Dishwasher Running Too Long

Name: Tom

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a Kenmore dishwasher that is 10 years old.

Model 665.1646, serial fr3410264. My question is that the wash cycle is running over 2 and a half hours. Do I have a problem here?

On another issue the owners guide says to not rinse dishes before loading. Really? Should we load soiled?

Thanks so much! 

Hi Bill, 

Thanks for your note.
It appears the timer is defective. 

As for the rinsing issue. They say you will have more soap action if there is dirt or whatever on the dishes. I still rinse my dishes.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Hot Water Tank Repair

Name: Bill

City: Ft. Wayne, IN

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a Reliance 40 gallon hot water heater and think I need a thermocouple assembly I found two online that look like what I need but I'm not sure which one to buy - 9003531 or 9003488 - for my model - 640x0rt. It doesn't stay lit. We removed the assembly and cleaned it, but I still have to light each time with push button inboard lighter. Where can I find out number of part i need?

Thank you!

Hi Bill, 

Thanks for your note.
Your problem can be a very different problem than in the old days when you simply changed the thermocouple available at all hardware stores. Call a plumber with the model number and ask what has to be changed to correct the problem. I went through this 5 years ago and I had to buy a whole assembly.
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Lighting a Gas Stove

Name: Chuck

City: Lewiston

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have a natural gas Magic Chef cook stove. The oven takes 10+ min to light. It is not one with a 'glow bar' but a pilot light.

What do we need to do to make it light faster'?

Hi Chuck, 

Thanks for your note.
In an old system like yours you should clean the area where the flame strikes a thermocouple. Use some fine sandpaper to clean the surface. It is always possible that the oven safety valve needs to be replace. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Frost in Freezer

Name: John

City: Toledo

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

My GE side by side refrigerator freezer will not get cold enough and there is frost on back of freezer wall.

Hi John, 

Thanks for your note.
When you see frost on the back wall of a side by side it usually indicates a defrost problem. Timer, heater or terminator are parts in the defrost system and one of them needs replacing. You can remove the food, heat the back wall with a hair dryer and that will get you through for about 6 days. Newer models have a defrost system controlled by a mother board ( electronics ) . You may end up calling for a service technician. 
Regards,

Joe Gagnon