So, let's have a look at the Frigidaire DWCDTR dishwasher...

[turquoisedude]

Kevin - thanks!  I think I should make a video of it washing with a plexiglass top cover at some point.  Maybe I should wait until summer though... *chuckle*  If I was any good at metal work, a peek-in window where the top slants would be an interesting addition.  

 

Steve - thank you for the cycle chart and detergent cup information.  My instincts are starting to improve on figuring out how these things work... LOL  

 

But I'm still troubled by the rinse agent dispenser trip during a Rinse and Hold...  I just don't get that.

 

[rollermatic]

glad to see you got the motor running again

and i'm glad i was able to find it a good home with you! i got that one originally in 2009 when i took that trip to grand rapids and brought back a truckload of dishwashers and my first rollermatic.

i did rebuild that pump at that time, new seal and i think maybe a new motor too!

it worked fine for 4 years or so then when i pulled it out after a year of storage the motor would not turn.

it's a very unique dishwasher with that slant top style and i hope you have fun with it!

i am also ready to get rid of my 1962 frigidaire flair stove and if you would like it please let me know before i put it on craigslist.

pete

 

[gansky1]

That's a pretty cool dishwasher, Paul. That rinse and hold cycle is puzzling, it doesn't make sense to dispense rinse-aid but then I suspect it was mostly for marketing and cycle-count purposes. Given the time/water/energy resources it uses for R&H or R&D, you could just use that as a light soil cycle. Funny how things have changed so drastically in dishwashers, that amount water for just rinsing would be extravagant for a full cycle.

 

[philr]

In fact the rinse hand hold switch was mostly a no-heat drying switch as you could run a full cycle on the rinse and hold setting.

 

[mickeyd]

Well, isn't that a bite in the butt!

I was stunned at the 1.35 gallon water changes because the two Whirlpools here throw out a flood at each drain; however I am a only first grader when it comes to dishwasher knowledge, so I'll get the buckets out and measure, but I'm betting mine throw out two to three gallons per pump out. Won't it be so exciting, thrilling, and hilarious if I measure only 1.35 gallons, and am dead wronggguuueee?

Got to play with that DW at the museum, and was stunned to watch John use a washing machine hose to by-pass the quick-connect which he did not want to compromise, so he ran a washing machine fill hose from the fill valve to the supply line, telling me that all dishwashers' inlet valves--inside the machine-- are standard washing machine threaded valves. Love it when life is that easy and simple!

Here's the guzzling gal from Big Al with a new cutting board to honor his generosity.

 

[turquoisedude]

Maiden wash time!

Finally got the 'new' Frigidaire top-loader into the kitchen for a test-drive.  Hubby hasn't been kvetching too much but has not been remiss in reminding mr that 3 dishwashers in the Ogden kitchen is not his ideal number.  I suggested 5 and got a really dirty look...

 

And speaking of dirty, here's the test load.  Not huge; I don't think I like the upper rack design so much. Mugs and big glasses don't seem to fit well.  

Now, to make this a 'turquoisedude torture test', I threw in the upper part of a double boiler I used to cook custard in.

 

[turquoisedude]

Wash time!!

 

I used the Regular Wash with the Rinse & Hold option off. I  figured I would neef the water to be heated!  

 

I had to add the second dose of detergent manually since I am missing the cover for the detergent cup.  I'll have to figure out a way to build a replacement... LOL 

 

[turquoisedude]

The results...

Overall pretty good.  The double boiler did not get 100% clean; a longer cycle mighta done it or if I had washed it immediately instead of waiting for a full load.  The Revere Ware pan had been used for cream of carrot soup and it was clean as a whistle.  The cutlery was also cleaned nicely.

 

So maybe 'Maidee' may be going on vacation for a spell... I will try at least one wash test before I decide though!

 

[rpms]

Glad to see the the gas station Canadian Club glasses are still in use.

 

[DADoES]

 
Seems a full fill is 2.7 gals.  The cycle chart just details the two fill increments separately with the respective water intake for each.

Rinse aid dispenses in the final rinse, which the designated rinse/hold includes.  Is the rinse aid mechanism electric or a mechanical linkage from the timer?

 

[turquoisedude]

Rinse aid

The mechanism is electric - a solenoid is tripped by timer in the 2nd rinse.

Wasn't it just GE who had the mechanically operated rinse aid dispenser? I  have a mid 60s Canadian Mobile Maid with the 'Rinse-Glo' selector but I've never played with that machine to find out for sure... Shame on me... LOL 

 

[mickeyd]

HAHAHAHAHA

"Hubby....reminded me that 3 dishwashers in the Ogden kitchen is not his ideal number. I suggested 5 and got a really dirty look..."

You are a real riot, Paul.

Thanks, Glenn; knew something wasn't right.