Whirlpool ADP4500 Dishwasher

[Fatoniandrew]

I wonder if anyone out there can help.

I have a Whirlpool ADP4500WH Dishwasher, it's 4-5 Years old.

The dishwasher is filling with water, but very slowly. It then goes through it's usual wash cycle but the Water is being pumped with such little force that it's barely dribbling out of the spray arms. It makes a strange, low pitched whirring/knocking noise as if the pump is struggling, throughout the cycle.

I have checked the water inlet pressure - That's fine
I have replenished the salt (it had been low/empty for quite a while)
All the spray arms are free from blockages
The filters are clean.
I've removed and cleaned what I think is called the blast switch, rubber diaphragm behind a black grid.

Basically can anyone give me an idea as to what the problem is, and whether it's worth getting it fixed or if I should take the plunge and go for a new one.

Even better if anyone could provide some sort of schematic/picture then I might be able to make more sense of the whole thing too.

Many thanks in advance for any help that is offered.
Fatoniandrew

 

[zipper]

Sounds like you could have 2 problems...a faulty circulation pump & maybe also a fill issue. I'm not 100% sure if you can remove the base plate on your model but if you turn it on its back you'll soon see. If it can be removed it'll give you easy access to the circulation pump & most other parts. Afraid you probably won't get a rep-kit for your pump, most likely you'll have to buy a complete unit. Regarding the slow fill issue, that could be a sticking inlet valve. Although it is strange to get these 2 particular problems at the same time.

 

[Fatoniandrew]

Hi Zipper, many thanks for the advice.

The unit has a base plate that when removed reals the innards of the beast.

I can work out what is what, i.e. I know which is the circulating pump, the drain pump, water softener unit, heater etc. I was unable to find the inlet valve though. Could you advise where that is so I can take a look at it.

I'm right in thinking that a new pump is ~ £100 plus fitting costs. If so it would probably be cost effective long term to replace the whole washer.

 

[zipper]

Follow the inlet hose to where it enters the machine & you will find the inlet valve just inside there at the bottom. It should read 3 to 4k ohms with a multimeter. You should also check the inline filter at the end of the inlet hose that screws onto your water supply. Sometimes these get clogged with debris & restrict the supply. It is a small plastic cup fitted in the hose connection, you ought to be able to pull it out with a pair of pointed nosed pliers if it needs cleaning. Pays to check that the supply hose hasn't been kinked or squeezed either, this will also restrict flow. Good luck

 

[Fatoniandrew]

Right then. I had this out this weekend.

I thought I'd start with the pump as it looked the easiest to get access to, and to pull out. Got the pump out and it's an Askoll for any tecchies who might be interested. Pulled the pump apart and found the impeller had a chunk missing from it, about the size of a finger tip. Also the seal on the pump housing, where the impeller seals against the pump housing, was completely shot, about 2/3's of it had been stripped away. So not too surprisingly that is what was causing my problems.

From what I've read here and there, Askoll are the cheapest nastiest pumps around, so even if I could get repair parts for the pump I'd be reluctant, knowing the problems could quickly reappear. The alternative is a new pump at approx £100. I think it's time to take the old dog around the bag and introduce it to a shotgun . New dishwaher required.

Many thanks to Zipper for your help with my problem.

Can anyone recommend a good new Make/Model Dishwasher that will stand the test of time?

Cheers
Fatoniandrew

 

[zipper]

Sorry you had to get the old dog put down!
With most things you get what you pay for really. If you want the RR of dishwashers you could go for a Miele but they cost an arm and a leg. Bosch & Siemens are good machines but look for a German made model...the fewer bells & whistles the better (less to go wrong).

 

[Fatoniandrew]

I've looked at the Miele's before but didn't want to take the plunge because I hadn't heard much about them.

I was thinking of Bosh or Indesit. Defintely not another Whirlpool though. The amount of problems I've had with it from Day 1 have turned me off for life. Nothing major, but lots of little niggles.

Thanks again