Kenmore dishwasher not cleaning well - ApplianceBlog.com

***trackstar*** · #1 December 28th, 2008, 06:29 AM

My Kenmore Elite dishwasher is having similar issues: seems to run fine, but nothing is getting REALLY clean. We've tried every dishwasher detergent under the sun with no significant change.

Based on what I read in this thread, I ordered a new check valve and new chopper. I changed them out, but the old ones seemed in good shape, and I've noticed no difference in the cleanliness of the dishes.

What else should I check?

***Jake*** · #2 December 28th, 2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackstar

Hello, sorry to revive an old thread...my Kenmore Elite dishwasher is having similar issues: seems to run fine, but nothing is getting REALLY clean. We've tried every dishwasher detergent under the sun with no significant change.

Based on what I read in this thread, I ordered a new check valve and new chopper. I changed them out, but the old ones seemed in good shape, and I've noticed no difference in the cleanliness of the dishes.

What else should I check?

Hi,

You will likely need a new motor assembly or motor/sump assembly.

Whats the model# of your dishwasher? Its located inside the door.

Jake

***gpernot*** · #3 December 28th, 2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackstar

Hello, sorry to revive an old thread...my Kenmore Elite dishwasher is having similar issues: seems to run fine, but nothing is getting REALLY clean. We've tried every dishwasher detergent under the sun with no significant change.

Based on what I read in this thread, I ordered a new check valve and new chopper. I changed them out, but the old ones seemed in good shape, and I've noticed no difference in the cleanliness of the dishes.

What else should I check?

The price of a new one....
I did the same thing and a few weeks later something else went wrong...
Insted of wasting money on a dead horse, consider buying a new one. I got a Bosh. It DOES clean much better!

***trackstar*** · #4 December 28th, 2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake

Hi,

You will likely need a new motor assembly or motor/sump assembly.

Whats the model# of your dishwasher? Its located inside the door.

Jake

665.16483300

***Jake*** · #5 December 28th, 2008, 05:02 PM

Thanks,

Here's the cheapest price I found on your wash motor assembly:
Manufacturer's Number: 8534942

8534942

Here's the sump assembly for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 8535150

8535150

The sump/motor assembly costs more, but easier to install.

Start reading at Page#20 here:
https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/52521bdbd0ef763c85256cbc00520548/$FILE/8178022.pdf

It will show you how to remove the pump and sump assembly, then the wash motor.

Jake

***trackstar*** · #6 December 29th, 2008, 06:11 AM

Just to help me understand, how would the dishwasher be functioning at all if the motor was bad? The washer seems to be working fine, but the dishes (particularly the glassware on the upper rack) always have grime on them. Is there anything else it could possibly be? That's a good chunk of change and I want to be as sure as possible that it will solve the problem before spending it.

Thanks much.

***Jake*** · #7 December 29th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Because they had issues with the motor impeller stripping and not pumping the water through the system properly, its all explained here:
[FIXED] Default 665 Chopper Assembly - Update #2

Jake

***trackstar*** · #8 December 29th, 2008, 09:03 AM

Thanks. But, I should point out that my chopper does not spin freely - it has a good amount of resistance (unlike the linked post above). Despite that, the motor impeller could still be bad?

Can I open the dishwasher while it's running to check the upper spray arm? What should I expect to see happening?

***Jake*** · #9 December 29th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

But, I should point out that my chopper does not spin freely - it has a good amount of resistance (unlike the linked post above). Despite that, the motor impeller could still be bad?

Yes,

Trust me, I've replaced over 100 of these motor/sump assemblies in the last 10 years, and It fixes the problem.

Quote:

Can I open the dishwasher while it's running to check the upper spray arm?

No, unless you want an instant bath.

I know money is tight right now with most everyone, and its a difficult choose to make on what to do.

How old is your dishwasher?

Did you check your warranty? Some models have up to a 5yr. motor warranty on them.

Jake

***trackstar*** · #10 December 29th, 2008, 09:34 AM

Yeah, the 5 yr warranty expired a year ago.

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