Hoover New Wave Overheating

[Curious]

I have a Hoover New Wave 1100 Washer. When I use wash number 4 (50 degrees) everything seems to work Ok for about 45 minutes, then I notice the water starting to heat up. It is not filling with water, but the water already inside is heating up. If I open the soap dispenser drawer steam comes out of it.

After a while the washing machine will automatically reset to zero, probably because it has overheated. As this machine is now 10 years old (just fitted new water pump) is it time to get a new one, especially as there are lots of bargains in the sales.

regards

[Whitegoodshelp]

On the Hoover New Wave washing machines, the temperature should be controlled by a thermistor and not by an old fashioned standard thermostat. Thermistors are now commonly used instead of thermostats on computer or PCB controlled washing machines. I'd need a model number to check for sure if yours has a thermistor but I'm fairly sure it does. Thermostats (and now thermistors) have always been one of the most reliable parts on a washing machine and even after 29 years I've hardly replaced any.

A thermistor usually has heat sensitive crystals inside that change their electrical resistance as the temperature changes. This enables a PCB control board to know exactly what temperature the water is by the resistance reading. The old thermostats were simple bi-metal switches that closed (or opened) when a predefined temperature is reached.

With the old thermostats, each temperature was controlled by a seperate switch and it was possible for one temperature to go faulty on its own. I couldn't be 100% sure, because I've had hardly any trouble with them, but I wouldn't expect a thermistor to give false temperatures on some washes but not others. They only have two wires to them, and I would expect they will either work or not work.

If the washer is overheating only on the 50 degree wash this is unusual and I'd have to suspect the control module board, which is definitely not worth replacing on this washing machine.

[Curious]

Thanks for that Andy. Following your comments, and bearing in mind that it is now ten years old, and also the door seal will shortly need replacing, I think I will buy a new washing machine. As I am Economy 7 I really need a machine with a delay timer so I am probably going to purchase a Zanussi Aquacycle XC FS1255W for £249 which apparently is £80 off the normal price.

Once again thank you for your assistance and advice

[Whitegoodshelp]

These days, it is very rare for a washing machine to overheat. This is because they are usually controlled by PCB's with microchips running a type of software. Water temperature is constantly monitored and if the temperature goes too high the washing machine should abort the wash program and give an error code.

( Related general advice on how to deal with washing machine error codes - Washing machine error codes )