dishwasher drain solenoid melting. causes?

Question

hi all. does anyone know if there are 'common' causes for a dishwasher drain solenoid melting? ge model gsd2000g00ww. the plastic casing melts and once cooled down the metal plunger inside can't move, therefore doesn't drain.

it's about 2 1/2 years old. first failed 2 months ago, failed again this weekend. easy to replace but now i'm wondering if there's something upstream of the part causing it to fail. found several websites saying it's a common problem but nothing i found mentioned a solution other than replacing the part. any thoughts appreciated. thanks.

Speedy Jim · Accepted Answer

Should only overheat if the plunger doesn't seat fully.   I suspect this is a solenoid design flaw.   Get a good appliance parts house to suggest a good alternative   (even generic) replacement.Jim

Art Todesco · Answer

Many solenoids in dishwashers are intermittent duty only. On my KitchenAid, the timer only allows the drain to work for 1 minute. If it is longer, i.e. the timer hangs up, the solenoid will burn/melt. In my 1st KA, many years ago, this happened. Yet it didn't seem to happen again. I was warned by the KA people, at that time a very customer service oriented company, that once it happens, it may happen again. I actually designed a little board that electronically interrupted power to the solenoid after about 70 seconds. It never burned out again.

Speedy Jim · Answer

LOL!      A man after my own heart!      You're right about the intermittent duty on the drain;      I missed that.Jim

mark_s_nospam · Answer

i wish i had your ability to make my own board. any way my timer's bad?it's not much more than the solenoid if i ever have to replace it againbut i'd hate to replace it if it isn't a possible cause. much more ofthis and it'll be more cost effective to buy a new dishwasher. any wayfor me to know (by sight/sound) how long the timer/solenoid is running?thanks everyone for your thoughts.Art Todesco wrote:

frank1492 · Answer

If you listen carefully, most solenoids make a distinct hum or buzzwhen activated, at least mine do. In one of my washers, the solenoidstays on for a least two minutes during each water intake cycle andI've never had to replace it.      Frank

Art Todesco · Answer

Actually, before I built the "timer board" I put an audible "buzzer" across the solenoid. I think it was a 110 to 6 volt transformer and a Sonalert. It was real annoying, however, it gave feedback that the timer was not stuck.

dishwasher drain solenoid melting. causes?

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