NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/01

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Martin wrote:
Don’t confuse the guy, he’s upside down in Oz as it is… 😀

Funny man 😉

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Allsorts wrote:Ok.. This is a condenser dryer is it not… with flooding into the base… determining that the pump (263297) is actually working has been done… Maybe the pump was working all the time and the flooding was coming from elsewhere.. hence, as a follow-up, check for splits or cracks in the hose (094041) connecting the pump to the condensed water container (289544)(Water tray) which would in effect, even though the pump is operable, fill the base with water.

Understand now?

Ok, pump seems OK. I had also checked the pipes and there is the one from the pump connection to the left rear of the machine, and that’s fine too.

However, what I cannot see is where the water collects, because of course the existing pump is in the way. Looking at the images I assume the bottom of pump just sits in a pool of water, which I assume is just an integral part of the bottom plastic mould. The side view only allows me to see the pump under the motor. Underneath is one plastic mold so cannot see anything else.

A test run yesterday had the dryer working fine. Water was pumped up into the water receptacle. Now attached the drain hose and we’ll see today if this works. I’ll not change the pump yet in case it was something else, but the good thing is (if the pump stops again) the water seems to build up in the recess at the back and then, as it gets too high, finds its way past the air cooler and drips out the front of the machine.

I had a look at the part Condensed water container / water tray but there’s no image. If there is one it must be underneath the pump and only visible when the pump is removed as otherwise there’s no other way of gaining access to it – or that I can see anyway…

[Allsorts]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

I’ll not change the pump yet in case it was something else, but the good thing is (if the pump stops again) the water seems to build up in the recess at the back and then, as it gets too high, finds its way past the air cooler and drips out the front of the machine.[

This is the reason I asked you to look for a split in the pipe, as if their is a split then the pump will not have enough force behind it to pump the water up the tube to the top and likewise, if there is a slit then the water will escape the pipe and drain down into the area of the pump.

I had a look at the part Condensed water container / water tray but there’s no image.

The Condensed water container / water tray is the large pullout drawer at the top left of your appliance into which your waste water flows.

If there is no split, and the water is managing to get to the water tray then there is also the question ‘How often do you empty the tray, or do you not?’. If you have the appliance on permanent drain, did you remember to empty the water tray before moving the appliance (has the water come from here)?

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Thanks – makes sense. Can I get access to these diagrams? This would allow me to see the route of the water and where the water collects at the bottom.

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Sorry – I neglected to answer your question. There does not appear to be a split, and we do not empty the water tray as we have the separate drain pipe that takes the water to a sink. When we moved the appliance the water tray was empty as of course, it’s not been used in years as the water drain is external.

However, your point is interesting. As you can see on your diagram above, the pump (263297) has a connection pointing up to connect to the pipe. This pipe then runs to the rear of the machine connecting to 154211. This area is all dry, but the water collects underneath this area. You can see in the bottom left corner of the image where the air cooler lives. At the back of this area, hence the air cooler (indicated by the flat area that runs across the back of the machine, which almost appears like a slide running from right to left, situated directly below part number 154135) is where the water builds up. It would seem as this is a route for the air (it comes in from the front right of the machine, turns left and goes through the air cooler, then goes right and up into the main fan at the rear right of the machine) – that this is totally separate to the pump area and thus water is retained in this area – below the pump. Does this make sense?

Something in the machine must create the water – or is it just the cooler air passing through the air cooler that then deposits the water behind the air cooler?

Andy just to say an enormous thanks for indulging me and offering your support and assistance. It is most kind. Andy

[Martin]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

slipshot wrote:the water seems to build up in the recess at the back and then, as it gets too high, finds its way past the air cooler and drips out the front of the machine.

The moulded base often as not gets badly blocked with fluff (lint) build-up. And the small channels that connect the main collection area directly behind the condenser matrix housing to the pump chamber very often get blocked. Clearly now we have finally established that that is the problem here.

Cleaning that out without completely dismantling the drum is challenging but with care simple enough. It involves removing the heater/fan cover plate. Remove the condenser matrix, reach through and remove by hand all debris you can see. Then with the machine tipped backwards slightly pour 1/2 litre of water into the rear compartment. That should flush through and come out by the rear fan housing. (towels at the ready to clear up).

Cleaning the pump cavity and flushing that through into the rear section of the base is a little more tricky. Being in the trade I use the Bosch supplied ‘;special tool’ (namely a large syringe) to force flush water in and out of that area.

All the while ensuring all electrical connections, wiring and connector blocks are protected against water splashing about.

Good luck with that! :tup:

P.S Who’s Andy by the way? 😕

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Ah-ha (in the best Alan Partridge. That would all make sense…)

I have taken the heater/fan cover plate off but little was visible. Likewise I took the left side panel off too, stuck my arm in and cleaned what I could out of the back. There must be a small hole that links the main collection area to the pump chamber that is just out of reach of my hand. But, given it’s now working again, and the machine had just been moved, so I imagine water did get sloshed around, and thus the hole got blocked.

martin – question. Does the air cooler/condenser create the water which should then flow from the rear left of the machine to the rear right, through the small hole and into the pump cavity? Is that how it works?

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Martin wrote:P.S Who’s Andy by the way? 😕

Me – easier than writing slipshot. More personal.

[Martin]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

slipshot wrote:martin – question. Does the air cooler/condenser create the water which should then flow from the rear left of the machine to the rear right, through the small hole and into the pump cavity? Is that how it works?

Spot on pal, you got it…! 😕

[Allsorts]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

slipshot wrote:Can I get access to these diagrams? This would allow me to see the route of the water and where the water collects at the bottom.

R4381X1GB/01 Diagrams

with regards

[slipshot]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Thanks. Just got home (!) and had another look. The water level at the back of the unit seems fine – nice and low. However, in the unit where the condenser is located, there is a water in there. Not much but enough that it seems to be building up around the condenser (289556) and then leaking, in very small amounts, through to the front of the unit.

I appreciate after 9 years the seals on the condenser and front flap (289566) could be old (and they are dark brown and discolored from their usual light brown, in places, but is it feasible the condenser could be worn and old? If I look through the zig zag elements down through, some areas I can see right through and other parts I cannot see any daylight. Thus, just wondered if you had experienced the condenser failing in other models? If it is failing, maybe this would explain why it’s not as efficient at getting rid of the water?

If so I guess i need a new condenser (289556) and new seals (262136)? Thanks

[Martin]

NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/01

Never heard of a condenser failing. Seals perish sure, but not much of an issue. I refer you back to my previous posts and bit you adieu………

[Allsorts]

Re: NEFF dryer ‘flooding’ at bottom of machine – R4381X1GB/0

Make sure the D/W is level and not tilted forward. I have had that problem a couple of times although normally with the more common brands.

[Author]

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