How to replace the motor in an Indesit washing machine

You don't always need to call a technician to repair your washing machine. For example, replacing the motor in an Indesit washing machine can be done yourself. This job isn't considered difficult. The key is to properly diagnose the problem and select the right motor.

We'll explain how to replace the motor in an Indesit automatic washing machine. What tools will you need? How can you test the motor to see if it's truly broken? Let's delve into the details.

Testing and removing the motor

In reality, replacing the motor isn't difficult. It's much more difficult to determine whether the problem is truly the electric motor. The part is quite expensive, so it's hard to just buy a new one.

What symptoms might indicate a faulty automatic washing machine motor? The main signs of malfunction are:

• the washing machine is turned on and hums, but the drum remains motionless;
• the electric motor rattles after switching on;
• when trying to spin the drum, smoke and a loud hum appear;
• strong vibration of the washing machine coming from the motor;
• the drum rotates unstably, constantly stopping;
• The drum rotates much slower than the program specifies.

Some of the symptoms listed above may indicate a broken drive belt or worn bearings. Therefore, don't rush into buying a new motor. The first step is to diagnose your Indesit washing machine.

First, you need to understand the theory. Automatic machines Indesit are equipped with collector-type motors. These motors are characterized by their small size and high power. The drum is driven by a drive belt that connects two pulleys.

The washing machine's collector motor consists of a rotor, a stator, a winding and two electric brushes.

The engine speed is regulated by a tachometer, which is mounted on the motor housing. Diagnosing the "heart" of an automatic washing machine can be accomplished in several ways, but first, the motor must be removed from the washing machine.

To remove the motor from the washing machine:

• unplug the washing machine;
• close the water inlet valve;
• Unscrew the screws holding the rear panel of the case;
• remove the panel and put it aside;
• remove the drive belt from the drum "wheel" and from the motor pulley;
• Take a photo of the wiring diagram for the engine (this will help you avoid mistakes during reassembly);
• disconnect the wires from the electric motor;
• remove the screws holding the motor;
• Carefully pull out the engine, rocking it from side to side.

Now you can begin the inspection. First, inspect the brushes. They are located on the sides of the motor. If the graphite rods are worn, they will need to be replaced.

You can tell there's a problem with the brushes by more than just visual inspection. Connect the motor to the power source. If the engine starts sparking, the carbon brushes definitely need replacing.

Motor brushes are always changed in pairs, even if one is worn out and the other is not.

Electric brushes are subject to natural wear and tear. New carbon rods are required approximately every 3-5 years. Replacing these components is much cheaper than purchasing a complete motor.

If the brushes are fine, proceed to the second diagnostic step. Connect the stator and rotor winding wires. Then apply 220 volts to them. If the motor rotates, everything is fine.

This testing scheme has its drawbacks. Such diagnostics will be incomplete, as the automatic washing machine operates in several modes, meaning the motor must rotate at different speeds. This method will only confirm the integrity of the windings. Also, a direct connection can cause a short circuit.

To avoid a short circuit, a heating element should be included in the circuit during testing. If a malfunction occurs, the element will begin to heat up, thereby protecting the electric motor from damage.

A more precise diagnosis is performed using a multimeter. Switch the tester to resistance mode, then apply its probes to the motor fins. The reading on the screen should be between 20 and 200 ohms. A reading lower indicates a short circuit, while a reading higher indicates an open winding.

Dimples can also form in the fins of the commutator motor. These areas may peel off. Defects can be identified by inspecting the motor housing. If dimples, unevenness, or burrs are observed, the motor will need to be repaired.

The mechanics remove the armature and re-machin it on a lathe. The gaps between the lamellas are cleaned. If the defects are severe, the only solution is to replace the motor.

Changing the engine

During the diagnostics, it will be possible to determine whether the engine can be repaired or whether a new one will need to be purchased. If the problem is due to worn out brushes, simply replacing the graphite rods will be sufficient. The elements are selected for a specific model of Indesit washing machine.

If there's a short circuit or a broken winding, the only solution is to replace the entire motor. This will be even less work, but will cost more in components. It's important to order a new motor specifically for your Indesit model.

The installation process will be as follows:

• put the engine back in place and secure it with bolts;
• connect the wires to the motor, using the photographs as a guide (it is very important not to make a mistake with the location of the contacts);
• tighten the drive belt;

Now you need to run a test cycle. Plug in the machine and open the water inlet valve. Then select a short cycle, such as "Rinse and Spin." There should be no laundry in the drum.

Observe the washing machine's operation. If all the unpleasant symptoms disappear, the repair was performed correctly and the problem has been resolved. You can now use your "home helper" as usual.

Readers' comments