Breaking my head (again) 63 Whirlpool SKU-70-0 dishwasher operating erratically

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turquoisedude

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Turquoisedude strikes again...

I finally got around to installing the 63 Whirlpool 'Telephone Dial' dishwasher.  The 89 Maytag WU404 got removed and scrapped much to Hubby's dismay.... but such is life.

 

I will freely admit that I could not do a complete cycle test of the machine prior to installation due to limited testing space and even less 'workshop' space at the house in St-Liboire where the machine has lived since it was rescued from Cincinnati, OH in January of 2019.    Initial testing revealed a bad water inlet valve and a leaky drain pump.  Both issues seemed to be resolved with new components.  When I installed the SOB, the drain pump to drain chamber joint started leaking, so I had to do some creative plumbing to beef up the coupling.  My solution worked and there are no leaks, drips, or dribbles.  You'd think everything would be fine, but no... 

 

My first 'installed' test of the machine was 'dialling' a Ready Rinse cycle - the dishwasher seemed to work fine.

The next was a Normal Cycle... that didn't go quite so well.  

 

The dishwasher started, the circulating pump ran, heating element came on, and the timer was running and advancing.  Trouble was, no water ever was let into the tub nor did it drain out as the timer moved through the 1st rinse, 1st wash, 2nd rinse, and 2nd wash portions of the cycle.  As the timer dial pointer got to the bottom of the dial, the drain pump kicked in and drained the tub.  The machine then filled, washed, and drained for both of the final rinses.   I allowed the timer to cycle through dry to the 'Off' position and the cycle completed normally. 

 

I'm scratching my head because this is seeming like a timer issue, however, since the machine did actually cycle through the 'Ready Rinse' or final rinse portion of the operation cycle I am not convinced the timer has bad contacts...  That being said, though, I have not extracted the timer to do any checking.

 

One further thing that has me scratching my head - on the last full-cycle test, about when the timer was indicating that it was at the first wash, I heard a "clunk" and the circulating pump stopped.  The timer, however continued to run.  I believe this was when the 1st wash detergent dispenser got tripped. 

 

I've got a manual for the 1959 through 1963 Whirlpool dishwashers, however my specific model is not included.  The issue I seem to be having with the lack of water coming in at the start of the full cycle seems to indicate a bad pressure pad switch, yet I have tested it and it seems fine. 

 

What am I missing here??  

 

(Once again, my apologies for the wonky picture orientation... photos taken by a mobile phone and posted directly here) 

 

[this post was last edited: 10/21/2021-17:23]

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And a week later....

Yes, I can be a stubborn old cuss... I wasn't about to give up on the 63 Whirlpool dishwasher that easily.   My theory was there was some kind of timer issue, but I wasn't convinced there was an issue with the timer contacts or cam (it was just a hunch...)  Long story short, I took the control panel apart and tested the ciruits to various components.  All looked good.  Just for the thrills of it all, I tried running the machine by gently advancing the timer dial until the machine started.  As in previous tests, the circulation pump motor and timer ran but this time, there was a fill for what I presumed to be the first prerinse.  The dishwasher ran for about 5 minutes, drained, then filled again.  This had not happened on previous tests.  Being the smartass that I am, I tried slipping the nylon dial cam onto the timer shaft.  As I pressed it into place, the circulation pump stopped....

And the light went on...  those two 'bumps' above and below the timer shaft are some kind of microswitch.  As the machine cycled further, I was able to pause operation by pressing one or the other of the microswitches.  Hence, why I observed the Rinse Dry cycle seemed to work while Normal Wash did not.  I no doubt had not aligned the timer dial correctly when I had the control panel apart to repair the door switch.

Now, how to get the Telephone Dial timer reseated and running consistently again.  This may involve a lot swearing...LOL 

turquoisedude-2021102612132204778_1.jpg
 
And a week later....

Yes, I can be a stubborn old cuss... I wasn't about to give up on the 63 Whirlpool dishwasher that easily.   My theory was there was some kind of timer issue, but I wasn't convinced there was an issue with the timer contacts or cam (it was just a hunch...)  Long story short, I took the control panel apart and tested the ciruits to various components.  All looked good.  Just for the thrills of it all, I tried running the machine by gently advancing the timer dial until the machine started.  As in previous tests, the circulation pump motor and timer ran but this time, there was a fill for what I presumed to be the first prerinse.  The dishwasher ran for about 5 minutes, drained, then filled again.  This had not happened on previous tests.  Being the smartass that I am, I tried slipping the nylon dial cam onto the timer shaft.  As I pressed it into place, the circulation pump stopped....

And the light went on...  those two 'bumps' above and below the timer shaft are some kind of microswitch.  As the machine cycled further, I was able to pause operation by pressing one or the other of the microswitches.  Hence, why I observed the Rinse Dry cycle seemed to work while Normal Wash did not.  I no doubt had not aligned the timer dial correctly when I had the control panel apart to repair the door switch.

Now, how to get the Telephone Dial timer reseated and running consistently again.  This may involve a lot swearing...LOL 

turquoisedude-2021102612132204778_1.jpg
 
Looks like a beautiful and well built machine. I hope you get it up and running. When you do, do you think you could share some pics of the innards??? Would love to see it.
 
Looks like a beautiful and well built machine. I hope you get it up and running. When you do, do you think you could share some pics of the innards??? Would love to see it.
 
An update - all good news

I had to let you all know that my theory about the timer dial held up.  After reinstalling it, I observed the machine cycling through all operations correctly.  It was time to test it with some dishes!!

Hardly a Bob-Load but enough to test the cleaning ability of this nifty vintage dishwasher.  It performed marvelously!

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Here's what she sounds like when in operation.  For a machine with NO sound insulation, it's pretty damn quiet.  Well, OK, compared to the GE impeller-wash dishwasher ANYTHING is quiet... LOL 

 

 
Turquoise dishes

Fear not, Lawrence, I have LOTS of turquoise dishes... unfortunately they're all down in the house in Ogden.  The dishwasher is in our 'city' house in St-Liboire where I have way less space (and stuff)...  Honestly, I have just ONE washer and dryer hookup!  How I cope with laundry here is beyond comprehension... LOL  
 
(grasping pearls)
Just the ONE hook-UP ! You are just scraping by aren't you! Oh my stars...

smiley-laughing.gif


 

BTW- Your toaster pics on FB are perfection.  I've never seen chrome so shiny.  
 

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