GE Potscrubber 1200 leaving soap in cup?

[ken]

Our 1995 GE Potscrubber 1200 has been a very dependable, trouble-free machine the 19 years we've had it. Had a few things that needed attention over the years but really no complaints. The items we wash in it are never "heavily soiled". And we never wash pots or pans in it. Years ago we used the "Water Saver" or "Light Wash" settings which always did a fine job. After some time I noticed those settings didnt seem to be doing as good a job anymore so we started to use the "Normal Wash" setting which cleans the dishes as expected.

Directions for "Normal Wash" is to put soap in both the open and covered soap cups. Lately after running thru the complete cycle we find a large glob of wet soap in the covered cup. And also undissolved soap on the silverware located closest to the door. What could be causing this problem? We arent putting anymore soap in the cup now than in the past. The cover is opening all the way as it should. If the water is getting to the door to wash most of the soap out of the cup then why not all?

Anyone have any thoughts as to either the lower water settings not working as well as they once did and the soap issue?

Thanks.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Random thoughts

Old Detergent
Something blocking the dispenser door
Dispenser door not opening
Water not hot enough.

 

[donprohel]

And another random thought...

Re-formulated detergent that dissolves worse.

I have had the same issue with my previous Electrolux (AEG re-branded) dishwasher, but in that case I believe is was rather a design flaw

 

[washdaddy]

Another thought-

Possible blockage in the wash arm preventing it from performing properly or possible blockage down in the sump area not allowing the water to circulate thru the dishwasher right.

 

[joe_in_philly]

Could the wash arm be hitting something, or one of the holes blocked?

 

[DADoES]

 
Perhaps the water inlet valve is clogged with mineral deposits or debris accumulating over time, which would account for the gradual decrease in performance.  Dishwasher fills are (typically) timed so reduced inlet flow rate results in a lower water level, insufficient water for the pump to spray full volume.

 

[whirlcool]

One of our neighbors was having a similar problem, but the cup was opening up in time. The problem was that she had put a large roaster pan in the lower rack right under the detergent dispenser cup. This blocked the wash action from knocking the soap out of the container as Washdaddy previously described.

But if the machine completes the cycle and the detergent cup is still closed, I would investigate the operation of the detergent cup first. First try filling it only 1/2 way full then run a cycle and see what happens. It is possible to fill a cup so full it won't open at the proper time.

 

[mrb627]

First Guess?

Not enough water. Inlet valve problem.

Malcolm

 

[whirlykenmore78]

First thing to check.

Are you putting a large item in the bottom rack right below the soap door? When I had this issue with my Whirlpool Powerclean this was the cause.
Also if the machine is suffering from decreased performance over time the impeller may be wore down or the wash arm is letting water out around the hub it spins on.
WK78

 

[super32]

soap

Are you using tabs? Powder? or gel?

 

[ken]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

In answer to the suggestions/questions asked: We use powdered soap. No large items are being put in front of the soap dispenser. The dispenser door is opening all the way. We dont have mineral scale problems with our water that should cause a clogged inlet valve.

Correct me if Im wrong but doesnt GE (this model at least) use a float to fill to correct water level rather than a timed fill?

Im going to start with the most simple thing first and try using less soap. I will also check out the other possible causes suggested.

 

[appnut]

I had a GE GSD1200 Potscrubber from 1987 to 2007. When I got rid of the machine, it was beginning to not always fill with the proper amount of water and was beginning to effect cleaning ability (and my loads were always heavily soiled). It sounds like you aren't around once the machine is turned on so you wouldn't notice a difference in sound vs. what it used to sound like. But I venture to guess the inlet water valve has some debris/calcium/deposits on it restricting flow. These were excellent dishwashers. And with soap left in the covered cup, it's probably not getting sufficient water. Also, despite what the manual says, with yours dishes fairly clean at the beginning of the cycle, you only need detergent in the covered cup. Stop putting detergent in the closed and open cup both!!!! You will age the machine with too much detergent and it will eat at the racks and the seals!!!!!

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>Correct me if Im wrong but doesnt GE (this model at least) use a float to fill to correct water level rather than a timed fill?</blockquote> I don't have intimate knowledge of your model but by-and-large the float mechanism on dishwashers is used for overfill protection, not to control the normal fill level.  The float comes into play to shut off the valve if the timer fails (doesn't advance, stuck in a fill increment) ... draining is obstructed and a previous wash or rinse period doesn't drain completely and thus the next wash or rinse period starts with some water already in the tub ... or if the timer sequence is thrown askew, again such that a wash or rinse period begins with some water already in the tub.

 

[ken]

Im around the machine when running and it sounds to me like it has suffcient water in it but then again Im not a GE tech.

My mother started it today while I was outside. Was in middle of cycle when I came in. After it finished I opened the door and same thing. Much soap in the cup and food bits on the door also. I'll see about the inlet valve. Anyone know just how much water should be in the bottom of the machine after a full fill before it starts to wash? Should the water come forward as far as the door?

 

[logixx]

Take a picture of the bottom of the tub after fill is complete.

 

[appnut]

Except for vintage Maytag dishwashers, I know of no other dishwasher that used a float/fill combination. All other brands used a timed fill only. Something is definitely not functioning properly. Photos? Can you take a video of it running--say about the 1st 10 minutes right when the machine is started?

 

[whirlykenmore78]

I forgot this

Is the wash arm turning? If it is stuck this could cause the problem. You should here a varying pattern of water jets hitting the door and dishes inside. If you don't the arm is stuck.
WK78

 

[appnut]

Is this GSD1200 model the type where all you have to do is push in the cycle button (hold it for 3 seconds) and the machine runs through the cycle? Or is it a model whereby yo9u do have cycle buttons, but there's also a knob or timer dial you have to turn in order to start the machine?

 

[arbilab]

Grasp the lower wash arm and shake it back/forth vigorously. If you hear anything rattle, dismantle and remove foreign objects. I had Potscrubbers from the late 70s until recently. If anything breaks in the tub--usually glass--it can lodge in the arm and stop up the holes that spray the dispenser. There are only 2.

They all had a float to LIMIT the fill, but under normal conditions the fill was timed only and the float never tripped.

A friend had a DW (forgot brand) in an area with sediment in the water lines that quickly blocked the inlet screen on the valve. You could tell by listening that the pump was starving, insufficient water in the sump, at which point it wouldn't wash worth squat. You should not hear 'surging' of water alternately flowing then not flowing. It does help to know the sound it makes when it's working right.

And as above, DW detergent doesn't age well and past its prime doesn't dissolve well.