Whirlpool W11246682 Food Chopper Assembly OEM Part

I started by removing and cleaning the sump filter and drain adapter at the bottom of the tub. The manual said nothing about these filters, but they were almost completely clogged after 5 years of use and no cleaning. After reassembling with the cleaned filters, the problem persisted. I did some more research and found others said the food chopper had disintegrated and caused the same issue with the top rack not getting cleaned. I then pulled the dishwasher out and tipped it on its door to access the recirculating pump at the bottom. I would recommend putting a towel inside the tub at the bottom where the tub and door meet to keep any water from leaking and soaking the insulation in the door (lesson learned). I was then able to disconnect the electrical connector, remove the 3 screws that hold the recirculating pump motor to the pump cover where the chopper resides. Others online removed the entire motor and cover assembly, but then had to replace the single use clamps on the sump hose. With the motor removed from the pump cover, the chopper cover and chopper can be removed and replaced. My chopper was completely clogged and was missing all the chopper arms. I then put some dish soap on the o-ring in the pump cover before reassembling, ensuring to rotate the motor to engage the chopper before tightening the 3 motor screws again. Then it was just a matter of reinstalling the dishwasher and checking for leaks. Upper spray arms are now getting water again and all is working as expected.

I didn't know what was wrong at first. All I knew was that it was not cleaning well at all (especially top rack) and leaving food particles on everything. I was washing on power scrub with high heat and still poor cleaning. I suspected a clog so I pulled the dishwasher and removed the plumbing to check it out. I kept pulling apart, not finding any hint of a clog, until I got to the "chopper". I didn't know what it was supposed to look like but I knew that was not it. I ordered the part (got it in three days one of those being Labor Day). Once I had the part in hand making the repair was pretty easy. Just twisted out the inside part that was holding the copper in place, removed what was left and replaced it with the new one. Put everything back together. Ran a rinse cycle to make sure ther were no leaks. Then just slide the unit back in place and finished by putting the trim pieces back on. It's always scary working on expensive appliances but I have done refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and now a dishwasher. Getting over the fear is half the effort and most of the rest is figuring out exactly what went wrong. Nice when something is physically broken so it is very obvious what needs to be fixed. In my case dishwasher is working like new again.

Chopper on this model is inside the pump housing, so the most difficult part of the job is getting the dishwasher out from under the counter. Remove the motor/pump assembly as if you are replacing the motor to pump seal. Undo the three Allen screws holding the pump housing to the motor and separate the pump housing. Clean the pump housing and motor enclosure. Lay the motor enclosure back on top of the motor, lay the new chopper on top of the motor enclosure, turning the blade to engage the dogs on the impeller shaft, then assemble the pump housing to the motor using the three Allen screws. The rubber elbow is originally held by non-reusable hose clamps, so you will need a narrow worm drive hose clamp about 40mm in diameter to reassemble.

I found the noise coming from the recirculating pump. Once that was removed, it was obvious as to what was causing the noise. The chopper blade was completely chewed up. Appliance Parts Pros website had the right model, exploded parts views and more importantly, the correct part in stock. It arrived on time and installation was a breeze.

Removed motor assembly from the pump, Placed Allen wrench in the motor shaft and unscrewed impeller, Replaced motor seal kit and replaced impeller. lined up a slot on volute with motor housing, set new chopper in place and slid back into the pump housing, and replaced screws.