I have a Zanussi Aquacycle 1000. The machine won't drain, and there is a loud rapid clicking noise. I am now pretty sure it is the pump, and that an obstacle has got into the chamber, which the mechanism is hitting off.

I have manually drained the machine, and laid it on its back. I am trying to remove the pump by pushing the white catches on the base, but it does not want to budge. ** Should I use more force? I see that the filters and pump are all connected. Should I loosen the screws on the pump? Once I do get the pump off will it be easy to get the obstacle out, and check if permanent damage has been done?

Gerry Deeney, December 2006

I did take out the filter, but the problem was within the chamber of the pump itself - unless this helps Alan?

Gerry, December 2006

silly question but why not undo the flap and take the filter out and clean it

phil grimshaw, December 2006

Try this link to my question at another similar site. I got the problem solved:

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=495614#495614

It was a tricky job getting it all sorted - mainly due to my limited confidence. I needed a few tools - mole grips to get the clips off the pipes. Pliers to get the white catches to close to release the filter casing. However, you might be able to access the inside of the pump by removing the three screws you can see on the pump chamber by looking underneath when the machine is on its back. If you have the same problem then it may be possible to clean out the chamber without dismantling the filter casing entirely. If it (the pump) doesn't come cleanly off, then you may need to release the white filter casing slightly to let it clear the rim of the base.

Don't make the same mistake I did, and forget to replace the rubber washer on the inside of the pump - I had the place flooded and had to go into the pump again - but this time it was much quicker.

Hope this makes some sense. Good luck and God bless for New Year.

Gerry, December 2006

Have you managed to get the bottom off yet? We seem to have exactly the same problem and have got as far as you in draining and tipping it up, but can't get inside.
Alan

Alan Bowen, December 2006