kind of life there then you may need to check the ribbon cables to make sure they are contacting.
It would be a good idea to check for continuity in the mains lead, suppressor, and mains switch before delving for the modules.

HTH Andy

 

[electron1100]

Just a thought

I do not how these operate regading the door switch, but i have a Hoover 1100 computer control and if you switch it on with the door open the display does not light up, so i am wondering if this Hotpoint is the same idea, and if the door switch could be faulty

 

[andyvivo]

IIRC the machine powers door open or closed, I can't remeber if these had two dashes when the door was open or just remained at 00 or whatever programme was selected.

 

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

Suspension twisted, as Andy has suggested you will need to inspect the chassis for the cracks, I have come across several machine with this problem and it can be resolved by welding some plates to reinforce the chassis, the dampers may also require replacement due to excessive ware caused by being out of alignment.

Power, if the door switch is not making due to the glass missing or catch ( the wiring diagram shows the switch must be operated for the power to work ) or has the power board got wet when the door boot ripped?

This is the machine I was going to go for but I could not organize a collection it’s a nice machine I’m glad it’s in safe hands.

 

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

Chassis, area in red box can be a weak spot often due to poor steel and the die casting.

 

[fido]

I chucked out a complete set of electronics for one of those last October. You probably didn't wish to know that though!

 

[supermaticjames]

Lovely machine...

I might be getting my friends one in future, hopefully your case is just human error. The machine does not turn on unless the door is closed. Could be a faulty interlock?

James

 

[hoover1100]

Thanks guys!

I had wondered if perhaps the machine wouldn't power up with the door catch broken, will order a new one and see how things go!

Once we get the machine to power up, I'll worry about the suspension and any other issues that may (probably will) arise...

Matt

 

[matchboxpaul]

Hi Matt.

Certainly looks like a previous owner had a fight with the door, judging by the lack of door bowl, broken door latch and probable dodgy door interlock.

I am not electrically minded, but my understanding is that the mains electricity enters the machine and before reaching anything fascia wise, passes through the door interlock. If this is operational, or engaged, then the machine will operate and light up, so to speak.
Blimey - a three year old would be able to explain it better than me!

I only know this because about 8 months ago the door interlock on the 95620 went. It didnt go bang and there was no smoke - it just failed and broke the circuit into the machine. The result was a totally dead machine, with not even a dim flicker in the mains green neon.

Fingers crossed that a new interlock will sort out your 9550A.

Just before I stop embarrassing myself with my total lack of mechanical knowledge - make sure you order the right interlock, as there are two styles.

Some machines have this single hole interlock...

 

[matchboxpaul]

...whilst others have this style, with an extra hole underneath the main interlock into which an extra prong on the door latch plate fits.

Right - I'm off, before I make myself sound like anymore of an idiot, who doesnt know what the hell he is on about!

Paul