Disassembling a semi-automatic washing machine yourself

There are various reasons why it's necessary to disassemble a semi-automatic washing machine. Sometimes this is necessary to repair the appliance, while other times it's necessary to remove useful components from the housing, such as the drum, motor, and other parts. Let's look at how to quickly, correctly, and carefully disassemble an activator-type washing machine.

Features of dismantling semiautomatic machine parts

Activator washing machines differ slightly in their internal components. The devices are fairly standardized, so by disassembling one model, you can easily do the same work with a semiautomatic device from another manufacturer. Let's figure out where to start taking action.

The standard algorithm for disassembling semiautomatic machines is as follows:

• Remove all screws from the machine body. Keep in mind that some manufacturers "hide" some screws in deep holes on the bottom of the machine, and you can only reach them with a long screwdriver.
• unhook the centrifuge valve and brake;
• Use a socket wrench to loosen the nut and remove the bolt located on the centrifuge shaft;
• rock the top of the case from side to side to release the stuck fasteners;
• tilt the "top" of the semiautomatic body back.

However, disassembling some brands of semi-automatic washing machines can be challenging. Beginners encounter difficulties due to certain design features. For example, to remove the nut from the drum when removing the motor on the SMP "Sibir" model, you'll need to make a special wrench yourself. The tool is made from a 3/4-inch diameter pipe.

To remove the top panel of Saturn and Fairy washing machines, you need to unscrew the screw hidden on the back panel. When removing the cover, you need to move it sideways and only then remove it. On Candy, Daewoo, and Krista semi-automatic machines, many bolts are covered with special caps, which can be difficult to find.

How to remove the activator?

If you're working with a Soviet semi-automatic machine, such as the "Malyutka" or "Saturn" brand, removing the activator yourself won't be entirely straightforward. Before you begin disassembling, it is recommended to make a key. A homemade tool will make dismantling the unit much easier.

Finding a key for removing the actuator from Soviet-era machines is practically impossible. Each semiautomatic machine requires its own tool. Making a custom tool for this purpose is easy; the job takes 10-15 minutes.

For example, to make a key for the "Malutka" activator washing machine, you will need:

• metal tube (its length should be 15 cm longer than the size of the activator disk);
• drill;
• two bolts and nuts for them.

To make a key, follow these steps:

• drill 2 holes in the pipe, making them 9.5 cm apart;
• insert the screws into the drilled holes so that the screws stick out 1-2 cm on the other side;
• secure the bolts with nuts.

This will be the key that will facilitate the activator removal. The further procedure is as follows:

• de-energize the semi-automatic machine;
• remove the plug from the side of the appliance;
• rotate the activator disk so that the holes on the impeller and the housing panel are at the same level;
• lock the motor rotor with a screwdriver;
• Insert the constructed key into the activator and remove the element.

Which direction to turn the activator disk will depend on the model of the SMP.

Owners of "Fairy" and "Ivushka" washing machines, as well as "Mini-Vyatka" semi-automatic machines, will also have to work hard to remove the actuator. In these semi-automatic machines, the disc is driven by a drive belt, similar to automatic machines with a commutator motor. In this situation, the following steps are required:

• de-energize the device;
• loosen the fasteners securing the engine;
• remove the drive belt from the pulley;
• unscrew the nut that secures the pulley;
• remove the stopper;
• remove the activator.

If you are replacing the activator, when installing the new one, make sure that the distance between it and the tank does not exceed 2 mm.

To ensure proper operation of the semi-automatic machine after installing a new activator, it's important to properly adjust the element. The disk's axial displacement should be no more than 0.5 mm, and the distance between it and the tank should not exceed 2 mm.

If you find a long-forgotten motorized washing machine in your garage, don't rush to throw it away. By disassembling the washing machine, you can remove several useful parts. For example, the motor from a semiautomatic machine can be used for various DIY projects, such as a lathe, a crusher, and so on.

   

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