How to remove the activator of a semi-automatic washing machine?

What to do if the activator on a semi-automatic machine has worn out? Should I call a professional? The design of such washing machines is quite simple and you can replace the element yourself, at home. Let's figure out how to do it right.

What is this element for?

To remove the activator from a semi-automatic device, you need to understand what it is. This is a special plastic disk that is installed on the wall or bottom of the machine’s tank. Once the cycle starts, it begins to rotate and spin the laundry, “activating” the wash.

The activator is an integral element of the semi-automatic machine, which provides “mixing” and shaking of the laundry in a “centrifuge”.

There are special blades on the “front” surface of the plastic disk. Activators may have different sizes, but their task is the same - to mix things in the tank. Thanks to it, the laundry does not bunch up and washes better.

In automatic machines, the activator function is performed by “rib punches” located on the surface of the drum. Their task is the same - to prevent clothing from clumping and to “shake” the washed items. In semi-automatic washing machines, activators can be located vertically or horizontally. Depending on the location of the disk, the process of dismantling it will vary. Let's analyze each situation separately.

Type SM-1

On such semi-automatic machines, the activator is installed on the wall of the “centrifuge”. We are talking about the following washing machines: “Malyutka”, “Samara”, “Otrada”. To disassemble a Soviet washing machine, it is better to make a special key with your own hands. The tool will make it easier to remove the disk.

It is almost impossible to find a key on sale that can be used to conveniently disassemble Soviet semi-automatic machines, since each activator needs its “own” tool. This is why it is better to design a custom key. Moreover, such a homemade product will take little time. For example, to make a key for “Malyutka”, you will need:

• tube (15 cm larger than the diameter of the “activator” disk);
• drill size 6 mm;
• a couple of bolts and nuts.

To construct a key:

• drill two holes on the tube. They should be 9.5 cm apart;
• insert the bolts so that one to one and a half centimeters of them “look out” from the back side;
• secure the elements with nuts.

The key has been designed and can now be used to dismantle the activator. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• de-energize the SM;
• remove the plug on the side of the washer;
• turn the disk by hand so that the holes on the impeller and the housing wall coincide;
• block the engine rotor with a screwdriver;
• “stick” a homemade key into the activator and unscrew the element.

Which direction to turn the dial depends on the specific model of the semi-automatic machine. After dismantling the old part, install a new activator. Reassembling the machine is done in reverse order.

Option SM-1.5

The design of these washing machines is somewhat complicated. We are talking about the washing machines “Fairy”, “Ivushka”, “Mini-Vyatka”. Here the plastic disk rotates due to a belt drive mechanism, as on machines with a commutator motor. You can dismantle the activator like this:

• unplug the machine's power cord from the outlet;
• loosen the screws holding the motor;
• remove the belt from the pulley;
• Unscrew the nut securing the pulley;
• remove the stopper;
• take out the activator.

When changing the activator, keep in mind that the distance between the disk and the tank should be no more than 2 mm.

The activator can be shifted along the axis by no more than 0.5 mm. For normal operation of the equipment, it is very important to correctly adjust the element.

Type SM-2

The main difference between these models is their compact dimensions. In one cycle they can wash a maximum of 2.5 kg of dry laundry. The activator for these semi-automatic machines is located on the side. The algorithm for dismantling the part will be as follows:

• turn off the power to the machine;
• remove the back panel of the case;
• reset the drive belt;
• remove the pulley by unscrewing the bolt holding it;
• remove the “activator” disk.

The new part is placed in its original place. Next, the pulley returns, the drive belt is tightened, and the machine body is assembled. Replacing the activator will take 15-20 minutes.

Activator with drum

Many people think that there are no activator machines with a drum. But it is still present in some models, for example, in Deo semi-automatic machines. Let's figure out how to dismantle the "rib punch". You don't have to remove the drum itself, you just need to remove the rim - to do this, deal with the latches. Further:

• Unscrew the nut securing the activator. The fastener is located at the bottom of the tank, so it is most convenient to remove it with a socket wrench;
• pry the activator with a thin screwdriver and remove it from the drum along with the washer.

The new spare part is installed in the reverse order. In this case, it will be difficult to cope with the work alone; it is better to attract an assistant. It will be necessary to hold the drum while unscrewing the nut to prevent it from rotating. You can stop the “centrifuge” with a block, but this is unsafe for the machine.

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