Guys,

I have a 2 year old Kenmore UltraWash dishwasher. I love it, however...I can't get in some of my big stockpots or cookie sheets in it. I'd like to remove the top rack on occasion to do these oversized items but the feed for the upper wash arm doesn't have a "flapper" valve like in the KA's so when it fires up, my water will come out of the upper wash arm hole.

Got any ideas what I can use a s stopper that the pump won't blow out when it starts to wash?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff
aka duetboy

Jeff, I am guessing this is a dishwasher which is not a tall tub. The machine has a panel on the front of it and then there is a smaller rectangular panel (i.e. two piece). If this is the case, and I am pretty sure it is, being it's an ultrawash portable, it's based on the Whirlpool Powerclean system. These were not designed to have the top racks removed, no "sprinkler" adaptor was included with the machine like there is for the tall tub machines.

for some ideas for some "deep-south engineerin' solutions"

jeff

Bob, I was also wondering, I have a 2005 Kenmore Elite Tall Tub w/Turbozone, and adjustable top rack. I know that the top rack can be removed if needed, but will the added pressure on the top spinner damage the machine over time in any way? Thanks!

Jon, I seriously doubty any damage will occur over time. There is that sprinkler thingy that you have to put in the water p when ya remove the top rack. I think that also prevents added pressuer going to the top small wash arm on the top of the tub.

Jeff, I've really pondered over this last night and today and I just don't see any "engineering" solutions. It's a pretty str8-forward design I doubt was ever intended to have this ability.

Now here's what I did come up with. You could still go ahead and put in those oversized items. Just won't be able to put anything in the top rack (which is the same thing with a removeable rack). The middle spray arm below the top rack just wont' be able to rate, which is fine anyway. It really isn't a problem. I have one of those Nesco 18 quart roaster ovens. When I need to, I put the roaster porcelain cookwell (liner) in my GE Potscrubber--one with the telescoping middle tower. This thing barely fits in the dimensions of the machine and ends up going over where the tower tould pop up. Have no probs doing this, simply it's the only item in the machine. Lemme know what ya think!!

Hpe ya don't mind me saying, a very very handsome man u be Mr. Jeff

Really? My dishwasher never came with a "sprinkler thingy". I know the Bosch ones do, but mine didn't. Is it a separate item available for purchase?

Jon, let me go online and look at a owner's manual for one of the current Kenmore models and see what it says what u r to do when ya remove the top rack when it's a removeable one with a model with this feature.

Jon, it just occurred to me. I think the Whirlpool TT cousins don't need a sprinkler thingy when the top rack is removed. Teh back port "closes" when the rack is removed. I htink you will notice when you lower or raise the top rack, the tube that goes from the back of the dishwasher wall to under the spray arm to feed it water, fits into one of two ports, which opens a little flap. Just occurred to me.

That's why I was wondering if I could find a stopper to put in there. But I'm sure the pump pressure would eventually, during that one run, blow out the plug.

Actually, I can't even get my cookie sheets in the thing.

As for the handsomeness, "Thank'ya"

jeff
aka duetboy

Yes, I was aware about the flappers, but I was worried since all of the pressure was being diverted to the top spinner only.

Thanks for the help!

I dont' think there is a need for concern given the design was intended for this use also.