[danodna]

I have a Maytag Dishwasher, model MDB7600AWQ (quiet series 300), that has a crack in the plastic tub. The crack is in the interior (washing area), and naturally right near the bottom. It is the result of an incident where the door was opened and accidentally flexed to the floor. The pressure traveled along the extruded metal tube frame, and cracked the tub where it attaches to a plastic ear on the exterior wall of the tub. It is a very small crack, but it allows water to leak through, which has caused a problem. I would like to caulk the crack, but the chemicals in silicone caulk are probably harmful once they are heated up.
So, long story short, does anybody know of a sealant I could use that is safe given the temperature, humidity, and water action inside the tub?
I would rather not replace the entire unit, as it is only 5 years old.

Thanks,

Danodna

[denman]

I do not think you will find a sealant that will hold by itself for any length of time. There may be a glue out there that would hold a patch down but you would have to know the exact plastic formulation.

Depending on exactly where the crack is you could try getting a piece of stainless steel about 1 to 2 inches wide and 1 to 2 inches longer that the crack. Get 4 self tap stainless screws and drill a hole in each corner of the plate for the screws. Make sure they are in far enough so they will be sealed by the sealant. Drill small pilot holes in the tub for the plate. Liberally coat the bottom of the plate with silicone gasket seal (the type they use on cars, this is made to take the heat).
Install the plate. Do not over tighten the screws. Wipe off the excess.Then dab some silicone on the back side of the screws to make sure they will not work themselves loose. Let it set for a day or so depending on what it says on the silicone tube. Some types need heat to cure.
Epoxy may also work.

This repair could be a problem if the crack is close to the heater re: the metal will pull heat during dry cycle and may melt the tub.
Could also do this from the outside using small bolts and nuts instead of screws but they have to be stainless, dishwasher soap will eat up standard steel in no time.

I would get an under dishwasher mat so if it does leak again you will find it sooner rather than later.

Hopefully someone else has an easier solution.

PS: Have not done this on a dishwasher but have used it on other containers, gas tanks etc. so it should work.