Kenmore Ultra Dishwasher Lower Spray Arm

[regis101]

Not trying to hijack This Thread.  Our is a Model 665.16632000.  Ultra wash.  Prolly 8 yrs old. The lower spray arm is also wobbly.  I take this as normal.  Can't see how it could be tighter as designed.  There are two plastic bushings and the plastic thumb screw. 

[regis101]

I'd like to expand on This Thread?  We are/were having similar problems.  Dirty dishes.  Wouldn't drain.

I hand cleaned what I could from the bottom.  I then took the air compressor and carefully blew air into the discharge tube that is normal hooked to the garbage disposal.  I was able to back flush some crud.  More hand cleaning and things seemed OK.

It was a bit noisy.  Almost like a bearing noise and only during the drain cycles.  Getting quiet now but not happy with the dish cleanliness

First step is to remove the lower spray arm.  From there, is it possible to remove the pump/filter top cover and continue to clean out the guts.  Maybe back flush or blow air some more.

I'd like to do this while the DW is still in place.  Are there any gaskets or o-rings that must be replaced.

Thanks,

Kenmore 665.16632000 about 8 yrs old.

[Al Capone]

Hi,

Not trying to hijack This Thread.

You may not have been trying, but you did.

I merge your two replies and then moved them into a new topic.

When you start a new topic there is a text box to enter the model number of your appliance.

Your model number was different then the two post you replied too, so a new topic should have been started.

It's makes it easier to keep track of thing and easier for our technicians to help answer your questions.

thanks,

[regis101]

OK.  My first thought was to start a new thread.  As a brand new newbie I was hoping to cruise into the scene.  Most times a new thread has already been had and One gets flamed from that angle.  Can't win sometimes.  Thanks for dialing me in.

[Repair-man]

Now that we have that cleared up, lets work on that dishwasher, eh?

Your description leads me to believe that the pump impeller assembly may be the problem, considering the noise you allege. The impeller and chopper assy on these units  has always been the weak link so to speak, and is covered in the Whirlpool Dishwasher manual on this unit. Read how to disassemble the unit here.


KD-11 1998 Whirlpool Power Clean Filter Dishwasher Service Manual

[regis101]

Excellent reading.

Thanks, Regis

[tomsfiles]

Is the lower spray arm supposed to have a wobble when the dishwasher is open? Mine isn't cleaning as well as it use to and I noticed it seems wobbly.

Thanks in advance.

[Repair-man]

When you start a new topic there is a text box to enter the model number of your appliance.

Most spray arms are somewhat loose and appear wobbly to some extent. This does not necessarily mean it is defective. When a dishwasher doesn't clean well, there are a couple of things to consider:

Is there enough water?

You can test this by starting a cycle and allowing the unit to fill. When it is washing, open the door and observe the water level. It must reach the heating element for the pump to work well.

If the water level is not up to par, replace the water valve.

If the water is up to the element, then the pump and wash system may have problems.

How hot is the water at the sink?

Do you have to run the water a long time to make it real hot?

Does it get to at least 130^o? (be sure, use a thermometer)

Also measure the tub water temp to see the difference.



Check both spray arms for foreign debris.

[tomsfiles]

It's still under warranty, I'm going to make a service appointment. Thanks for the help.