Dishwasher help

teepoo

Hi All,

We have recently been given a Bosch dishwasher that has been sitting in someone’s garage for 5 years and (unsurprisingly) is doesn't work!

I think the problem is to do with the water pump because the bottom of the dishwasher is filled with water. When I turn it on the machine sounds like it is trying to (unsuccessfully) pump out this water. It gets about 1/5 of the way through the cycle and then stops and no water is coming out of the waste pipe.

Can anyone suggest some basic checks/maintenance that I can perform before I send it to be scrapped/repaired?

Thanks,
Pete.

jobbingmusician

DH was a domestic appliance engineer, and says

THere are 2 pumps. I sprays water around, and then there's the outlet pump. What normally happens in storage of lengthy period, is that the machines dry out completely, which damages the seals. THis causes the bearings of 1 or both pumps to seize up. So far, it seems that you've been lucky as the fairly expensive main circulating pump is OK. THe outlet pump is obviously kaput. Depending on the age of the machine, ie more than 6 years old, it wont be worth getting BOsch in to repair it, BUT both the pumps should be available from any reasonable washing machine spares/retailer shop as a spare part. Estimate £15-20. It isn't a specially difficult job to change them, apart from not forgetting to remove the plug from the mains first :eek:

Tip the machine backwards ONLY. DO NOT TIP SIDEWAYS. Grovel on the floor - the pump fitting with the outlet pump on should be pretty obvious, and it should also be obvious how to fit it (my comment: not to me! Remember I am quoting DH!!!)

As the machine has beeen in storage for such a long time, you'll have to weigh up the pros and cons of replacing the outlet pump, as used washing machines and d/w don't usually fare too well in storage and may eventually get further problems, possibly with the main circulating pump seals. Translated, this means it might suddenly start to leak.

HTH - JM

jobbingmusician

PS Generally that series of Bosch DW are excellent quality.

kwatt

Hi teepoo,

JM is right and, TBH, you'll probably find that the main motor seals are goosed or just deteriorated and they will likely not last.

But also some, depending on the model, use a reverse action on the recirc pump to drain so it may well be that that's fragged anyway.

Sorry, we never trust them when they've lain dormant for years as they're generally troublesome.

K.

teepoo

Thanks JM/Kwatt,

Based on what you have just said, I will probably sell Bosch for parts and buy myself a built in DW for our new kitchen.

Pete.