Just an update. No, I haven't dug into the leak yet. Still appears to be
coming from the shaft seal area since the water drips off of the back of
the motor (the sheet metal flange).

I did find a few other minor probably unrealted issues.

The spring cutter (#432 in the diagram at: http://tinyurl.com/2gno7q )

is broken and I've only found the straight piece so far, or perhaps the
spring part is still attached.

I'm also getting intermittent "Wash Arm Blocked" errors. The reed switch
and magnet seem to be fine in that a voltmeter across the reed switch
shows appropriate behavior, and I've cleaned out all debris from the screen and
wash tower and cleaned them up as best I can. Unfortunately, it's really
hard to watch the arm spinning when it's running!

But I have a question: On the bottom section of part #550, there is a
hole and slot. The hole is visible in the diagram but there is what
looks like a post sticking out where the slot is. Should there be
something in that hole that has magically disappeared? In the
diagram, there is a part #557 near it which could be related but has
no accompanying description. It's not shown in the parts diagram that
came with the dishwasher.

Thanks for any info!

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/
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"R!" writes:

Sam Goldwasser wrote in
:

"R!" writes:

Sam Goldwasser wrote in
:

OK, it's microcomputer controlled, so does that qualify as
electronics repair even if the micro isn't the problem?

This unit is about 19 years old and now has started leaking mostly
or totally when it's draining. The drain hose is in good condition
and is not obstructed. The water appears to be coming from the
area near the back of the horizontally mounted motor/pump assembly.
It's less than a cup of water for the entire wash cycle,
which a pan can easily catch, but of course these things will get
worse. I don't believe it's a hose or connection problem but can't
rule that out.

Any info appreciated.

Thanks.

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/

I used to repair appliances when those were new, There was a problem
with the bearing and seal on some of the wastegate valve shafts. It
has an electric coil that moves it during the drain cycle.

The wastegate valve is used to force the water down the drain, it
only has a high pressure on it during the drain cycle.

The seal is a very small teflon like washer on the inside, but what
usually hapened was the shaft developed a lot of "slop" (worn
bearing) in it's movement.

This sounds very much like what might be happening.

Do you think these parts are still available, or will the party line
be to "replace entire motor/pump assembly"?

Might a workaround be possible? Add a washer to reduce slop in the
bearing or something?

I think that was one of the early models with the "PermaTuf" tub,
which was all plastic. If so there should not be a rust problem.

The shaft on the motor would rust sometimes and damage the shaft
seal, this usually leaks between the black motor and the fiberglass
pump housing, this usually starts small and gets worse. The seal is
not that

But this would ball the time while the motor/pump is running, right?

expensive but getting that fiberglass pump apart without breaking
something else is next to impossible. The complete assembly is not
too hard to change 2 Large hoses, 1 or 2 Small hoses , one screw
whitch holds the support hanger and 4 electrical wires, make sure to
turn off the electric service to the dishwasher before servicing
since it should be hard wired, does not have a power cord.

Right.

Would I be correct in expecting that I can remove the motor/pump with
the dishwasher in place? It sounds imple enough, just limited acess.

Check the drain hose and clamp since these were usually installed in
the field at the time of installation.

Right, by me 19 years ago. I do intend to check the simple things
first!

Thanks!

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Home Page:

Item 417 Shaft seal ...Wastegate

SEAL SHAFT 417 WD8X181 $12.75

Item 434 Motor Shaft seal...

SHAFT SEAL ASM 434 WD19X52 $43.25

Housing with valve is NLA

PUMP HOUSING ASM 311 WD19X42 $30.00

Complete Pump assembly...

MOTOR/PUMP ASM 310 WD26X10013 $150.50

Hope this is helpfull...

R!!