Heating element dries dishes but doesn't heat water??

Dishwasher Repair
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1

Howdy gents,

I’ve been investigating the cycling thermostat in my 1990’s non-electronic Whirlpool QuietWash, because the dishwasher suffers the common problem of a looong wash cycle. I can force the wash cycle to run normally by shorting the thermostat.

Initially, I jumped to the conclusion that my problem was the cycling thermostat, because the water (and element) seems hot during the wash cycle. The element works fine (very hot! ouch!!) during the dry cycle.

Is it possible for the element to work fine during the drying cycle, and yet be unable to fully heat the water?

Here are my measurements of water temperature:
[LIST]
*]my tap water = 120°
*]dishwasher pre-wash cycle = 105°
*]dishwasher wash cycle at start = 112°
*]dishwasher wash cycle after 10 minutes of heating = 125°[/LIST]I haven’t tried measuring real-time amps during wash cycle & drying cycle because the element connectors seem to be hardwired - I don’t wanna risk damaging the connector or rubber seals because this old element is no longer for sale. And, unfortunately, I don’t know anyone with a clamp-on ammeter.

Thank you!!

3

Bueller? Anyone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhiCFdWeQfA

4

Here are your parts
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/parts-for-whirlpool-du8950xx0.html

See the attachment for the tech sheet.

And here is a link to the operators manual.
http://www.whirlpool.com/digitalassets/MLPDF/Use%20and%20Care%20Guide%20-%203369098.pdf

Is it possible for the element to work fine during the drying cycle, and yet be unable to fully heat the water?
Yes because the circuit paths are different.
Could be a timer contact problem.
Looks like contact 6 should be closed to heat the water.