Couple of appliance repair questions

[gmercoleza]

1: Kenmore fridge from 2004 with freezer on bottom. Ice from auto icemaker forms into a big block. I suspect the ice maker is leaking into the tray. Any idea how/where the common leaks form?

2: Roper (I think?) dishwasher, about 10 years old. The little detergent hatch that pops open midway through the cycle is no longer popping out. I'm guessing calcium or sludge buildup? Either that or some type of solenoid isn't engaging?

[dannym]

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

1: Kenmore fridge from 2004 with freezer on bottom. Ice from auto icemaker forms into a big block. I suspect the ice maker is leaking into the tray. Any idea how/where the common leaks form?

2: Roper (I think?) dishwasher, about 10 years old. The little detergent hatch that pops open midway through the cycle is no longer popping out. I'm guessing calcium or sludge buildup? Either that or some type of solenoid isn't engaging?

Your probably going to have to replace the whole ice maker cartridge. Usually start around $50 or so. Unless you can pull it out and see what the problem is.

Look on Craigslist for a replacement. I just recently replaced an old diswasher for an almost brand new one for $75. Keep looking till you find one you want. In the mean time just put the detergent on the door!

Danny

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

1: Kenmore fridge from 2004 with freezer on bottom. Ice from auto icemaker forms into a big block. I suspect the ice maker is leaking into the tray. Any idea how/where the common leaks form?

2: Roper (I think?) dishwasher, about 10 years old. The little detergent hatch that pops open midway through the cycle is no longer popping out. I'm guessing calcium or sludge buildup? Either that or some type of solenoid isn't engaging?

1. Is the freezer otherwise working fine? does the ice drop into a bucket? or does it have a dispenser?

2 There is a wax motor that opens the door. You can verify that it works by taking the front panel off, and applying 110v to it. (there is a 5% chance that it is 24v so please verify!)

[Bill Wood]

FYI

I have had good luck buying new appliance parts from Appliance Parts Pros.
They also have a lot of good mechanical and electrical diagrams you can download...AND an appliance repair forum.

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by Webmaster

FYI

I have had good luck buying new appliance parts from Appliance Parts Pros.
They also have a lot of good mechanical and electrical diagrams you can download...AND an appliance repair forum.

Or, you can buy the parts from me AT COST!!!

One of the perks of being a peachpart member.

I have been servicing appliances for 9 years now.. Although I cant offer much in the mercedes department, I can help with appliances..

[Bill Wood]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

Or, you can buy the parts from me AT COST!!!

One of the perks of being a peachpart member.

I have been servicing appliances for 9 years now.. Although I cant offer much in the mercedes department, I can help with appliances..

Good to know!

Can you get circuit boards for GE refrigerators?

[lorainfurniture]

I just replaced one last week.. If its the big one on the back it lists for 180. My cost is 95 bucks... Email me the model # and I can get you exact part # and cost.

[email protected]

[Bill Wood]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

I just replaced one last week.. If its the big one on the back it lists for 180. My cost is 95 bucks... Email me the model # and I can get you exact part # and cost.

[email protected]

Thanks, will do

[gmercoleza]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

1. Is the freezer otherwise working fine? does the ice drop into a bucket? or does it have a dispenser?

Freezer works fine otherwise, everything else is frozen solid. The icemaker dumps into a removable plastic box. About every couple of weeks or so we have to dump it due to the ice being frozen into one big block. Actually, let me clarify. Everything starts out as properly formed individual cubes, but over time a solid mass develops from the bottom up and it eventually starts assimilating the cubes. Sort of like the ice is melting, only that's not possible since nothing else in the freezer is melting. It really seems like there is a slow water leak.

We bought it new, and for the first few years there were little bits of what resembled masking tape occasionally deposited in the ice cubes. It wasn't too frequent, so we just lived with it. Not sure if this would have anything to do with the perceived leak.

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

2 There is a wax motor that opens the door. You can verify that it works by taking the front panel off, and applying 110v to it. (there is a 5% chance that it is 24v so please verify!)

How can I tell if it's 110v or 24v? That's a pretty major difference there. I don't want to blow anything!!!

[gmercoleza]

Originally Posted by dannym

Look on Craigslist for a replacement. I just recently replaced an old diswasher for an almost brand new one for $75. Keep looking till you find one you want. In the mean time just put the detergent on the door!

Danny

Thanks, I prefer to repair rather than send this one to the landfill. I find it enjoyable. As for putting the detergent on the door, we tried that but it doesn't help. Dishes come out dirty. I think having a second "controlled" burst of detergent later in the cycle actually helps.

[gmercoleza]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

I have been servicing appliances for 9 years now.. Although I cant offer much in the mercedes department, I can help with appliances..

AWESOME. Good to know someone who is knowledgeable.

[Matt L]

Have you dismantled the door?

A bad wax motor is certainly a possibility, but it is as likely that the mechanism is jammed up with soap.

[gmercoleza]

Originally Posted by Matt L

Have you dismantled the door?

A bad wax motor is certainly a possibility, but it is as likely that the mechanism is jammed up with soap.

I haven't opened anything yet. I wanted to be armed with some info before I dove in. I too was suspecting maybe a calcium or scum buildup. I'm even thinking it's possible that the scum is just preventing the little latch from articulating through its full range of motion. If I gently push on it, it doesn't seem like it clears enough to allow the hatch to pop open. I thought of "shaving" the latch down a little, but I'd rather do things the right way. It seems like my first step is to apply power to this motor to observe the motion of the latch.

[Matt L]

I have cleaned the soap out of more than one of these mechanisms in the past. There should be no reason for any modifications.

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

Freezer works fine otherwise, everything else is frozen solid. The icemaker dumps into a removable plastic box. About every couple of weeks or so we have to dump it due to the ice being frozen into one big block. Actually, let me clarify. Everything starts out as properly formed individual cubes, but over time a solid mass develops from the bottom up and it eventually starts assimilating the cubes. Sort of like the ice is melting, only that's not possible since nothing else in the freezer is melting. It really seems like there is a slow water leak.

We bought it new, and for the first few years there were little bits of what resembled masking tape occasionally deposited in the ice cubes. It wasn't too frequent, so we just lived with it. Not sure if this would have anything to do with the perceived leak.



How can I tell if it's 110v or 24v? That's a pretty major difference there. I don't want to blow anything!!!

1. Are your ice cubes shrinking at all?
2. Do you notice any other ice anywhere in the freezer?
3. If it was a leaky valve, you would have an icicle coming from the icemaker.

Make sure the door is sealing proper. Can you provide a model #?


Dishwasher wax motor voltage would be clearly visible on the motor itself..