Dishwasher timer needed, but not at this price.

[mattl]

I've been looking for a replacement timer for my Whirlpool dishwasher,  not sure I can repair the one I have but this price is a bit excessive to me, is this $85 reasonable price for an NOS timer?

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[combo52]

WP TIMER PRICE

Yes

 

[panthera]

It depends on what part of the timer is broken

My experience of timers has been that they break down in four areas:
Least likely to most common:
Coil for the timer's motor. Only happened to me once in decades.
Camshaft comes loose or snaps: Happens on some Bauknecht designs from the '80 and others which use set screws.
Contact or finger snaps or comes loose or too pitted. I've had this happen to me on high amp functions like the heating elements. Never found a permanent solution, but Robert has shown us step by steps on fixing this well.
Motor freezes up or 'dogs' fail.

If it's the motor or coil, you can probably fix it for less, most units in the thrift shops and old parts bins at repair shops of your machine's vintage will have the same motor. If the camshaft has snapped, not just come loose or a contact is broken, I'd say it's worth biting the bullet.

 

[mattl]

The timer works, motor is fine.  Issue is the control knob that sets the cycle is broken, stripped or disengaged.  I took it partially apart, looks like the cams are a one piece tumbler of sorts.  When I turn the knob I don't get the familiar "click click click".

 

This is just a freebie I installed in my basement to wash waste baskets and junk, not my daily driver.  The unit is powerful, it has literally taken the paint off stuff, but I'm sure I can find another machine for less than the $85 for the timer, or I can just use it as is.

 

[panthera]

Hmm,

Is there any point in the cycle, when it runs at which you have a clear reference? I mean, does it have a 'snap' when the rinse aid is injected or 'slap' when the detergent door opens? Is this point consistent?

 

If so, then maybe it is just a simple pawl which has stuck?

 

[mattl]

It's from a Whirlpool SHU 5001.  It has the AB, C and Rinse positions on the front panel.  It's the type where you push the knob in to set the cycle and then pull to start.  There are 5 option buttons and clear for a total of 6 buttons on the left. 

 

I just pulled the timer apart and it would appear that the knob is not designed to engage the cam.  In the recessed inner area of the cam stack there is a ring about 3/4" in diameter with 4 slots in it.  Sitting on top and over that is a white nylon ring with an inner ring that fits around the timer knob shaft.  There are various notches in the innermost ring.

 

Not too sure how it works, will post some pictures later.

 

[3beltwesty]

timer prices

My experience with timer prices is they are all over the map. Thus if I have 2 timers that sell for 90 and 135 at repair clinic as new; I can list them on ebay for 6 months at 12 bucks including freight and nobody wants them. Ie I say bought the wrong timers by mistake and then try to sell brand new old stock on ebay with no luck. I have sold 5000 items on ebay over the last 11 years and have about a perfect rating. A timer can be 12 dollars including freight and folks will not buy them if they are not for their machines. In order to move them on has to have them as an ebay store item to cut listing costs and often wait a few years if the timer is not a mover.

 

[mattl]

Picture

Here is a shot I took of the inner workings.  Can anyone explain how it is supposed to work?

 

 

 

[bigalsf]

Dishwasher Timer

Hello Matt. I have a timer for that exact dishwasher which you can have. Send me an email with your address & i'll mail it this week. Have fun!

 

[mattl]

Thanks!  I'll email you the details.  Wat a great group of people we have here!