DIY Series 2 @ MCO: Diamond Master Filter Self Cleaning

 [ DIY Series 2 @ MCO ] Diamond 500G Master Filter Self Maintenance DIY

As you know, regular servicing is needed for the outdoor filter unit to make sure the water supply is always clean at all times. I am using Diamond Master Filter since Year 2012, bought at RM699 during promotion. So far this outdoor filter is still in good working condition, only requires scheduled maintenance.

Before Year 2018, I've been contacting the official service guy to come and clean my filter once every 6 months. Until one day in Year 2018, I used the diamond special wrench drawing and asked a carpenter to fabricate a plywood version for me.

Note: My water filter unit back-wash module was spoilt. So it is not in used / not connected.

This is the original wrench, which might cost about RM320 (Source: Shopee)

This is the fabricated plywood wrench (18mm thickness). Works as good as the original plastic one. If you want a custom-made unit for yourself, contact me (https://www.mudah.my/view?ad_id=103494598)

Beside this special wrench, you need to have the high pressure water jet, e.g.: Black+Decker brand as below:

1) First, turn off the main valve at the inlet (incoming), then disconnect the inlet (incoming) & outlet (outgoing) connection for water to be released from the filter. Your setup configuration might not be the same as shown in the pictures, but just follow your own setup, released the water inside the water filter until it is fully empty before proceeding the next step. (Note: You may release water at any possible joints that easy for you to disconnect / reconnect)

2) Mark a line (using masking tape) at the filter cover to indicate the origin before opening the cover. This is to make sure when closing back the cover, it is returned to this position.

3) Use the wrench, open the cover in anti-clockwise direction. Make sure the water inside the filter unit had been released fully before you start opening. This is to make sure there is no water pressure from the inside filter that may cause the cover to be the too tight for opening. (Note: If inside pressure is high, you might break the wrench at full force)

4) Remove the filter from its base unit.

5) Clean the base unit, by turning on the main valve (turn off again after it's done), or use water from a pail.

6) Connect your water jet to power supply and water source.

7) Unroll the filter and flatten it on the clean floor

8) Spray water on it using the water jet

9) Turn to the other side and repeat the same cleaning procedures until the whole unit is clean from dirt.

10) Roll back the filter part by part and continue cleaning as you roll.

11) Place the filter back to its base unit. Make sure you drain out all water inside the base unit as much as possible. This is to make sure there is no leaking when you put back the cover. There might be a small gap that might cause leakage after closing the cover (if you don't drain out the water inside the base unit).

12) Use the wrench, close the cover in clockwise direction, until it is tightened, and the marked line is aligned. Connect back both the inlet/outlet connector and reopen the inlet valve to supply water. Press the button at the top of the cover to release the air inside the filter (until no more air is trapped inside and you will see water start to flow out from this button).

13) If there is any leaking between the cover and the base unit, there might be 2 possibilities:
a) Try to reopen the casing, drain out the water and then close it back again.
b) Check the O-ring at the base unit, you might need to change the O-ring if it is already more than 8 years.

To conclude, it is good for you to pick up this DIY cleaning skill and maintain it yourself. 

Have a try and have fun!

Feedback from Customers

1) Rubber Hammer from Mr DIY (Suggestion Only)

• One of my customers suggested to use this hammer to ease the process of opening the cover (housing). 

2) Alternative Approach (If you don't have high pressure water jet)

• One of my customers recommended to send it to the nearest car wash for filter cleaning.

DIY Series 1 @ MCO: Repair Washing Machine Mechanism Gearbox

 [ DIY Series 1 @ MCO ] Midea MFW-701S Washing Machine Malfunction (Mechanism GearBox)

During MCO, traveling is not encouraged, thus DIY at home is indeed a good move for spending time wisely, learning new skills and of course the ultimate goal is to save cost.

Two months ago, my Midea washing machine (MFW-701S) at the rented apartment was having such a problem as shown in the video below. It couldn't rotate smoothly in washing mode. There is having no issue if it's in spin mode and rinse mode.

After searching online and chatting with Lazada sellers & Mudah.my service provider, I've concluded that it is a gearbox problem. It will be cost me at least RM250 if I want to get it fixed by a local repairer.

It is not worth to pay almost 50% of the total cost of a brand new unit just to get the washing machine return in service. So, I had decided on DIY. 

I tried to dismantle it for a few times, in Dec 2020 & Jan 2021, during the weekends.

For the first trial, I had dismantled it until the stage of removing the drum, but due to incomplete tools I couldn't proceed further. I did not have the correct size of T-shape wrench (10mm & 13mm). So, I could only clean the drum and assembled back after cleaning.

I ordered the T-shape wrench at Lazada. Unfortunately, my parcel was lost at PosLaju Butterworth since 09/Dec. For almost a month, I was waiting for this tool. Finally after I got a refund from Lazada, I managed to source from another seller at Lazada in Jan 2021.

What is the mechanism gearbox and where is it located?

It is located at the base of the washing machine, the gearbox is located in the middle section, with the main motor next to it.

The following are step-by-step that I would like to share, the complete process on how to fix the mechanism gearbox of Midea washing machine. The same process is similar for other brands / models.

Just search and buy a mechanism gearbox from Lazada / Shopee. I bought my unit from Shopee.

1) Open up your washing machine top cover.

2) Remove the latch and take off the top cover from the washing machine. You may use a screwdriver to help to unlatch it.

3) Remove the screws from the top chassis, one screw on each side, and two screws at the back. If you have a power tool, it would be much easier.

4) Remove the plastic O-shape cover from the drum. there are a total of four screws on it.

5) Remove the pulsator at the bottom of the drum, you will need to reuse this screw (and the washer under the pulsator) after installing the new gearbox

6) Unscrew these four screws (using T-shape wrench 10mm) before you can take out the drum (for cleaning and continue to repair process)

7) Now, let's turn to the bottom of the washing machine. Remove the bottom cover.

8) Remove the gearbox protection cover (4 screws)

9) Remove the earth wiring of gearbox

10) Loosen the two screws of main motor, and take out the belting. Also, remove the earth wiring of main motor.

11) Tighten the main motor's screws. Make sure the main motor is not blocking the gearbox. You are going the knock out the gear box from the top. 

12) Remove the drain motor valve connection and also detach it from the gearbox.

13) Unscrew the base metal (mounting base for main motor, gearbox and drain motor). The four screws are located at the edge of the base. One of the screw near the drain piping side is slightly difficult to access, so using a wrench to twist it slowly would help.

13) Turn the washing machine back to top-down position. Use hammer to knock out the gearbox. (Note: This action will most likely damage your old gearbox completely. Don't do it if you still want to use back your old gearbox. For this case, it is no problem because I will be using new gearbox as replacement)

14) Remove the main motor, drain motor and drain pipe connector from the base (using Allen keyy). Install new replacement part (base come with gearbox), then re-attach the main motor and drain motor back to its original location.

15) Reconnect the drain motor valve back to its original location.

16) Lastly, check the drain hose should there is any leakage. If yes, you will need to replace it with a new hose. Since it is very difficult and costly to get the original part, you may opt for general OEM L-shape hose and do some modification.

17) Since my drain hose is leaking, I bought a common OEM pipe (RM8 ~ RM15) for replacement. I used back certain parts of the original hose (as highlighted below) to connect to my OEM hose.

(a) Left: Use back the holder to hold the drain hose. I cut the hole to allow the common OEM hose to be able to go thru.

(b) Right: Use back this portion as size adaptor to convert the original hose size to new OEM hose size. You may not need it if your OEM hose size is big enough to connect directly.

18) Assemble all the parts in reverse order back to its original conditions. Test the washing machine working condition. It should be working in good condition now!

Hope this DIY sharing is helpful to those in need. 

Total Cost Involved (Estimation)

a) Mechanism Gearbox: RM120

b) T-shape Wrench: RM30

c) Common L-shape OEM Hose: RM13 

[2024-03-25]: Midea MFW-EC750

Midea MFW-EC750 Mechanism Gearbox Repair

Symptoms: Unable to wash more than 3kg

Findings: Mechanism Gearbox spoilt due to sand flow into it

Cost: RM130 for new Mechanism Gearbox