I think the belt may have broken/come off my washing machine. It fills with water ok, and will operate the drain cycle, but as soon as any washing is attempted (ie when the drum is meant to move) it trips my electricity supply. I think the drum is easier to rotate by hand than it was before, hence my theory about the belt having come off. However, to see whether I'm right, I need to get into the damn thing and can't figure out how to do so! Any hints much appreciated. Thanks.

PatPending, August 2004

hi it sounds like the brushes on the motor but its unusal to trip your mcb maybe theres a leak and waters getting on to wiring ? normally machine fills and to start the drum will rotate and instead of stopping dead it will roll back abit ! thats normally one of first signs of brush wear it starts to get noiser and then theres just not enough contact for brushes to rotate motor !! hope this is of some help !!

ally, August 2004

have you checked the brushes in the motor?

Paul, August 2004

Answering my own Q! I found the two bolts that hold the lid on, and then discovered that the belt is still intact. So what now ? Any ideas ?

PatPending, August 2004