Why does the spin cycle in a semi-automatic washing machine not work?

The design of semi-automatic machines is quite simple. Such units are inexpensive, so they are in constant demand among buyers - washing machines are installed in dachas, rented apartments, etc. But even such reliable and simple devices can fail. Often, owners of semi-automatic machines are faced with the fact that the spin does not work. Let's figure out why problems occur with the centrifuge? How can you fix your “home assistant”?

What causes centrifuges to fail?

To be honest, the centrifuge is the most vulnerable part of the SMP. The assembly is made very simply - the container is directly connected to the electric motor shaft. The only thing that protects the motor from water is the oil seal, which is attached to the tank.

The oil seal tends to wear out, so after some time of using the washer, water easily gets onto the motor, causing a short circuit in the engine.

The seal deteriorates not only due to constant vibrations during operation of a semi-automatic washing machine. The seal wears out even if the equipment is not used. When the rubber dries out, it becomes rougher and cracks form on its surface. Due to gasket defects, water seeps into the motor, causing a short circuit.

Therefore, if the engine has stopped driving the centrifuge, you need to change not only the motor, but also the oil seal of the semi-automatic washing machine. This is the only way to protect the device from recurrent leaks and breakdowns.

Why did the centrifuge stop?

You can identify the reason why the spin cycle of your washing machine does not work without the help of a professional.The semi-automatic device is very simple, so you won’t have to look for a problem for a long time. The centrifuge usually stops spinning:

• due to damage to the starting capacitor of the electric motor;
• due to loose brake cable.

To diagnose the capacitor you will need a special device. Therefore, the easiest way is to immediately replace it with a new part with a nominal capacity. The fact that an element needs to be replaced will be indicated by strained, slow operation of the machine. It will be difficult to gain speed; even after a couple of minutes the tank will not be able to spin up to the required speed. You can actually check the cable with your own hands. To do this, you need to close the lid of the semiautomatic device or close the control limit switch. Then you should try to rotate the centrifuge tank. If it rotates tightly, you need to tighten the cable to factory settings.

If everything is in order with the starting capacitor and cable, it is worth inspecting the walls of the centrifuge. If they have cracks, it is likely that water from the tank has leaked onto the engine and the engine has “short-circuited”. In this situation, you will have to change the drive and install a new oil seal. If you do not find any defects on the centrifuge tank, check the contacts. The connection can fail for many reasons. It may be possible to fix the washing machine by replacing or tightening the wire.

How to get to faulty parts?

Semi-automatic washing machines of different brands are very similar. Of course, we are talking about the main design features and variations in the arrangement of elements in the case. Therefore, having disassembled the “home assistant” once, no questions will arise when repairing other units. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Unscrew all the bolts located on the body of the semi-automatic machine.Sometimes it can be difficult to find self-tapping screws - manufacturers make fastenings in hard-to-reach places. Therefore, it is better to have a long, thin screwdriver on hand;
• Unhook the water drain valve and the centrifuge brake pads. To access the elements, there is a special small hatch in the rear of the case;
• handle the centrifuge shaft.

The screw fixing the shaft is additionally secured with a nut. To deal with it, you will need a regular and socket wrench. By loosening the locknut, you can remove the bolt. Having finished with the centrifuge shaft, you need to fold back the entire upper part of the semiautomatic device. This should be done with gentle rocking movements so as not to damage the components and the body. Now you can start repairing the machine.

Auto shut off sensor

The reason that the machine does not spin could be a protective sensor. It is provided on some models of semi-automatic machines, for example, Saturn and Daewoo. The element is installed on the lid covering the centrifuge. Its task is to prevent the device from starting when the door is open.

To “crawl” into the mechanism, you need to remove the top cover of the machine. Directly under the dash there is an automatic shut-off sensor with two wires. Contacts should be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. You cannot sand them with sandpaper or scratch them with a blade. Such processing usually helps to improve the operation of the automatic shutdown sensor. Check if the equipment was repaired. When the sash is closed, the contacts of the element must close.

Washing time adjustment mechanism

It happens that a semi-automatic machine does not want to spin things when the timer is broken. The device is also located under the cover of the machine. To repair the mechanism, just clean its contacts.Remove the “tidy” and find the timer - the device looks like a clock with gears. There are contacts inside the mechanism that can melt after several years of using the semiautomatic device. They are covered with a layer of soot that does not allow current to pass through.

You need to carefully disassemble the clock mechanism. Gears are attached to the cover of the device, so remove it carefully, not allowing the “wheels” to spill out. It is recommended to take a photo of the timer at the very beginning so as not to make a mistake when reassembling it. Once you have access inside, wipe the contacts with an alcohol wipe.

Brake system

The braking system in semi-automatic cars works very simply. The brake pads are installed under the centrifuge tank and stop the tank when the door is opened. They are connected to the upper sash by means of a cable.

So, the user, opening the lid of the semi-automatic device, without knowing it, pulls the cable. Due to this, the brake pads “grip” the engine shaft. The centrifuge stops. When the cover is closed, the pads should not touch the engine. Otherwise, the engine simply will not start. Therefore, be sure to check the cable tension and the location of the “brake”.

Motor

Very often, a semi-automatic machine does not spin clothes precisely because the motor windings burn out. You can check the unit using a special device - a multimeter. Diagnostics is performed as follows:

• find the ends of the wires coming out of the motor. Most models have three. The common cable is marked with the symbol “N”;
• switch the multimeter to resistance determination mode;
• measure the resistance between the common wire and each of the remaining two.

The tester screen should display a resistance value; if it is absent, we can conclude that the motor winding is burnt out.

If the starting or operating winding is burned out, you will have to change the engine. It is not advisable to rewind the motor - the cost of the work will be comparable to the purchase of a new element. Replacement will help restore the functionality of the semi-automatic washing machine.

What else should I check?

It is quite difficult to list all the possible reasons why the spin cycle does not work. Each brand of semi-automatic may have certain nuances. If everything is in order with the cable, motor, timer, sensor and pads, check:

• drive belt. It may have torn or fallen out of place;
• thermal relay. If the device malfunctions, you will have to replace it with a new one;
• fuse located inside the case, behind the rear wall. It is worthwhile to diagnose the element if both engines do not work at the same time: the main tank and the centrifuge.

Small items that fly out of the centrifuge and wrap around the motor shaft can interfere with the spin cycle.

Sometimes a semi-automatic washing machine does not start spinning if the laundry is unevenly stuffed into the tank. The engine will not be able to spin the centrifuge - the operation of the machine will be disrupted.

Recommendations from experienced professionals

To disassemble a semi-automatic machine, you will need different tools. Before repairing, it is better to study the instructions for the washing machine to understand what fasteners the manufacturer uses. Then during the process you will not have to be distracted by searching for special devices. For example, to disassemble the Siberia semi-automatic machine, you will need a special key. If you don’t have a branded tool, you can make your own using a 3/4-inch piece of pipe.

To remove the top cover on the Fairy and Saturn models, you need to unscrew all the screws and move the panel to the side. Also, if you can’t find a couple of bolts to disassemble the case, take a closer look - manufacturers of washing machines Krista and Daewoo cover the screws with special plugs.

Users may also have questions when removing the activator from the housing on Slavda machines. The knot itself is very smooth, and it is simply unrealistic to grab it to pull it up. You can remove the container by screwing two self-tapping screws into the assembly and grabbing their protruding part. In fact, sometimes it is much more difficult to repair an activator-type machine than an automatic washing machine. However, you can still handle most problems yourself. Before starting work, be sure to read the instructions for the device and understand the structure of the equipment.

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