Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

[Roy22]

Whilst running a descaler solution (Dettol) on the specified 60C wash, I happened to check the glass door for signs of warmth, but there was none. Repeated checks over the long (3hr) cycle never showed a higher temperature (by infra-red thermometer) than 15C, despite being in a room around 20C.

Googling the subject, opinion seems split between expecting the glass door to show some heat, or considering it too thick to transmit any. Also, there are suggestions that a failed heater would lead to it either hanging up waiting for heat, or flashing error lights if open circuit was detected.

Can the heater be working? No errors/problems have been noticed, nor does my OH complain of poor washing performance. But the glass door remains cold?

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

Yes, the heater most likely is faulty.

[Roy22]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

Would this particular model have any kind of open-circuit or heat failure sensor? I thought even the older types would wait forever if the target temperature was not attained?

[electrofix]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

some machines with heater failure just wait a while and if no temp rise just complete programme without heating with no error

just means all programmes will seem to last much longer

Dave

[Roy22]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

Well a 3hr program did seem to take a fair bit longer, which is interesting given what you say.

I remember living as a student thirty years ago, sharing a washing machine between several of us, we noticed after a couple of years that we’d somehow misunderstood one of the buttons and had been accidentally running only cold washes. None of us had noticed a loss of wash quality.

Is DIY element replacement possible/practical on this model?

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

Element change is fairly easy, getting the old one out is the tricky/fiddly bit. Just need to slacken off the retaining nut and prise it out, refitting a new one is no problem.

Correct part number is C00279904, just had a look and can’t see it in the STORE here but if you drop an email to spares@ukwhitewgoods.co.uk I’m sure they will source one ASAP.

Of course the correct thing to do is to test the heater for resistance/continuity with a suitable meter first. 😉

[Roy22]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

iadom – thanks for the further information.

I’ve watched the video on this site, doesn’t look too daunting, just a matter of getting the no doubt heavy machine out of its narrow space under a work surface that someone has snugly got it into. Will try my sack truck initially, unless there are any tricks with tightly fitted machines where you cannot get around one side or the back?

I’m assuming my heater will be round the back via an access panel like the video showed, and not via the front facia as some appear to?

And one other question. The video shows washing-up liquid being used as a lubricant on the rubber gasket (compressed to seal outwards by nut&bolt?). As I’ve got silicone oils/greases, would these be a wiser choice with rubber?

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint WMAL 641 – is the heater working?

You should not put anything at all on the new heater when refitting.

Lubricants only needed if trying to refit on old element.

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