As a fulltimer, I use my Splendide a lot, and this has happened twice in 5 years....dryer efficiency drops and there's a noticeable decrease in vent flow. In addition to cleaning the water lint trap in the front base, you might look at this if you're having dryer issues...pretty sure all models use the same rubber s-neck to connect the tub to the dryer discharge. With no dryer lint trap, the moist dryer lint builds up in the elbow like clogged arteries and needs to be mechanically removed. Photo attached of the restriction. Some disassembly required using only a phillips head screwdriver and some cussing.
Pull the unit out of the cubby to access the rear of the washer. Remove the 2 screws at the top/rear of the cabinet. Lift and push forward on the top and lay it aside. Shimmy between the case and tub and loosen the clamp on the rubber elbow with a stubby phillips and pry it off the tub...the other end is pressed into the rear case. Clean and replace everything.
I sprayed the inside of the rubber with silicone before replacing this time, hoping this will lessen the need for this, but I intend to make this a job a semi-annual affair. Anyone tried one of those TV lint lizards? Aloha, Woody.
edit: found this old video of another means. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W17E4qo8r4U
Hi Woody,
Hope you and Sitka are both doing well.
I've tried a few times to pull on the washer dryer and it hasn't moved. It's sits on a rug, and I have about 1" of space above it . Did you remove the doors and latches to get it out.
Another reason to pull it out is because I have new hot and cold water valves. In 4 years we have found water in the tub 2 times.
Frank, doing great, thanks! My washer area is carpeted as well and I had to remove the FT doors and hinges to get the Splendide to squeeze out of the pukka (Hawaiian for cubby). It takes a little man-handling and wiggling to get it to nudge out and some care to make sure that the water hoses and vent ducting make the transition. I left the carpet in place to keep the w/d from sliding around underway.
Also I reviewed several youtube vids on how to access the rubber duct and I found that taking the top off is the easiest access by far. Since mine is out of warranty, I may cut the access hole in the side next time I pull it.
I also just discovered a video outlining an improved way to cleanse the tub using wash#11 and #12 to get rid of cemented lint in the tub. I'm gonna try this the next time I'm pole-huggin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdTdW7bAdkk. W.
Woody,
Thanks for sharing this info and the YouTube. I have the same Splendide unit and love it. We haven't had it long enough to notice the reduced exhaust flow but after your post I am sure it will come up in the near future. After watching the video I wonder how you were able to completely remove and photograph the plastic vent piece. Did you have to cut a hole in the sheet metal? If not how did you remove it from the machine? After going through this exercise do you have any insight into how to most easily accomplish this cleaning?
Richard
Edit: Just saw your above post and it answered most of my questions. Thanks again.
Jogged my memory to the great Pat Hatfield posts:
Pat's Helpful Splendide Laundry Tips (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13618.0)
Bedroom Fans (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=18135.msg123348#msg123348)
Splendide 2100XC "maintenance flush" procedure (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12521.0)
I tried the 11/2 method a couple years ago and it completely clogged my dryer vent, resulting in my current procedure for physically removing the lint clog from the rubber elbow.
When I have access to a water hookup, I'll try the 11/12 procedure in the video I linked to with the triple/triple fill method to try and get the concreted lint out of the drum...hopefully extending the need to pry out the lint from the elbow.
Even though he's a great travel buddy, Sitka's coat blows sure make routine coach cleaning and especially laundry chores more tedious. Glad I don't have alergies!!! W.
One more method to cleanout lint ball in the internal rubber duct of the drier, long needle nose pliers.
Splendide Removal (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=30104.msg258687#msg258687)
Access to Splendide duct. See reply 25. Might want to change the AAV Air Admitance Valves while doing it if opening it all up
Sewer Odor, roof sewer vent, air admitance valves inside... (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=34106.25)
Currently own the Splendide 2000 WD802 so no special cycles or lights.
Further inspection shows that the unit sits in a recessed opening about 3" deep
My coach was ordered without a w/d, but with all the necessary connections, and I added the w/d after I bought the coach, and yours was built in at the factory, like most coaches...my oversight!
You may have to remove the shelf above it to lift it our, or remove the carpeted valance in front of it....lotsa work....sorry. Others who have replaced their Splendide may be able to chip in for how-to.