The Maiden Wash - 56 GE pull-out dishwasher

[turquoisedude]

I had to do something to get my mind off my timer woes so I figured it was high time to test the 56 GE dishwasher with some real dishes!
First, I had to solve one problem - how to repair or replace the rubber lid vent tube that got eaten by mice.

 

[turquoisedude]

So my partner, Chris, built me a new one out of sheet gaskets and high-temperature silicone sealant.

 

[turquoisedude]

It may not look pretty but it works! Now, I just had to find some dirty dishes and then figure out the right way to load them. I took a chance and loaded 'er up like this:

 

[turquoisedude]

And now, the moment of truth - starting it up!

 

[turquoisedude]

No sparks or flames - a minor leak in the top tub gasket where the foam gasket I used to replace the original rubber one was joined. I figure some high-temp silicone will solve that. Here's the water filling:

 

[turquoisedude]

And after a mere 25 minute wash cycle, the dishes were ready!
Good and steamy still because I cut the dry cycle down a bit.

 

[turquoisedude]

And I would declare the first wash a success! I am now really anxious to get the kitchen renovations completed and this dishwasher and the rest of the 56 appliances into regular use.

 

[qsd-dan]

WOW! Glad to hear you have finally been able to breathe some life into the GE kitchen center. It's been long overdue! Congrats!!

 

[customline]

wow.....

That is a great dishwasher. Hope you have many years of service. Can't wait to see the rest of the kitchen.

 

[gansky1]

Congrats on the enormous progress!!

Beautiful results and a brilliant repair on the vent!

 

[turquoisedude]

I can't tell you how happy I am with this as a first restoration project! The range and oven are also working fine (after rewiring) - the new kitchen cabinets are going to take at least 8 weeks but at least I know most of the appliances will be ready... I am still ever hopeful of some leads on the washer/dryer timer and thermostat...
And I am very impressed that hubby, who is definitely NOT a vintage appliance fan, was eager to help me out!!!

 

[logixx]

Cool dishwasher!

Would this be the matching video?

 

[stevet]

Shhhh! Quiet down there!

Dan, I bet your machine sounds like a hurricane in a drawer based on the video clip! You might want to try lining the tank with "Dynamat" and see if that helps absorb some of the sound. You can find them on the web and maybe they can provide different thicknesses so you can still clear the sides of the housing the drawer slides into.
Excellent restoration job. Looking foward to seeing the whole setup when it is done.

 

[swestoyz]

Woo-Hoo, big congrats on the maiden wash! Those dishes were just screaming to be cleaned in the GE. Thanks for posting!

Ben

 

[toploader55]

Yay

Congrats Paul.
She's a beauty. You've definately inspired me to get going on the 57 Mobile Maid. Does it "roar" when it's washing ?

 

[christfr]

awesome.. good job.. am sure you will enjoy this machine.. its a bute

 

[turquoisedude]

Yep, you found the video alright! I am amazed at how much quieter the machine was when it was loaded and when the front cover panel was put back. I like the idea of adding some sound-proofing material - could I not also use standard blanket-style insulation also?
Eddie, I am still working on getting my paws on that GE pull-out down in Maryland and hopefully the motor will be what you need!