Stuck on seized Westinghouse pump

[turquoisedude]

I started tearing into the 1950 Westinghouse dishwasher that jumped on the truck from Ohio last fall. The poor thing must have sat with water in the sump and pump for a good spell... the pump was full of water scale and it will not budge.

I am currently fighting the setscrew on the impeller with the idea of being able to clean and lubricate the pump shaft. BUT I noticed the square protrusion on the pump housing. Is this some sort of 'wick' or point of access to add grease to the pump shaft? If so, should I be able to remove the square 'cover' for this access point?

I'll describe more about the restoration in a separate post but I wanted to mention that this pump is most unusual...unless you've worked on Westy Laundromats! This dishwasher drain pump is turned by a friction wheel on one end of the impeller drive motor. Like a Laundromat, a solenoid pulls the pump wheel into contact with the motor drive wheel. I am eager to preserve and recover the pump, but plan 'B' is to use an electric drain pump. Hopefully I'll get the original one turning again...

 

[combo52]

1950 Westinghouse dishwasher drain pump

Hi Paul, that is an oil wick to keep the pump bearing lubricated. You could try prying out the little metal cover out pulling the wicking out and squirt some penetrating oil in there. You might get it to loosen up if it soaks for a while.

That’s got to be the most bizarre drain pump ever used a home dishwasher, it would not be very durable like lots of things because it’s made out of pot metal but hopefully you can get it to work.

John

 

[turquoisedude]

Thanks, John!  I will give that a try! 

 

I agree that it's not the best pump design; like I mentioned, I'm prepared to sub in a modern washer drain pump if need be to bring this dishwasher back to life.

 

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Paul, I've found with stuck set screws if I use a Torx bit it seems to have more bite if the internal allen hex is a bit stripped. The Torx bits have saved me many times!

 

[turquoisedude]

Torx bit trick

Thanks, Robert!  I hadn't thought of trying that.  But I will.... 

 

[turquoisedude]

Good news, everybody

I managed to get the pump freed up!  Penetrating oil, gentle heat, and good whack with a hammer got the pump turning again!    Again, I'll chronicle the entire restoration but this is going well so far.  Stay tuned...