Dishwasher problem

[scammell]

My dishwasher has a top and bottom arm, which I would expect both to rotate and spray at the same time. However they are connected independently to the block of tricks at the bottom.

The bottom arm is connected directly and the top arm is connected via a column that goes up the back of the dish washer. These connection appear to go into different water ways in the block of tricks at the bottom.

I can not consistently get high pressure water to both arms. Is something wrong or does the machine deliberately send water to the arms differently during the wash cycle?

Any knowledgeable people out there know the answer to this it would be appreciated.

 

[Diyisfun]

Spray arms are usually propelled by the flow of water coming from the pump. I think your ars are probably blocked. They should be removable, look in the instructions.

 

[cometguy]

there are a few dishwashers that use a half load function (not important). there is only one pump that provides water to both spray arms, and pressure to both should be the same.
how do u know that they are not opperating correctly? the main cause of spray arm problems resides in the last holes at the very end of the arm. that are angled to provide directional movement (if these are blocked with glass,gunge,plastic of food they cant turn)

 

[scammell]

thanks for replies

spray arms are not blocked. All have been removed and fully cleaned as has the coloumn that goes to the top spray arm.

I know they are not right, as if you open the door quickly you can see them going round, which they don't always do.

What I am finding very difficult to understand is why the 2 arms appear to be plumbed unto different water ways in the block at the bottom of the machine. the lower spray arm is a straight push fit into this block. The water coloumn that goes to the top spray arm appears to go over a second pipe inside the block. If I stick my finger down this hole there appears to be a plastic ring that rotates and the position of this ring appears to be determine which spray arm get water. If I run the machine without the arms / water coloumn I can get a large quantity of high pressure water from one or other of these outlets, but not both, dependant on the position of the plastic ring.

I am currently running it through a program and it does appear that during this program it is changing the arm receiving water. I know because I keep opening the door to look!

The question is, is this correct because I have always thought all machines spin both spray arms all the time.

any help appreciated

 

[Diyisfun]

What make is the machine?
How old is it?
Have you been to manufacturers site?
Have you contacted manufacture?
Have you done a google using the model number?

 

[scammell]

hi there

Bosch SGV43A03GB

4 years

not contacted manufactuer


google search, not very helpful

 

[Diyisfun]

have you read this
http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=206

 

[scammell]

yep, doesn't answer the question though

 

[Diyisfun]

ok thats all I can offer.

 

[Sleepyhead]

There's an alternating valve which is part of the heater box. It alternates water every 5 seconds or so between top and bottom spray arms.

 

[scammell]

5 seconds or 5 minutes? I would say mine is more like 5 mins (or more). How does this work, is it the plastic ring I refered to or is it an electric solenoid?

 

[Sleepyhead]

As to how it works, part of the heater box is the alternating valve, it's an electrically controlled motor.

bottom basket 60 sec. / top basket 55 sec., changeover lasts approx. 5 sec