murando531
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Insulation still fully intact, another surprise for a machine this old.
Going to pick up a WP PowerClean today!!!
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murando531
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The jack stands were used as weights to prevent tipping forward.
murando531
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Some paint dripped on the side, but nothing major. And in a cabinet it would be hidden anyway.
murando531
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Motor clean, complete with the SoundLock vibration absorber! I wonder if this is what creates the distinct sound the PowerCleans make.
murando531
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murando531
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A whiter, scale free interior. The latch piece needs a good steel-wool scrub.
murando531
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Behind the silverware basket came pleasantly clean.
murando531
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A few streaks and spots on the ceiling, but hopefully that will clean away after 10-15 washes. The upper spinner is still intact!
murando531
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A slightly more-than-normal water fill, with a good suds amount from the Cascade. Seeing these dishwashers filled and in the middle of the wash always fascinated me. It has a powerful look about it the newer dishwashers just don't have.
murando531
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And finally, the most up to date as of right now. I straightened the bent tines as best I could. For now it's sitting in the garage with a blanket over it to discourage dirt and dust.
murando531
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washer111 - Thanks! I'm so glad to have finally found one. I've been wanting one of these for almost 10 years now, ever since living at home when my dad bought a portable GE Nautilus, in spite of me showing him that the portable PowerClean at the time was a much better and slightly cheaper machine. I'll have to check out some of the people here, because I'm excited to restore it with the updated racks and that they put into the later PCs. As far as noise level, it's honestly not bad at all. Without any of the insulation, you can hear the torrents of water against the tub, but once putting the blanket and panels back on, it's more of a muffled sloshing. The motor has a soothing hum to it. Once it's in a cabinet, properly installed, with a full load of dishes it will sound like a dream.
I'm too tempted to hear this thing going
murando531
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I'll have to do that! I just got it installed. I feel kinda bad pulling the Maytag out though. I absolutely love that machine, and has yet to let me down in the year I've had it, and it's a beautiful machine at that. My thinking, however, is that in terms of "lifespan" between the machines, the Whirlpool is on a much shorter rope. With its age, I know that in the next 5-10 years it may become harder to find parts should anything go bad -- despite being a very durable machine even after 15 years -- along with the fact that detergents will probably become more and more designed for low-water use machines, causing poor performance in ones that use 2 gallons per fill. The Maytag is brand new, so its window of easily usable/repairable time is much larger. I figure that because I've wanted a Whirlpool PC for so long that I might as well enjoy it while I can. It's not like I can't simply reinstall the Maytag should I decide I miss it that much anyway.
Now that I have in installed in the kitchen, the yellow of the racks and interior shine like a sore thumb. It doesn't help that our cabinets are reddish brown, the countertops are a marbled tan/brown color, and the tile is tan, which seems to amplify it. I'm hoping that continual use of good detergent will brighten the tub and door walls, but I know the racks will simply have to be replaced with the greyish white versions. Picturing it in my mind, it seems like that will help give it a more modern look as well. Funny thing is that the dark grey lower rack of the Maytag fits perfectly, but has a larger opening on the side for the silverware basket, where the WP has tines in that area for 2 plates to sit. I would just use that, but the upper rack wouldn't match and it would just look tacky.
I know the racks can't be whitened anymore, as what they are now are their normal color, but is there anything that will work to help clean the tub a little more?
Now that I have in installed in the kitchen, the yellow of the racks and interior shine like a sore thumb. It doesn't help that our cabinets are reddish brown, the countertops are a marbled tan/brown color, and the tile is tan, which seems to amplify it. I'm hoping that continual use of good detergent will brighten the tub and door walls, but I know the racks will simply have to be replaced with the greyish white versions. Picturing it in my mind, it seems like that will help give it a more modern look as well. Funny thing is that the dark grey lower rack of the Maytag fits perfectly, but has a larger opening on the side for the silverware basket, where the WP has tines in that area for 2 plates to sit. I would just use that, but the upper rack wouldn't match and it would just look tacky.
I know the racks can't be whitened anymore, as what they are now are their normal color, but is there anything that will work to help clean the tub a little more?
If you can find "Cascade Fryer Boil Out" in your area, that is equivalent to the old Cascade Institutional product that used to be for sale (complete with Phosphates, too!)
Otherwise, you'll end up having to waste time and energy with the Heavy Wash and Power-Scour to allow the Oxygen Bleach in all other modern detergents time to work properly.
I imagine that you *could* run an empty heavy cycle with Power-Scour, and add some LCB after the Pre-Wash fill, then again for the Main-Wash period (Shut your detergent cup, and wait for it to open).
That could help, at least a bit until you procure some good Chlorine Detergent.
Other Chlorine detergent choices include Hytron, and possibly "Bubble Bandit"
Otherwise, you'll end up having to waste time and energy with the Heavy Wash and Power-Scour to allow the Oxygen Bleach in all other modern detergents time to work properly.
I imagine that you *could* run an empty heavy cycle with Power-Scour, and add some LCB after the Pre-Wash fill, then again for the Main-Wash period (Shut your detergent cup, and wait for it to open).
That could help, at least a bit until you procure some good Chlorine Detergent.
Other Chlorine detergent choices include Hytron, and possibly "Bubble Bandit"
murando531
Well-known member
I'll have to keep an eye out for that. I wish Cascade still made the Plastic Booster gel. That stuff could take the stains out of old plastic containers with years-old tomato sauce stains, and it took any stains in the machine out with it. Why they discontinued it, I have no clue.
Last night I ran a full load of dishes on Normal wash with no options. It does a prewash, then a main wash for 20 minutes, a purge, then final rinse for 30-40 minutes. I forgot how short the main wash is on these! I may have to add the Power Scour option to extend it for the detergent. The final rinse gets so hot that steam was pouring from the vent!
I had to rearrange some bowls at the beginning, because the spray is so strong that it moves even heavier glassware, though Corelle isn't what you'd consider that heavy anyway. Overall, it sounds just like every PowerClean I've ever heard. You can tell it's on, and compared to the Maytag it's not near as quiet, but it's also not intrusive. The powerful yet gentle sounding motor hum and the muffled sloshing are kind of soothing.
I found a good spot in the corner of one of the closets to store the Maytag, that way it's less likely that bugs and dust will get inside, and the elements won't harm it. I figure we'll use the Whirlpool for a few good months, and take note of any big changes that are good vs. bad.
It looks really nice in the cabinet though! I spent a good 30 minutes just fine tuning the leveling legs to make sure it was perfectly symmetrical and even. *In picture #2 you can see the steam billowing from the vent.
Last night I ran a full load of dishes on Normal wash with no options. It does a prewash, then a main wash for 20 minutes, a purge, then final rinse for 30-40 minutes. I forgot how short the main wash is on these! I may have to add the Power Scour option to extend it for the detergent. The final rinse gets so hot that steam was pouring from the vent!
I had to rearrange some bowls at the beginning, because the spray is so strong that it moves even heavier glassware, though Corelle isn't what you'd consider that heavy anyway. Overall, it sounds just like every PowerClean I've ever heard. You can tell it's on, and compared to the Maytag it's not near as quiet, but it's also not intrusive. The powerful yet gentle sounding motor hum and the muffled sloshing are kind of soothing.
I found a good spot in the corner of one of the closets to store the Maytag, that way it's less likely that bugs and dust will get inside, and the elements won't harm it. I figure we'll use the Whirlpool for a few good months, and take note of any big changes that are good vs. bad.
It looks really nice in the cabinet though! I spent a good 30 minutes just fine tuning the leveling legs to make sure it was perfectly symmetrical and even. *In picture #2 you can see the steam billowing from the vent.
What a gorgeous machine, and a great cleaner to boot. My neighbor back home had the model under that machine. Their's was black with the electronic controls too. It had a high temp wash button instead of the power scour button and wasn't badged as a Gold. Also it had the tower feed system. I feel sorry for that machine though, it has never washed a dirty dish in its life. Hopefully yours will have a chance to prove its power.
20Minute Wash
This should be more than adequate for enzymes to work their magic. Our DishDrawer runs a 26minute main-washing period on the Normal* and Delicates cycle. Besides, you've got a pre-wash to boot. Something I'd really like to have!
*Contrary to what the cycle SHOULD provide. Never gives the full 40minute period, unfortunately.
This should be more than adequate for enzymes to work their magic. Our DishDrawer runs a 26minute main-washing period on the Normal* and Delicates cycle. Besides, you've got a pre-wash to boot. Something I'd really like to have!
*Contrary to what the cycle SHOULD provide. Never gives the full 40minute period, unfortunately.
murando531
Well-known member
I went and bought some Lemi-Shine machine cleaner today. Compared to Affresh, which has not so great reviews, Lemi-Shine seemed to have nothing but positive remarks. It is mainly citric acid and some other stuff, and the instructions say to start the dishwasher, let it wash for 5 minutes or so, then stop the machine and let it sit for a minimum of four hours. I set it on Heavy and Power Scour, because the prewash is a good 15-20 minutes, with a thermal hold until it reaches 140 degrees. Once I see steam coming from the vent I'll stop it and let it sit. Hopefully this will take care of what buildup and stains remain, and also polish the wash arm a bit.
I'm sure the wash time will be sufficient, I guess I'm used to the Maytag running a 45 minute main wash, plus around the same time for the rinse. My aunt's PowerClean is a newer model, where Normal cycle is Main Wash-Purge-Final Rinse, and her's seems to still give spectacular results, especially with how nasty they load their dishes.
I'm excited to get a good BobLoad going. I'll have to post pictures when the time comes!
I'm sure the wash time will be sufficient, I guess I'm used to the Maytag running a 45 minute main wash, plus around the same time for the rinse. My aunt's PowerClean is a newer model, where Normal cycle is Main Wash-Purge-Final Rinse, and her's seems to still give spectacular results, especially with how nasty they load their dishes.
I'm excited to get a good BobLoad going. I'll have to post pictures when the time comes!
Great clean-up job, Andrew! The black dishwasher looks sharp in your kitchen. Hope you're soon able to get the new racks you want. I loved the similarly-tiered upper rack on my 2006 Maytag, but as you mentioned elsewhere, you don't often wash large/hard-to-fit items as I nearly always do.
Question: What does the Power Scour option do, and can it be added to any cycle? Your post above says that the Heavy Cycle + Power Scour extends and heats the pre-wash. I'm unclear as to whether that's due to Power Scour alone, of if choosing the Heavy Cycle had something to do with it.
Question: What does the Power Scour option do, and can it be added to any cycle? Your post above says that the Heavy Cycle + Power Scour extends and heats the pre-wash. I'm unclear as to whether that's due to Power Scour alone, of if choosing the Heavy Cycle had something to do with it.
murando531
Well-known member
Thanks Frigilux! It's funny, the upper rack in my Maytag MDB4709 looks nearly identical, down to every curve and bend in the wiring, except without the guard bar at the front, and the color of course.
The manual states that Power Scour adds heat and time to the wash cycles, and can be used with Normal, Heavy, and Pots-n-Pans. In the cycle diagram, Heavy does a temp hold in both prewash and main wash, and then two rinses, the final rinse w/temp hold. With PS selected, I suspect it just lengthens each stage even further. I'll have to hang around and time the cycles sometime.
If PS is selected with Normal, it does a quick prewash, then adds a temp hold to the main wash, and does two rinses rather than a purge and final rinse. I'm not sure what Pots and Pans does yet, but I assume it just makes it even longer than Heavy.
I posted a link to the manual below. I love that it shows the cycle diagram for each selection; I wish they would do that in modern dw manuals.
http://www.whirlpool.com/digitalassets/MLPDF/Use and Care Guide - 8051566.pdf
The manual states that Power Scour adds heat and time to the wash cycles, and can be used with Normal, Heavy, and Pots-n-Pans. In the cycle diagram, Heavy does a temp hold in both prewash and main wash, and then two rinses, the final rinse w/temp hold. With PS selected, I suspect it just lengthens each stage even further. I'll have to hang around and time the cycles sometime.
If PS is selected with Normal, it does a quick prewash, then adds a temp hold to the main wash, and does two rinses rather than a purge and final rinse. I'm not sure what Pots and Pans does yet, but I assume it just makes it even longer than Heavy.
I posted a link to the manual below. I love that it shows the cycle diagram for each selection; I wish they would do that in modern dw manuals.
http://www.whirlpool.com/digitalassets/MLPDF/Use and Care Guide - 8051566.pdf
