"MLD" writes:

Had a similar leak and it turned out to be the pump seal. Estimate was
about $350 to remove and replace. On line the pump assembly was about $135.
Dishwasher was 12 yrs old so went for a new one.

What make of dishwasher? Was it one where the motor shaft is vertical
or horizontal?

GE dishwashers (sold under many names) have a horizontal motor shaft.
When the pump seal starts leaking, water creeps out of the pump along
the motor shaft and then gets slung all around by the rotating shaft,
but it stays out of the motor and bearings (which is good).

Our dishwasher started doing that a year ago. Fortunately, it's a
portable so we knew about it immediately - it started leaving a puddle
on the floor where it had been running. You can buy a kit of
replacement parts that include the pump seal and impeller, the food
chopping blade on the end of the shaft, and a few other pump parts, for
about $20 or $30. I replaced it myself and the dishwasher runs like new
again. There was no need to replace the motor or the pump housing.

On the other hand, Whirlpool-type dishwashers have a vertical motor
shaft, with the motor mounted under the pump. Apparently when the pump
seal leaks, you get alkaline water running down into the motor windings
and bearings, slowly destroying the motor if you don't catch it. And
it's a reversible motor, so I imagine replacing motor and pump might get
expensive.

Dave