My simpson dryer goes for about 5 mins then stops - Its a Simpson Maxidry 457. It has heat but after going for about five minutes it just stops.

Sandra, July 2005

I refer to Gerhard's answer of April 2006, (Gerhard is the clever Kiwi from the land of the long white cloud).

I found that drilling the vent holes to 8mm as he described, was not quite enough, so not wanting to waste time going to 10mm, I went for 12mm.

We have not had a problem (touch-wood) so far and I really think we have fixed the problem this time.

Thanks heaps, Gerhard.

Kindest regards,
Eric (the sparky)
from Perth
Western Australia.

Eric (the Sparky), Perth WA, June 2008

Hi Gerhard,

Wow, do I owe you a great BIG Thank You !!!!

I have a Simpson Maxidry 457, and for the last couple of years, it has almost driven me crazy.

Unless we have one towel or one other larger item on the "low" setting, the damn machine tripped out on (main) overload after a short while.

As you can imagine, this problem drove our family (read-in dear WIFE) crazy. Even though I have an electrical trade background, without help, I was almost at the stage of throwing our machine away and getting a replacement brand. Everything tested or appeared normal with the machine..... But why was it tripping-out ??? I would ask myself.

Then in early February 2008, in frustration at having to spend 100's of A$ to get a similar machine, I stumbled across your answer to Sandra (from July 2005) who had a similar problem (howtomendit.com). I just hope Sandra (or a techno-friend as you suggested) friend followed your sound advice.

You had a Simpson Sirocco 450, but just as you described, my Simpson Maxidry 457 had the same annoying problem.

My (minute) vent holes were jammed with lint. I have now drilled out the vent holes to 8 mm and I think I have many nights of sound sleep ahead of me (let alone saved my marriage). Who-on-earth would have noticed those tiny vent holes in the first place.

Thanks to Gerhard of New Zealand, I found them !

Keep up the good work and may you have a long prosperous, healthy and peaceful life.

Kindest regards,
Eric (the sparky)
from Perth
Western Australia

Eric (the sparky), February 2008

incase you still ahve the dryer after two years, its simply the fan belt at the back of the dryer.
open the cover at the back adn check the status of the belt..
the dryer bin moves the fan and if the fan does not cool the bin enough and it heats up, it stops!!

Keith, June 2007

`Hi there.
My machine is a slightly different model. (Simpson Sirocco 450 (39P450). But I would think that you are experiencing the same problem I had.

Unfortunatly Electroloux were not helpfull at all when I requested a wiring diagram or any other information about this problem. Looking at the design I am sure that this is a VERY common problem and that they should be well aware of this.

Firstly I will explain why this happens.
There are 2 heat sensors that are supposed to regulate the temperature of the dryer. These are not adequetly exposed to te actual temperature of the outgoing air.

The reason for this is that these sensors are mounted against a metal plate with two minute little holes (about 0,3mm) punched into the exhaust fan cavity. This is supposed to expose them to the exhaust air.

Once some lint (Fluff) covers these two holes your sensors will not be exposed to the flow of air sufficiently.
Then the sensor under your reset button will trip before the two sensors at the back have the opportunity of regulating the element.

In essence it is just poor design and testing of the product.

Please be aware that there is a danger in working on these items. Both electrically and mechanically. If you are unsure please use somebody that has the knowladge and ability to effect these modifications.

What I have done might point you in the right direction for you to get the result you want.

The way I fixed this problem on my Simpson Sirocco 450 (39P450) is as follows:
First remove the Cover & belt driving the fan on your machine.
Remove the back cover of your machine find two sensors that are attatched to the air outlet. These sensors are about 16mm in diameter and have to Lugs where the electrical connection is made sticking out the back.

Remove the coverplate holding these sensors in place.
There are two small holes where the sensors press against a metal plate. (Not the holes where the screw go through!!!)
If you cannot actually find these small punch holes, use the metal plate you have removed holding the sensors to mark the correct position to drill.

Drill these two holes to about 8mm to 10mm in diameter. I suggest you use about 8 mm and then test your machine. If it still has the same problem can drill larger holes. (I have gone up to 12mm but I think that it was just too much.)

Remount everything and it should be OK.

Cheers Gerhard
From New Zealand
gertdied@hotmail.com

Gerhard, April 2006