Make Your MKI Alex Rotary Pump Really Quiet
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If like me you own a Izzo Alex Mark I, then you will be aware that it does not have the so called “silent bloc” rubber motor mounts fitted to the Mark II machines. The motor is actually bolted directly to the frame, a token effort was made with some rubberised stuff under the motor casing, but it does nothing to reduce the vibration or noise. This modification will allow you to make a Mark I Alex at least as quiet as a Mark II Alex, mine is actually even quieter!
I had meant to add some motor mounts for the last year, but never quite got around to doing it, too many other things on my mind. However a conversation about another machine reminded me to re-visit this task. So for the measly cost of about £2.00 and 30 minutes later my new “DaveC silent bloc” rubber motor mounts were installed (click on any image to see it full size).
Tools required for the job
- Cross head screwdriver
- Thin Flathead electrical screwdriver
- 4 x $3/4$"Tap Washers
- Pack of M4 25mm pan-head bolts
- 10 Nimble and dexterous fingers
The observant among you will have noticed I used "pan-head machine screws (bolts)". They were not pan-head ones for any specific reason, they just happened to be 45p cheaper!1
Initially remove the outer case and drip tray, which on a MK1 will take you all of 1 minute! Once you have done this the machine will be considerably lighter and access to all of the existing motor mounts will be available to you. The motor itself is mounted on a metal frame, that has only 4 discrete mounts to connect it to the base of the outer case. Ensure these are the only 4 you undo.
Step 1
Undo the screw holding each of the 4 motor mounts to the frame, don’t worry nothing will fall out. If you have someone to help at this point you will be able to move the edge of the machine over the kitchen counter to do this. The motor should now be reasonably free floating within the case, test this by moving it around a little. Check the capacitor on top of the motor is not touching the boiler (simply swivel it out of the way a little if it is).
Step 2
Install 1 tap washer between each of the motor mounts and the base of the frame as shown in the picture. The front two are done by simply lifting the motor at the front (use a screwdriver to gently lever it up if you need to (not much room for fingers) and then simply slide the rubber washers between the frame and the mount.
The rear mounts are a little more difficult. The one just below the pump is done by placing the washer over a long thin screwdriver and holding it near the handle end whilst locating the pointed end of the screwdriver where you want the washer to land, then allowing it to slide down into position. Lift the back of the motor, very gently using the pump housing and slide the washer into position with the end of the screwdriver.
The other rear mount is right under the middle of the machine, but don’t worry, there is a handy slot in the base of the machine, through which you can just install the last washer. This slot is of course not there for that purpose…but thank goodness it’s there. The best technique is to lift the motor using the pump; just enough to slide the washer up into the slot, using your middle and index finger, a sort of back flip motion. It might take a couple of goes, but don’t worry it does go in.
Step 3
This bit is the most annoying bit of all, but won’t take you long. Use the long thin Flathead screwdriver to slide the washers about through the screw holes in the bottom, until the central hole in the washer lines up with the holes in the fittings….yes I know it’s frustrating, but you will be able to do it, just be patient.
Step 4
Everything should now be nicely lining up and the longer (25mm) M4 bolts come into their own (the ones you originally had will be too short). Put these into each fitting as you line it up, but only enough to hold everything in place, do not snug them down yet. This allows enough movement to slide the other fittings around and line them up. When all 4 are in place, snug the motor down, don’t do it too tight, just enough so it won’t move or come undone. Try to avoid compressing your new “DaveC Silent Bloc” motor mounts into solid blocks of rubber, this way your mounts will be nice and springy and work very well indeed.
……now enjoy your, now very quiet, Izzo Alex MKI
P.S. If you did the other things in my Izzo Alex De-buzz article, then your machine is now probably quieter than a MKII Alex!