@Lawrence, thanks for the clarification and link. I couldn't really see much without downloading the file so I went to another link in that page you sent. Here is the exploded image in that manual. See how the basket #64 is on top of the screen #65, then #63 is under the screen. That is not how I took the machine apart, but I was wondering if it could go together that way. When I took it apart, I had to pop apart #64 and #63, as they were snapped together. From the diagram in my post, and possibly the link you sent me, it looks like the large screen is in between the 2 smaller baskets and then snapped together. I will try that.

How I have it assembled now, is with the screen setting on top of #64 and #63. And the screen is loose and looks wrong.

I think someone took this apart in the past and got it back together wrong.

I wonder if someone put #64 back in upside down when they took it apart at some point. I would put it back together following the diagram. I have had good results running Finish dishwasher cleaner through old machines that needed some help.

Cal, what does Finish Cleaner have in it. Does it have citric acid? I have a ton of citric acid. I did get it back together with the large #65 plastic screen nestled between the 2 smaller click together pieces, #64 & #63. It all lays flat now. Ran another empty load and its still throwing up black flakes. I'll try buying some Finish Cleaner.

How do I get the machine level, without having to read the installation manual, lol?

There are leveling legs are all four corners but theoretically adjusting only the front two may be sufficient.If not, the unit will have to be removed from the cavity for access to the rear legs. Removal of the toekick is needed for access to the front legs. Dishwashers are typically anchored to the cabinetry with screws at the top edge but those (theoretically) shouldn't need to be removed to adjust the front of it up/down. A few may be anchored with screws into the side trim which would need to be removed and then reset after leveling. Any anchor screws would need to be removed to pull the unit from the cavity.

In any case, the front legs must support the unit on the floor ... do not adjust them so they don't touch the floor such that the unit hangs from the cabinetry via the anchor screws.

Installation Instructions

Yes the finish does have citric acid in it along with other ingredients. The black flakes you mention reminds me of what can come out of a whirlpool tub where the jets/pump haven't been cleaned in a while.

Finish does have Citric acid and some other ingredients. The black flakes you mention reminds me of whirlpool tubs that jets/pump haven't been cleaned in a while.

Why level it now. If it's 16 years old chances are good that the new owner will replace it.

It may take several runs to get the dishwasher's black spots out completely. You can try adding a small glass to the top rack, open side up, to see how much black stuff is circulating in the water. Just check it at the end of each run to see if there's any improvement from the last run. For entertainment if you are spending a day prepping the house, use a fresh glass for each run and line them up to compare the number of black spots.

Also check that the tiny holes in the dishwasher spray arms are not clogged up. Use a paper clip or something similar to ream them out.

In my medium-hardwater area, adding hand dishwashing liquid (even a tiny squirt) results in billows of suds overflowing from the sides and base of the dishwasher door. It's really better to stick to dishwasher cleaners, citric acid, vinegar and dishwasher detergent. I agree that a 2002 machine is very likely to be replaced right away by the buyer.

Thanks Dadoes! I will give the leveling a try. I need to try the machine clean Cal. And Sparky, I want to level it because it drives me crazy, lol. Thanks @apple regarding the spray arms, Ill take a look but I thought they were open. They look large and cleaner than before, but Ill take a closer look to be sure. I'm getting some of that cleaner for sure!

You asked earlier if Finish Machine Cleaner has citric acid. There are several versions of the product, some in liquid form, some in tab form, some in gel, some with citric acid, some with other ingredients. I would have to read the ingredients list to find out which is which.

Personally, if I already had citric acid powder to hand, I'd start with that. I'd run a heavy/potscrubber cycle with a couple of tablespoons in the detergent cup and then do a re-run. If you google this topic, you will see some recommendations for starting with 3 or 4 tablespoons. (Haven't tried that much myself.) I like apple_pie_order's suggestion for using water glassses to gauge progress.

If your citric acid is not immediately to hand, maybe your mother's pantry has some powdered drink mix such as Tang or Country Time Lemonade? Those products have fair amounts of citric acid in the mix.

If you have any difficulty in locating the Finish products (as opposed to a "Finnish" product from Finland), there are other brands with similar cleaners. Our rural town's hardware store stocks Lemi Shine, Affresh, and Glisten.

Thanks @jwvideo, I have a ton of citric acid. I will put more in. I did look up the ingredients in the Finish Clean product and there are lots of harsh things in it. But I'll want to try it anyway to get it spotless.

I haven't leveled the machine yet, but it drives me crazy every time I walk into the room, lol.

The filters are put back together properly as mentioned above. It works. I now have run about 5 loads. Finally, after using Cascade with bleach, and a prewash with a cup of chlorine bleach, the machine is rinsing clean water. The jets were never clogged. I couldn't find the Finish Clean product at our small grocery store, but I did buy a fresh bottle of bleach for this use. I had old Cascade with Bleach at home, that I never use. I'm so happy and pleased. Thank you all very much for the help. I will take a before and after pic of the leveled machine and post :)