How to Fix diverter leak on Kenmore dishwasher?

Appliance Repair QuestionsCategory: DishwashersHow to Fix diverter leak on Kenmore dishwasher?
Anonymous asked 9 years ago
I have a leak on a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher model 66512793K311 which is only about one year old. The problem appears to be at the diverter motor (part#: W10380170) and its seal with the bottom of the sump (part#: W10457989). Internet research so far indicated a problem with the seal being installed upside down at manufacture. However, my particular model is different than pictured solutions I have found to date. Slight changes in design of the parts and most noticeable is the seal placement on my unit. It is a part of the sump housing and is not positioned between the diverter and under side of the sump housing. Upon removing parts, I found the seal placed in the sump housing on the tub side between the housing body and the diffuser (part#: W10476221) inside the dishwasher. The seal was clean and intact. I treated it with plumber's silicone grease but without success. It continued to leak water even when static tested with the machine off. Of course leak rate increased when I ran the washer through a test cycle. So several questions. 1) Is this seal placement correct in its position placement and orientation? 2) Am I missing a seal under the sump housing next to the diverter motor? 3) Is it possible that an unseen seal within the diverter motor has failed - if so can it be replaced or do I require a new motor even though my unit does not show water damage? 4) Web DIY fixs suggest adding O-rings etc. to the seal or am I stuck replacing the entire sump housing just to get a small seal? 5) What other possibilities am I missing? a) Hot water melting the grease b) Enzyme detergent damage to seals or removing grease? I thank you for any assisstance in advance.
Appliance Repair Questions Staff replied 9 years ago

We would suggest putting it all back together but adding a different (same size seal) or an o-ring, then add a layer of good quality HIGH TEMP SILICONE over it to prevent further leaks. <br><br>There are products out there that allow you to make your own gaskets and seals. Loctite instant gasket maker, Permatex, and Hardex 650 degree red gasket maker. Try one of these products and it should solve your issue.

1 Answers
Anonymous answered 8 years ago
I have same problem on dishwasher 665.12833K 311. I believe the leak is coming from the small black grommet found on the water side (inside dishwasher) in the Sump and Seal Assembly where the diverter motor shaft goes through to attached to the spinning diverter disk.  Problem is, I can’t find that grommet on any drawings so I’m not sure if it comes already attached to a new Sump and Seal Assembly (W10457989).  Sears told me it would come with the diverter motor but just received today and no grommet attached.  I’m thinking I have to buy the sump and seal assembly.  No aftermarket gasket material of any kind will work because the diverter motor shaft has to turn and water seal is made by the grommet. 

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