Fixing Old Dishwasher Motor - Starting Capacitors Needed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of an old dishwasher motor that requires manual assistance to start turning. Participants explore potential solutions, including the need for starting capacitors and other maintenance suggestions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that starting capacitors may be needed to help the motor start, as it requires a twist to begin turning.
  • Another participant mentions that some motors have starting windings that are switched out once the motor is running, implying this could be a reason for the motor's condition.
  • A different participant, based on their experience, states that dishwashers typically do not use capacitors due to their small size and suggests alternative actions such as contacting the manufacturer or searching for schematics.
  • One participant proposes that lubrication might help the motor function better.
  • A later reply reiterates the need for a starting capacitor, supporting the initial suggestion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of starting capacitors, with some supporting the idea while others contest it based on their experiences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to fix the motor.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the motor's design and the specific model of the dishwasher, which may affect the applicability of the suggestions made.

Shawnzyoo
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I found an old dishwasher on the side of the road one night, and naturally i jumped out and scrapped it for parts.

The big motor that sits on the bottom works
My question is for the motor to turn i have to give it a twist to get going and then it turns fine.

I think I need to put on some sort of starting capacitors to give it a kick right?

thanks
 
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Some motors have starting windings that get switch out of the circuit once running. Not sure if yours works that way. If so, that might be the reason it was on the side of the road.
 
From all the dishwashers I've repaired, in all that time I can't remember one ever having a capacitor. The things are so small, I don't think they're needed.

You could

1) try and contact the place that made the dishwasher and see what they say,

2) do a search on the part number and make,

3) contact Wilmar (1.800.345.3000) to see if they can find schematics and replacement parts

4) post photos of your motor here to see if someone recognizes it...

:)
 
May be some lubrication can work...
 
Shawnzyoo said:
I found an old dishwasher on the side of the road one night, and naturally i jumped out and scrapped it for parts.

The big motor that sits on the bottom works
My question is for the motor to turn i have to give it a twist to get going and then it turns fine.

I think I need to put on some sort of starting capacitors to give it a kick right?

thanks

You sound like you should be on that junkyard wars show lol.
 
You need a starting capacitor.
 

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