GE dishwasher timer motor not rotating sometimes

[ChicagoSuburban]

Older GE dishwasher timer motor not rotating sometimes. The timer dial gets stuck at certain points and the dishwasher continues washing for hours. Then I manually rotate the dial past RINSE and it starts to work properly again. Intermittent issue. Someone told me a weak timer motor is causing it and adding a large AC capacitor in parallel with the timer motor may help. Opened and cleaned everything but issue persists. Any tips?

 

[ChicagoSuburban]

Actual photo of the timer motor. Yes, my dishwasher was manufactured in June 2000.

 

[Jeff Handy]

I found only one place selling it, but they are sold out.

FYI the price was approx $30.00.

You should contact GE customer service for where to get that part, or something equivalent.

There might be compatible timers with different part numbers, they would know.

That part number might be obsolete.

 

[Riickk]

You sound adventurous, and like I used to say: If it's already broke, how much damage can I do?

I can't say it's do-able, but synchronous timer motors are very common, you should be able to buy one to replace existing motor, but, pay attention, it's not typical 1-2 RPM motor, photo shows 1/4 or 15 RPM (though label says "16").
Questions are (a) whether it's removable, and, (b) whether there's a gear pressed on to the shaft.
Here they are on Amazon: LINK

Otherwise, you might try buying what they call a pinpoint oilier - small tube of lubricating oil with long thin tube that can deliver oil to exactly right spot, and not squirt all over.
Lubricating the bearings on your timer motor will probably do the most good - again, if adventurous, they are usually easy to open up, just folded metal flaps. ...and then also oil bearings on various gears on the timer itself.
.
From one "crazy" person to another..... Good Luck

 

[ChicagoSuburban]

Thanks for your comments. I'll lubricate the time motor. But, how about the timer assembly? The timer motor spins a bunch of gears inside the timer assembly. Is it easy to remove the timer assembly, take it apart and lubricate inside?

 

[Jeff Handy]

Did you call GE customer service?

 

[Riickk]

....... The timer motor spins a bunch of gears inside the timer assembly. Is it easy to remove the timer assembly, take it apart and lubricate inside?

Great question, me, I have no idea.
BUT, I sure would NOT take the assembly apart, no more than I'd take apart a windup wristwatch.
That's why I suggested a Precision pinpoint oilier, so you can lubricate the *bearings* those gears run on.
Oil on the gears themselves can get sticky; also, last time I looked inside a timer assembly, there were about a Zillion electrical contacts, not too sure oil on contacts is a good idea.

 

[TomFOhio]

If you can get a new timer motor for $30.00 and install it yourself then I would go for it. If not then
it might be better to think about a new dishwasher.