How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP2038876 / WD08X10015 Door Gasket Insert

My wife is attached to her old, simple, no bells and whistles dishwasher. When it started leaking from the bottom of the door, I looked up the possible fix and thought the price of the gasket probably out-valued the dishwasher. I thought that it was time to buy a new one. After looking at the prices of dishwashers (even with a Memorial Day sale) I was shocked at high they have gotten. The price of the gasket, which isn't even a third of the price of a bottom of the line DW, was looking even better. What I did: I removed the inner panel of the dishwasher door by removing the screws that held it onto the framing of the door (no need to remove entire door.) When doing this, any rinse agent that may still be in reservoir will leak out, so have several sponges and towels handy. (My wife only uses vinegar as a rinse agent, so no worries on it damaging flooring, etc.) I noted how the old gaskets were lined up on the inner door panel and took both off. The old gaskets were dry rotted and chipping away in several places, so definitely in need of a change. The first time I tried to put new gasket on, it did not line up correctly with the Gasket Insert, so I had to do it again, but was able to line it up correctly on the second attempt. I need to add that I am very thankful that Appliance Parts Pros has suggestions on their website when ordering. After doing my research on the leak problem, I thought I only needed to purchase the Dishwasher Door Gasket. On that product page, Appliance Parts Pros had the suggestion for the Gasket Insert. Because of that suggestion, I ordered both. After installing, I realized my leak problem would not have been remedied had it not been for both gaskets. Once installed, I immediately ran the DW through a rinse cycle. No leaks so far. I'm an auto mechanic by trade, so this was extremely easy (easier than replacing the dishwasher with a new one.) However, even with little mechanical experience, this will be a very simple fix for anyone. 

When discovering the leak I examined the seals along the door of the dishwasher and found them to be in pretty bad condition. Not knowing how to fix it I called a couple appliance parts stores in my area and got virtually no help other then an offer to send a repair man out. Cost estimates were $150 in parts and $200 in labor!! So I searched online and found that through ApplianceParts Pros.com they had all the schematics showing what parts I needed but they have videos showing how to do the repair!! The parts, consisting ot a door seal, 2 baffles and a center seal cost me $90 including shipping and were here in 3 days. Would have been 2 days but the weekend got in the way. As a result I was able to fix the dishwasher myself in about 10 minutes (it no longer leaks) and I saved $260!! I love that!!. 

Installed all the parts I ordered in about 20 min 

Ordered a new front gasket from appliance parts pro Installation was simple. I watched the video provided 

Our Home Warranty company said it was just fine and would not repair it. I went online to find the part and found Appliance Parts. My husband is not mechanical at all and does not like to fix things. I found the 2 parts I needed for the door on the dishwasher. I then watched the video and had no problem fixing it. After that, we needed a new piston and nut for the same dishwasher. Again, I found the part and watched the video. It's amazing how simple it is to fix things yourself with your videos. I had watched someone's else's video online, but yours went step by step and showed exactly what to do. I look forward now to fixing other items, instead of paying exuberant prices for someone else to come out. 

I unscrewed and removed the inner door liner to make it easier to replace the gasket and gasket insert. Also I cleaned up the liner which was 20 years old. I could then replace the gaskets easily. The latch on the door liner came off, so I reset it to the 12 o'clock position and refit it to the grooves. There is a swivel-piece on the latch that allows you to do this. When the latch is set to the off position the latch should lock into place and the line can be reattached and screwed in. The machine, despite its age, now works fine. 

Googled a few possible causes of the leak and headed to appliancepartspros.com. The DIY videos here have always been spot on. I replaced the gasket insert and valve body gasket, but the unit still leaked. This time, I watched the dishwasher drain and traced the leak from the solenoid assembly. A search on this site, said a small washer WD8X181 (AP2038837) needed to be replaced. Waiting to receive the part and try again this weekend 

I ordered a new door seal and replaced it. I watched the video on how to replace just to see if I missed anything first. 

The local appliance part man said the parts were no longer available for the 25+-year-old unit and I would have to buy a new one from him. After spending all of 10 minutes online I found the G.E. original parts from you guys very close to me. One and a half days later I had them and in about 45 minutes the new door seal was in. I ran a wash cycle and no leaks!!! 

To fix my leaking GE dishwasher, I ordered new corner baffles, gasket, and, gasket insert.