Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

[steverobertsbbc]

I’ve been keeping my old ZWD1470W going for a decade since the first time it broke down and I’m just about to replace the triple valve for the second time. Whilst I have the machine out, I thought I might eyeball the electrolytic capacitors on the main PCB to check that none are bulging etc. However, I’ve never removed the PCB before, what’s the procedure for accessing it? I can see it’s contained in a plastic box at the side, but does it need a lot or a little effort to get to it?

Thanks in advance!

[char14lew]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

surely if any of the caps were bulging, the machine wouldn’t be working?

[steverobertsbbc]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

In my experience (BBC engineer for 29 years) capacitors can bulge and still work for a long time, just at below their optimum value and obviously with a highly increased danger of failure.

[iadom]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

The old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it ‘ applies here big time. Leave it well alone. 😉

[steverobertsbbc]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

Tsk, you boys are no fun. 😛

So, can anyone ACTUALLY answer my question?

[Martin]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

steverobertsbbc wrote:Tsk, you boys are no fun. 😛

So, can anyone ACTUALLY answer my question?

I’ll try. It’s a bitch (technical term).
Remove the lid
Unscrew the fixing screws.
Loosen the fixing clips.
Release some connectors to aid extraction.
Lift clear and disconnect remaining connections.
(Note where they go to aid reassembly.
Wipe all blood from the area and attach Band Aids where necessary.

[iadom]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

Question is Martin, would you ever in a million years remove a perfectly good, working pcb on one of these just to look at the capacitors.?

[Martin]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

iadom wrote:Question is Martin, would you ever in a million years remove a perfectly good, working pcb on one of these just to look at the capacitors.?

I wouldn’t no, nor would, I suspect the OP now I’ve answered his much needed question. 😕

[steverobertsbbc]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

In all seriousness, I seem to have spent a great deal of the last 30 years fixing faults on broadcast equipment caused by electrolytic capacitors going short-circuit, open-circuit, leaking over the PCB and dissolving tracks etc etc. On a 13 or so year old circuit board that lives in a hot environment, I’d be tempted to just change all the C’s as matter of course. The electronic side of things holds zero fear for me, it’s all those water valves and heating elements that make me nervous. 😉

[Martin]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

Go for it then Steve, if capacitors are your thing then why not eh, what’s there to lose? We in the trade are somewhat cautious though about messing with something that isn’t faulty. And I personally wouldn’t advise doing anything. Far better you hold back your obvious talent until such times as you have just reason to suspect something may be wrong with that PCB. We can help you out easily with all other matters associated with washer dryers so do come back if and when something goes wrong. 😀

[iadom]

Re: Zanussi ZWD1470W – PCB Removal

So there you have it , your 30 years experience says whip it out, Martin and my combined 90 years says leave it be. 🙂

[Author]

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