Kitchenaid Dishwasher gasket question

[ctv]

Hello everybody.
I was wondering if someone could tell me what this gasket's purpose is. Out of 3 dishwashers, I'm trying to get ONE that works. They all have "issues", and all have different model numbers, but fortunately most parts can be swapped. But, all have had this gasket pretty well ruined, and in pieces. So I made one from a coffee bag that is made of a flexible, yet strong aluminum type foil, about the thickness of 2 layers of regular aluminum foil. It held coffee, so I figured it was food safe.
The original gasket looks to be made of a light and rubbery material, like a rubber glove.
Anyone know what this gasket is supposed to do? Or what will happen if it's not installed?
I don't know if the picture I have will display in this post, but it can be seen @ PartSelect.ca, part # PS355023.
Thank you for any help.

 

[combo52]

Foam Gasket From KA KD-21 and 22 DW Pumps

It is to seal the cover plate on the drain impeller housing. It probably makes the drain pump a little more effective, but other than that the pumps do seem to work without a perfect gasket in place.

 

I do think that you are wise to try to put a gasket back in when you are working on one of these DW pumps, unless I have knowledge to the contrary I always try to reassemble things like they were originally built, the orignal design engineers usually knew what they were doing.

 

John L

 

[ctv]

Like an appendix.....

My way of thinking is it's there for some sort of reason, but can it still function without. And would you have any suggestions what I could use besides the coffee bag idea?