The Fun Guy's Journal: 191.4 I came, I saw, I kicked its ass

Our dishwasher has gradually been sucking worse and worse. First just a bit of crud left on the dishes if they weren't put in JUST SO. Finally, it got to the point that the entire top rack wasn't even getting wet.

Call a plumber? Repairman?

Damn, what do you think I am? Incompetent?

I got out the owner's manual (no help). I got out the installation guide ( no help). I got out the parts list (some help, but not enough). Finally, I turned to the intarweb (perfect).

I had the dishwasher feed tubes and pump feed/intake system partly stripped down when all of the Phillips head screws gave way to torx head screws. WTF? So, I had to run to Home Depot this morning to get a set of torx (which I should have bought years ago, but anyway).

This evening, I stripped it right down to the nubbins, until I could go no farther. I'd removed the last screw, but the feed guide housing was still firmly attached. What was I missing? How was this supposed to come out?

Check the intarweb, whose best advice was: "Get a pair of big pliers, grip firmly, and force it."

Sure, why not? Worked wonderfully, to my great surprise.

And good Lord what a load of crap was blocking the armature of the intake feed! No wonder the water couldn't flow - it was like sucking a soda through a bag of sand and seaweed!

I cleaned out the crap, scraped off the mineral deposits, generally cleaned it all up, reassembled everything and fired it up. Seems to be working just like new. I bet this repair saved me at least $200, even with the cost of the torx.

I R STUD.

Now, I just have to fix my oven (which won't light) and my car (which sounds like a brontosaur with an intestinal problem). Those problems are for tomorrow, though.

Tonight, we dance!

nice

[stoolpigeon]

It's fun to fix stuff and feel good about it. And as you have observed, a wonderful way to collect new tools.

Re:

[The Fun Guy]

I just diagnosed the problem with the stove (again, w/ help of the internet), determined the appropriate part needed, and ordered it.

FedEx should get it here by Wednesday, and by Wednesday evening, all should be well. A $60 repair, instead of $60 + markup + labor. $200?

If I keep saving money like this, I'll be rich.

Re:

[Qzukk]

Hm, I better try and get some of your fixit knowledge to rub off on me for when I get ready to take apart my dryer this weekend. I was 90% sure of what's wrong until I played with it this morning and got it to turn off like it's supposed to. It's an old dryer with a mechanical timer-knob. The timer part counts down properly, the switches it hits on the way around to turn on the heater, turn off the heater (cooldown) and turn off the motor seemed stuck at motor-on, heater-off.

Or maybe I'll be lucky and th

Re:

[The Fun Guy]

One of the things that happens with mechanical trip switches is wear of the tripping arm. After 2^n dryer loads, the tip of the tripping arm is probably worn back a bit, leaving it perhaps just enough to tickle the switches but not long enough to actually nudge the switch.

Since it might be difficult to replace this, you might just try WD40 on the switches. If you make them easier to trip, the shorter tripping arm might be enough to do the trick.

Good

[Captain Splendid]

Since you're now the expert [xkcd.com], I'll bug you with questions as I attempt to fix our broken dishwasher, as our town does not seem to have any plumbers who aren't so busy they can afford to ignore business.