Does anyone have any idea why my machine will spin at full chat when it's empty but not when it has any clothes in (full or even half load)?

Filter is not blocked, it drains ok and clearly the motor is fine or it wouldn't spin at all. No funny noises just not spinning.

 

Just because it spins doesn't mean the motor is okay though - brushes could be worn or a belt problem.

 

Yep. If the brushes are worn, then it might not have the strength to turn the drum when there is weight in it, (there's very little resistance when the drum is empty).

 

Both are relatively cheap then?

 

...and if it is belt drive rather than direct, the belt could be loose.

 

Take the back off the machine and see if the belt is in good condition and tight.

A new motor isn't cheap but the brushes should be if you install them yourself. Some are straightforward clip in and some will require soldering the connectors in.

Try CPC.co.uk for the parts.

 

I would Have thought in this day and age it would be a brushless motor

I did have a washing machine that did something similar....the bolt holding the pulley to the drum came loose...it would turn one way.....the bolt would tighten so it would turn the drum. But when it turned inthe opposite direction, the bolt loosened and the pulley slipped so the drum just stood still.

Big wrench sorted it...nearly broke the missus's arms when I tightened it up enough to make sure it wouldn't happen again (She had to hold the drum to stop it spinning whilst I torqued up the bolt)....I had broken hearing for the rest of the day

 

Brushes...............

Alcazar