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I have an old Kenmore model 665.1661591 (made by whirlpool) dishwasher that
has been acting up for several weeks now. This is an old mechanical timer
type of machine with no electronics.

The problems started when I'd load it up, close the door, turn the knob to
wash, and at that point you would hear the fill valve solenoid activate,
(buzzing noise, the machine would fill, and instead of the motor then
running as well, there would be a hum for about 2 seconds followed by what
sounded like a "Klixon" overload tripping. After about 40 seconds or so this
was followed by another click, (the overload resetting I'm assuming), and
then you could repeat the sequence again. The motor however would never
turn.

I remover the bottom sprayer and the top of the pump and found that the
impeller was jammed. I would have removed the impeller at this point to
investigate further but I wasn't able to do that without removing the motor.
I don't know what was in there but turning the impeller by hand produced a
scraping noise, until whatever was in there was finally driven out. At this
point I proceeded very carefully. I closed the door, and made sure that the
motor would run, and then opened it and ascertained that there was no longer
any obstruction. I then replaced the top of the pump, closed the door, set
the timer to wash and then the motor started up and the unit ran a normal
wash cycle.

Over the next few weeks this problem repeated two more times. In each
instance I was able to again remove the top of the pump and get the stuck
impeller freed and "fix" the problem. Seeing as how I'd never found a reason
for the gritty stuff that was doing this I just figured that this was grainy
soap powder that was collecting in between the impeller and the bottom of
the machine and it would eventually completely work it's way out.

The other day I started the machine, listened as it filled, confirmed that I
then heard the motor run and left it to finish. When we later opened the
door the unit was full of water, the second soap drawer was open, signifying
that the machine went through a complete cycle, however it was apparent that
the motor had quit somewhere in between.

Now when I try to run it there is an arcing type of noise coming from
somewhere in the machine, accompanied by the room lights flickering for a
couple of seconds, and then what sounds like the Klixon tripping out again.
I should mention as well that throughout all of this I've never smelled
anything burning, which is hopefully a good thing.

Perhaps this is wishful thinking but what is the chance that the overload
has been repeatedly stressed to the point where it has now failed? I realize
that it could also be an arcing door switch or a timer contact as well.

These things always had a little service manual for the repair man in a
pouch inside the door. I know that originally it did have one because I used
it many years ago to diagnose a bad door switch, however I looked for it but
it's missing. Does anyone have any ideas, tips or access to a service manual
for this unit by any chance? I had forgotten how much washing dishes by hand
really sucks... Thanks, Lenny


Given the age of the machine it would be good practice to strip the motor
and replace the shaft seal. The fault should be apparent when you can
examine and test the motor.