Thread Number: 63056
/ Tag: Vintage Dishwashers
KitchenAid KDI-21AD not cleaning well - troubleshooting tips? |
[Down to Last] |
|
Post# 856372 , Reply# 1   12/12/2015 at 23:00 (3,057 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
For sure the missing fine mesh filter has a lot to do with poor performance.
Are any of the outlet holes in the wash arms clogged? Is the hole in the bottom of the lower 4-way wash arm plugged? That hole is what keeps the filter clean.
Is the machine filling with enough water? It should fill enough to just cover the heating coil.
Another thing to take a look at is the check valve. It's located on the end of the drain hose where it connects to the pump. If the valve is stuck open, it can reduce the flow of water from the pump to the upper/top rack wash arm, perhaps enough to prevent the arm from rotating.
It's easy to remove the valve. To check it for proper operation, try to blow through it from the drain hose end. If you can't blow through it, the valve is OK. If you can, it's stuck open and needs to be replaced (at least I think that's how it's done). The part is NLA from Whirlpool, but GE part #WD1X1486 will work. It's just a rubber flap. You'll have to open up the valve housing to do the R&R.
Also check the flexible sleeve at the rear of the upper wash arm's supply tube. If it's cracked it will likely leak under pressure, maybe enough to compromise wash arm rotation.
Is that some broken glass I see in the sump area under those two blue tabs? If there's glass lodged in the pump it could be impeding performance.
Do the users know how to properly load a dishwasher and are they running the hot water at the sink to bring it to temperature before starting the machine?
Looks like the components in the picture would benefit from a treatment with LemiShine once you have everything back together. |