Kenmore Ultra Wash not washing well...

[dustin92]

Our Kenmore Ultra Wash is not washing overly well, but I am a bit confused. The dishwasher sounds completely normal, it is filling completely, both spray arms are turning. It is also getting plenty of hot water and the detergent is dispensing when it should (Cascade Complete action pacs). Stuck on food is usually not removed completely, but anything loose is completely gone. I am using either the normal or pots/pans cycle, water heat on, heated dry off. I have looked at the filter a few times and it is always clean, and none of the spray arm holes are plugged. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[whirlcool]

Are you using the "Hi Temp Wash" option (if your machine has one) and what temp is the imcoming water? (Wster Tank Setting)

 

[dustin92]

I always use the water heat option, I dont know exactly what the incoming temp is, but it is well over 120 degres. Probably closer to 160-165.

 

[washer111]

Pump/Motor Assembly:

Perhaps there is something inhibiting the function of the pump or motor? Or the motor is just tired and requires replacement: How old is your UltraWash?

 

[combo52]

KM Ultra-wash DW

How old is your DW? is it a standard tub or tall tub machine?, the problems that these two different DWs can have are quite different when they are not working well.

 

[dustin92]

I'm pretty sure it is around 1995-1996ish, and it is a standard tub.

 

[combo52]

KM Standard Tub Ultra-Wash DW Thats Not Cleaning Well

Be sure that it really has enough water in it after each fill, you can test by stopping the machine after the fill is completed and add another 1/2 gallon or a little more and see if the sound of the machine changes.

 

If you are using detergent tablets in the closed cup you should still be putting detergent in the open cup for best cleaning.

 

These DWs will actually clean better if the incoming water temperature is not over around 120 degrees, this lower temperature allows the machine to wash much longer as the heater heats the water to the 145F in the second and main wash period.

 

Problems with the pump are rare with these DWs, but possible.

 

[dustin92]

It is definitely filling completely, I cleaned out the inlet screen not too long ago. It usually fills to about an inch of water in the front, and to the bottom skirt on the spray arm. When I run it on pots/pans I add either a little cascade institutional powder or another complete pac to the prewash cup. I am a little reluctant to dial the hot water down because I like having screaming hot water on demand for laundry, and it lasts longer in general because usually less is used.

 

[washer111]

Tempering Valve:

If possible, install a tempering valve on the line from the hot water heater, either:

~ On the water line NOT heading to the laundry (i.e. If the Hot pipe splits in two next to the heater)

~ In the kitchen/at the dishwasher

 

This will guarantee you get the recommended 120º inlet for the KM, and the 160º water for your washer (and bath etc). If the water is around 160º almost straight away at the kitchen tap, I wouldn't use the "Water Heating" option... Waste of energy/time etc, unless it gives you a longer Main-Wash, which is desirable in this case. Also bad if the dishwasher is just time-heating the water, rather than delaying it till 165... You might be getting close to 170-180! As mentioned here before, anything higher than around 120º shortens the life of the dishwasher considerably. 

 

[tomturbomatic]

The water heating must be thermostatically controlled. If the water is hot enough, it does not even pause to heat.

 

[dustin92]

The water takes probably about a minute to get hot at the kitchen, and because the pipe runs along an unheated wall, it is probably less than 160. I will run the hot water and stick a thermometer in it, and see what the temp is exactly.

 

[johnmk]

I've never seen a hot water heater/tank in the U.S. that allows temperatures up to 165F. Quite likely yours is much lower. Keep in mind just going up to 130F will feel a lot hoter than 120F, because the scalding time is much lower.

See the URL that contains time-to-scald info.

You're probably in for a surprise when you finally get some real measurements. Not that it should matter, most modern dishwashers insist on the temperature they're programmed for via the built-in internal heating element. I really don't see the incoming water temperature as being a likely culprit here. More likely the problem exists elsewhere -- perhaps with the washer or detergent.

http://www.pseg.com/home/education_safety/safety/scalding.jsp

 

[dustin92]

Our hot water heater has not functioned properly since we moved into the house in august. It boiled the water on several occasions, one time I went into the utility room and it was whistling like a tea kettle. After flushing/draining, the thermostat is still very inaccurate. It doesnt heat until the water temp drops considerably, and then heats until the water is scalding. The temperature is set just over "warm" on the dial. If it was turned up to "hot" it could probably be classified as a steam generator. Yes, the pressure release is working properly.

 

[dustin92]

I checked the temp. at the kitchen faucet, and I got about 140 degrees. I started the dishwaaher just before checking it, so the dishwasher likely got mostly cold water, because it takes about a minute for hot water to reach the kitchen.

 

[cfz2882]

hot recirc pump

a hot water recirculation pump could be installed-this is a small low power pump that recirculates the hot water so instant hot water is avalible some distance from the heater.Pipes recirculated should be insulated.

 

[mrb627]

Hot Water...

I came to the conclusion that most dishwashers perform better when the initial fill contains mostly cold water. The machine generally discards that first bath in a short period of time anyway. If you have the hi-temp wash selected, it will heat the water to where it needs to be.

You may want to use the delay start, if applicable, to be sure it starts with cooler water.

Malcolm

 

[kqkenmore]

I have the tall tub version and it sucks I have nothing but trouble with it.I had a service policy on it for a long time and Sears was out here all of the time the pump and motor had been replaced 3 times I was using the Cascade Action Packs and was told that you need to put it in the bottom of the tub so that the dishes get the initial soaping and it would cut the grease.One of the repairmen told me to rinse the dishes and I said hell would freeze over not going to wash the dishes before I wash the dishes.They also said use a dishwasher cleaner once every 2 months to get rid of the accumulated grease.Never again will i buy one of these DW.

 

[jerrod6]

Malcolm what do you think the benefits of the initial cold fill are?

 

[mrb627]

Wash time

The wash time would be extended while the water was heating.

Malcolm