On Oct 22, 11:32 am, SMcK wrote:
A GE Convertible Dishwasher - essentially a portable that's been set
up as semi-permanent by having permanent hoses run to and from the
sink - is at least 9 years old. If water is supplied to it, the water
will fill the bottom of the tub until it overflows. This seems to
happen no matter where the timer is set. It happens whether the
washer is plugged in or not, and whether the door is latched or open.
I can succesfully pump water out by advancing the timer to the drain
cycle.

I suspect the inlet valve as described he

http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appli...inletvalve.php

I've found valves for sale online that appear to be the same or
close. These run about $30. I'm tempted to order one and try it.
I'm sure the wife would prefer a new machine.

Any other theories as to what's wrong? Suggestions as to how to
proceed?

TIA,
-Scott

Suggestions;
Agree sounds like the inlet valve:
1) The inlet valve is sticking open or has grit in in it. IMO not
likely the coil may be burnt out? Because AFIK they need voltage on
them to open up and let water through! They are not very complicated
to take apart. Disconnect all power, make a note of where the (usually
two) leads attach. If you have a volt-ohmmeter test the coil by
removing the one of the connections to see if you get continuity
through its coil. I think you will see a reading. I just measured a
spare one here and got 75 to 80 ohms. Although I'm not sure that this
one is out of a dishwasher (maybe a clothes washer?) but AFIK very
similar.
2) The contacts of the timer switch not opening up after the timing
period for water to flow in. So the inlet valve stays open.
3) There is a high water switch which is supposed to float up and open
if water level gets too high. And in ours shuts everything off.
Coupla ideas anyway.
Just to add resolve to a 'No need to replace'. We are on our second
dishwasher in 30+ years (and boy did that second washer get a lot of
use in our catering business!) with another used one someone gave me
standing by in the storeroom for when the current one gets a lot
noisier than now and/or its incipient signs of rust develop into
leaks!
Good luck.