Zanussi FJS 1597 W

[davetranter]

I have just spotted one of these, and am considering getting it for the Good Lady, to relace her increasingly dysfunctional Whirlpool. Does anyone have any experience of this model?? Are there any 'known problems' I should check for?? There is quite heavy rusting of the front panel just under the detergent drawer.

Thanks for any (and all) feedback

Dave T

 

[aquacycle]

Hi Dave,

Is this an XC series machine?

In my experience, this series are very good quality - a million percent better than the current range. They do have quite long cycle times and the lower end, brushed motor models have quite loud, high pitched motors but they do wash very well.

The 2 most common faults I've seen on this series are bearing failure and PCB failure. Of all the XC and IZ series machines I knew of bought new, it was those faults that caused their replacement. 1 example was that the machine would could down through the main wash, but would get stuck at the 51 minute mark and not advance beyond that point. Another example was on the base model 1000rpm AquaCycle machine, that was replaced due to bearing failure after about 5 years.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[lavamat_jon]

This is the last of the timer-controlled Jetsystems, quite a rare version with a 1500rpm spin - a good buy by all means!

 

[davetranter]

Further info....

The front panel graphics describe the machine as 'Zanussi Jetsystem Excel 1450'. No idea of which 'series' it is.... I will try to get a look at the data plate on the back of it next time I'm in the area. (Assuming that the data plate IS on the back and not underneath or inside the back cover)

Thanks for the comments

All best

Dave T

 

[adamthemieleman]

If it's a Zanussi, won't the data plate be on the door rim, above the seal, think it's the left hand side.

My nan had one similar to this, the basic one with only the timer dial. It was a good and quiet machine

 

[davetranter]

Got it!!

Picked it up this afternoon. No time to look at it properly and/or plumb it in.... It will need a thorough clean inside and out.... Could hear water (of indeterminate age) in the sump when we moved it, and it has some old and crusty detergent in the drawer. I suppose that will do to put it through an empty 'self-clean' cycle. Won't get chance to visit it again until Monday. :-(

Thanks for the tip off about the data plate position, Adam. I had already noted that I couldn't see one on the back.

All best

Dave T

 

[aquacycle]

Hi Dave,

Nice one, be sure to get some pics up . I'd love to see some before/after shots.

Chris

 

[davetranter]

Before Pic#1

Info from data plate (if this means anything to anyone).....

Type : P6298705 Product No. : 914787524 00

Still no chance to plumb in/test, so no idea if it works at all yet... :-(

I suppose I should have got a shot of the gungy detergent drawer...

 

[davetranter]

Before Pic#2

If it works, this machine will be replacing a Whirlpool AWM 822. Working apart from a dodgy door switch and drain pump. If anyone local wants it for spares, let me know....

 

[aquacycle]

God, Dave, that's seen better days! I hope you get it up to full working order though, these are great machines! We had the older version with the square top and 1200 spin for years.

What is it that your other half doesn't like about the Whirlpool? Those Whirlpool Aqualine's are one of the best, is it being replaced because of the issues with the door and pump?

 

[davetranter]

Whirlpool

Door switch, Pump, 900rpm spin speed. She has been using a 'stand-alone' spin dryer for the last 12 months, in order to have any chance of getting washing dry in a reasonable time. The tumble dryer is offline at the moment, needs new door switch, too. Luckily, it's just a lever microswitch, several examples of which I've just dug out of storage during this cold, windy, wet afternoon. ;-)

Sadly, the whirlpool was bought 'reconditioned' (before the Good Lady met me). Part of the 'reconditioning' process apparently involved sealing the lint trap plug in place with epoxy resin, presumably to 'fix' a leak. :-(

Sadly, neither of us have space for a 'collection', so if the Zanussi works or can be got working, it will have to go.... :-(

All best

Dave T

 

[davetranter]

Test Drive

After delays caused by illness and Christmas, the Zanussi had a test run today (31st). Apart from being externally filthy, and internally full of grit(!!!??!!!) it seems to be working well.....

More news to follow, as it becomes available.......

All best

Dave T

 

[davetranter]

First wash successful

Two washes (one 'fast coloureds', one 'woollens') completed, using Aldi 'Almat'. Stuff has come out REALLY clean (AND dry!!). It's amazing how much better this machine performs than the Whirlpool.

As stated before, there is now a Whirlpool AWM822 up for grabs in the Stoke-on-Trent area. Please register any interest here, preferably 'sooner rather than later'... The 'Good Lady' is itching to put it out on the kerb.....

All best

Dave T

P.S. 'After' pics will follow when I've had time to rub down and respray the front panel. The top of the 'fill channel' under the detergent drawer was absolutely FULL of dried detergent/conditioner, which probably explains long-term backflow leakage leading to that heavy rusting. No leakage now

 

[aquacycle]

Hi Dave,

Great to hear you've got the machine up and running and you're happy with it. Those old jetsystems are fantastic machines. My Mum had the older version with the flat top, FJ1295, for the best part of 11 years.

Good call with the Almat powder - is it the bio you're using? It's great stuff, washes very well and you don't need to use much of it.

Chris