My washing machine - Electrolux Aqualux 800 - suddenly tripped the fuse box after filling. Because I could spin and empty the machine I assumed that the problem was with the water heater. Will this be repairable a) by an amateur, b) if not, will it be expensive.

Would I be better off getting a new machine?

Wendy Byron, February 2008

It is repairable. power off, remove back cover, disconnect heater terminals. Unscrew heater mounting nut and lever heater out along with its rubber seal (may take some levering).
Reinstall new heater, ensuring that it slides inside its retaining clip inside the drum (this stops the heater contacting the spinning drum). Ensure that the channel in the rubber seal is sitting fully home on both sides of backplate - a bit of silicone sealant wouldnt go amiss.
Check out my site for info: www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dan, February 2008