Thread: [FIXED] Kenmore Dishwasher 665.1383 not cleaning

Hi, Jake. Toolbox Granny here with her first post. We have always bought Whirlpool products under their brand or Sears Kenmore. The older appliances lasted forever (15 years minimum) and needed little or no repairs. All of our major kitchen appliances have reached the age where the repair cost outweighs replacement.

We bought a Sears Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher 665.13834K600 ($683.98)installed November 2006. Initially we were very pleased with how quiet it was. There are only two of us and we run the thing once or twice a week. About six months ago we noticed that sometimes the dishes top and bottom were not clean and had a dried-on grit and larger pieces of food on them, particularly the glasses on the top rack. The problem seems to have gotten worse over time.

I’ve been reading through some of the existing posts about the gritty residue problem. I noticed that the flapper on the top opening of the feed tube to the top rack stays open when I pull out the rack. We use it almost exclusively in that position.

Today, I ran the Smart Wash cycle with only the top rack in and filled with dishware and they were still soiled. I then ran just the Quick Rinse, during with I opened the door to check to see if the spray arm was spinning. I didn’t appear to be, which could indicate that water isn’t being pumped up high enough because the bottom flapper of the feed tube does appear to be closed. I also noticed food particles floating in the water on the bottom of the dishwasher. The strainer doesn't appear to be particularly clogged.

So, does this sound like the more expensive pump motor replacement, or the simpler and less expensive chopper/flapper replacement? Do you have other diagnostic tests for me to run? Is there a repair site specific to my model that I can read though and decide if it’s something I feel comfortable tackling? If I have to pay for a repair I don't want to give Sears any more money. Can any reputable repair shop get the parts and make the repair?

It bites me that this lightly-used, 2-year-old dishwasher would need a repair this soon. Is it foreign parts and labor that makes the newer models more vulnerable to repairs and would I just be replacing inferior parts with more inferior parts that will need replacing in another 2 years? Should I switch to a manufacturer with better quality control – if one exists?

Thank you for your patience with my questions/venting.
Toolbox Granny