Water leaks onto floor when dishwasher is started. I watched from underneath and it looks like water drips from several spots above the motor. I removed the assembly and found a bent nail very heavily corroded partially under the top of the tub gasket. My question is can I clean the gasket and where it seats in the tub, and reuse it? Or must I buy a new gasket? I am planning to redo the kitchen over the next year and will buy new appliances, so I’m looking for the cheapest way out that works.
Check the seal visually to see if the nail left an indent in the seal.
Check that the seal is still pliant.
If there is no indent and the seal is pliant then you should be able to reuse it.
If not I would replace it.
Looks like the seal is around $20.00 so if you get a year out of it, it is probably worth the investment.
It is a good idea to put a light coating of lithium greaso on the replacement seal. often makes the install go easier.
Thanks Denman. I stopped at the local appliance store to see about the gasket availability. The dishwasher is about 18 years old. They thought the real source of the leak would most likely be the seals between the motor and the actuator housing (seal kit about $50). If I take this thing apart, do you think I could see any seal failures?
Thanks again.
[COLOR=“DarkRed”]do you think I could see any seal failures?[/COLOR]
I cannot say sometimes it is obvious especially if it has been leaking for quite awhile. There is usually a track of calcium deposits.
But often you cannot see anything.
Perhaps try using a flashlight and a small mirror to track down the leak.
The best mirror is the type that mechanics use, basically he same as a dentist’s mirror but a little larger. Lets you see up into the motor area.
A small mirror taped at an angle on a stick will also do the job.
If that fails then take it apart, after all you really have no other choice and it is going to have to come apart to fix it.
[quote=denman;608726][COLOR=darkred]do you think I could see any seal failures?[/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#8b0000]I already have the unit out of the dishwasher. I’m going to open it up and see what’s there.[/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#8b0000]Thanks so much again for your help![/COLOR]