FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer Problem

[mbsnr]

Hi

FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer

Got the above freezer (bought June 2005) and have a constant issue with the drain blocking. Have removed internal back panel and cleared the ice blockage many times. The pipe to the water tray is clear but it still freezes up and frozen water starts to build up under the bottom tray. This leads to the food in the freezer not being kept at a low enough temp as the bottom sensor is permanently encased in ice(?). Door seems to be sealed ok. Cold setting – Number 3.

Is there a known fault/problem with this model? If a engineer came out what could he do? Could there be a faulty sensor in it? Any help appreciated!

Thanks
Dan

[helo_75]

dont be shocked if the defrost heaters faulty

hotpoint machines are notoriously shocking at doing a decent defrost

[cessna]

Re: FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer Problem

Unusual fault on this model.
Is the dissipator ( plastic dish on compressor) gunged up?
They can get slimy and blocked.
Undo the screws holding it on and you can slide it out to clean.
When putting it back make sure its not far away from the compressor so it can evaporate the water.
I take it you have put something down the gutter hole and can see it pop out the other side?
Another thing to check is the appliance level and not leaning forward.

Worst case is if the gutter heater is open circuit then it can’t be repaired as it is foamed in.

[mbsnr]

Re: FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer Problem

cessna – Thanks for your reply.

The dissipator is clean. The issue is that ice blocks the drain plug and fills the bottom drain channel of the freezer before the ice overflows into the bottom part freezing the lowest tray in place.

The high temp light came on last night again and I had to remove ice again.

Previously I have noticed a small amount of condensation/water in the V groove in the seal on top of the door but it stopped. I now think that the door seal isn’t great. However the magnetic strip seals perfectly against the main unit so I wonder if there is a manufacturing fault in the door which is letting air in? Also lately there is a ridge of ice on the top part of the door where it comes close to the top tray, seeming showing air getting in.

So how can this be fixed? Can a new inner door piece be fitted? What options have I got re: engineer call out etc?

Thanks

[fraggle]

Re: FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer Problem

Hi

Check if there is a length of rubber tube just above the drip tray,If so remove it.

Also you can extend the defrost heater into the drain hole using a length of cappilary.

Tina

[mbsnr]

Re: FZA81 Hotpoint FrostFree Freezer Problem

fraggle – thanks but there’s no rubber tube above the drip tray that I can see. Also not sure what you mean about “using a length of cappilary”

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