Bosch WFF1201 motor not turning

[notolandfill]

My trusty washing machine (Bosch WFF1201) no longer turns. I’ve replaced the carbon brushes which were very worn. They are definitely on the correct way round. Drive belt is intact. I can hear the normal click from the PCB which normally precedes a turn of the drum but the motor does not respond. When fault first occurred machine had failed to drain fully but now fills and empties without turning. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

[electrofix]

first thing to do is make sure brushes are in contact with the armature. as you push the brushes in on some motors the brushes stick and only release about 2mm from the bottom

Dave

[notolandfill]

Thanks. They look in contact. I gave the armature a bit of a polish too.

[electrofix]

first thing then is to use a multimeter and make sure you have all 3 circuits on the motor

Armature, Field coil and tachometer

Dave

[notolandfill]

Thanks Dave. Finally managed to lay my hands on a multimeter. Here is what I got:
Terminals 1&2 (field coil): 2.1
3&4 (armature I think): OC
5&6 15.3.
Across terminals of the thermal fuse: OC.
Is the problem the thermal fuse?

[electrofix]

that’s sounds likely. when the brushes failed it took out the toc

Dave

[notolandfill]

Can I replace it?

[electrofix]

if its the one inside the motor short answer is no. Bosch do not supply this part separately, it is only supplied as a complete motor.

the toc has specific properties which are designed to switch off the motor in case of overheating to stop the unit going on fire. Although you may be able to find similar TOC units unless, you know the exact parameters, you will either fit one too low which will cut out in use or too high which wont protect things properly,

you can either
1 fit a new motor
2 find a second hand motor ( lots on Ebay)
3 find a scrap motor of the same type and hope the toc has not blown and make 1 motor out of 2

your not the only one to have this problem

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/bosch-wff1201-washing-mc-no-spin-controller-or-motor/

Dave

[notolandfill]

I’ve just replaced the motor with one bought on eBay and drum is now turning. Machine seems good to run for another 20 years.:D
I also found the ‘carbon brush and tacho motor end frame’ for sale on internet for about £80 which appears to be compatible with WFF1201GB/01 and might be a useful alternative solution to avoid buying a whole new motor.
Thanks so much for your advice. I would probably have admitted defeat without your support. Which would have been a shame because I prefer fixing things rather than sending them to landfill and replacing with inferior quality. Wonderful website – how can I donate? Do you have a crowdfunding link (or similar)?
Thank you Dave. Thank you UKWhitegoods.

[electrofix]

there was an endframe for some bosch machines but it only fits some motors. From memory I think some of the early motors had carbon brushes that were only supplied with the endframe. the later brushes were able to be changed without stripping the motor. the endfram is only good for the early ones

glad you sorted it

Dave

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