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Thread ID: 74898 2006-12-09 08:29:00 OT, Damn Dirty Washing Machine Pumps bob_doe_nz (92) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
505456 2006-12-09 08:29:00 Me mums asked me to take a look at her washing machine to see why the cold water is not dispensing properly. I found that THIS (imagef1.net.nz) gadget is not working correctly.

Stupid question but, anyone know where I can get one?

Machine is a F&P Smartdrive GW708. About 8 or so years old.
bob_doe_nz (92)
505457 2006-12-09 08:42:00 That gadget is a pair of solenoid vaves. Disconnect the water and power supplies. Swap over the water supply pipes, and then swap over the wires to the solenoids, it will then "dispense" cold water. You now have a hot water problem though.
A much more common problem is that the strainer fitted in the hose connector (might be at either end) is clogged. clean the mesh strainer and bingo - many times smiles result.Either way, the $$$ stay home, and your Mum has a washing machine to use even if (worst case) it is only for cold washing until you get a replacement valve assembly.
R2x1 (4628)
505458 2006-12-09 09:01:00 This has got me thinking, If I get a hose mixer from say the garden shop and hook it up at the back of the machine...

Hmm... :rolleyes:

What does one suggest to clean the filter bit with? Toothbrush and water?
bob_doe_nz (92)
505459 2006-12-09 09:19:00 Just a rinse under the tap, reversing the normal flow often works, but a toothbrush would be great. It's metal gauze IIRC for that vintage. R2x1 (4628)
505460 2006-12-09 15:29:00 Doesn't the machine itself heat the water when required for hot washes? Greg (193)
505461 2006-12-09 17:21:00 This has got me thinking, If I get a hose mixer from say the garden shop and hook it up at the back of the machine...

Hmm... :rolleyes:

What does one suggest to clean the filter bit with? Toothbrush and water?

Use vinegar (acidic acid) to dissolve calcium and mineral deposits...just don't soak the solenoids.

Since you have dual solenoids, then the machine receives hot water from an outside source...the machine does not heat it itself.

Try this site to ID what you need...I suppose that NZ and US washing machine solenoids are pretty much the same. Voltages may or may not be the same.
SurferJoe46 (51)
505462 2006-12-09 20:06:00 Ring Fisher & Paykel and ask about spare parts. They probably still have suitable replacement parts for that model even if it is 8 years old. Jen (38)
505463 2006-12-09 20:07:00 Thanks for your replies guys. You've all been a great help :) bob_doe_nz (92)
505464 2006-12-09 21:05:00 This has got me thinking, If I get a hose mixer from say the garden shop and hook it up at the back of the machine... Hmm... :rolleyes:No... Absolutely not. All you'll achieve is mixing the hot and cold for the house, and pressurizing your hot water cylinder beyond it's rating. At best this will put a lot of hot water on your roof. At worst, o dear, BIG MESS Even if you didn't have these issues to consider, you'd get hot rinses, and that would do wonders for upping your power usage, and there's a limit how much power we can ship up to the North Island for you guys :p The idea of swapping the solenoid round is a good one, but cleaning filters on the old one, or better still replacing the solenoid seems a better one :)

also by the time you got all the right hoses etc, you may as well have paid for the genuine part
personthingy (1670)
505465 2006-12-09 22:03:00 Ring Fisher & Paykel and ask about spare parts. They probably still have suitable replacement parts for that model even if it is 8 years old.

5 Cents says they charge an exhorbant price for this part, or say warranty is void because I'm not an authorised service repair person.
bob_doe_nz (92)
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