Kenmore Dishwasher 363.1414597 Troubleshooting, leaks out of the bottom of the door

[DIYshy]

Model Number

363.1414597

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

Hello Appliance Gurus,
I recently acquired an old house and I’m trying to keep everything working awhile until I can afford to replace things. The Kenmore dishwasher 363.1414597 leaks out of the bottom of the door and from a part underneath (pictures attached). What is that? What parts can I replace to keep this thing alive?
Thank you in advance!

 

[Dan O.]

1. I wouldn't call that leaking. It's all foam. There should be hardly any!

Either someone used the wrong detergent (dish washing detergent instead of dishwasher detergent) or used a rinse agent with already softened house water (or used an additional rinse agent with a detergent that already contains it, aka 'pods'). Rinse again should only be used in hard water conditions otherwise it will cause sudsing. (The door is not sealed at the bottom by design BTW).

2. The electrical part that is circled is the drain solenoid. It is attached onto the pump. There are 2 places water might leak from in that area. There is a seal around the shaft of the drain lever and also one around the pump's motor shaft. If the latter is the cause, the whole pump and motor would often need to be replaced. Look for leaks above where the drips are seen as water drips down from above.

You can see repair videos for those at the following links.

LINK > Drain Valve Pivot Seal

LINK > Pump and Motor Assembly


Dan O.

 

[DIYshy]

1. I wouldn't call that leaking. It's all foam. There should be hardly any!

Either someone used the wrong detergent (dish washing detergent instead of dishwasher detergent) or used a rinse agent with already softened house water (or used an additional rinse agent with a detergent that already contains it, aka 'pods'). Rinse again should only be used in hard water conditions otherwise it will cause sudsing. (The door is not sealed at the bottom by design BTW).

Thanks so much, Dan O.!
Entirely possible that the detergent I used at my old place is foaming up here, very soft water. I'll see if changing the detergent works - cheap fix!
Now I'll see if I can take on this "drain solenoid."
Cheers!

 

[Dan O.]

Make sure you don't add any rinse agent and if there is some in there already, flush it out.

I've been told running a rinse only cycle with some salt sprinkled in the water (after the initial fill, not before) can help to dissipate residual suds. I've also been told a cap of vegetable oil at the same time can also help.

If it has been leaking underneath for a while you might be able to see trails of soap scum from its origin location above,

Good luck!

Dan O.