dumped the old one that was not that old for a new one. 3 plumbers, a couple diswasher repairmen, 2 city of amarillo water, and the water softening guys.....

i have the same issue.

If you get in to repairs, and are handy and want to try repairing it yourself, you might want to try these guys if you need a live person to walk you through it:

www.justanswer.com

I had good luck with them walking me through a couple furnace diagnosis and repair for $15 bucks a pop.

Of course, you can probably find a repair manual on-line (free, don't pay for one). www.appliencejunk.com had a bunch of manuals on file. I went the repair manual route on an LG dryer I fixed.

Replacing parts on these units is not that hard if you get steered in the right direction. Not paying a service call fee helps weigh the decision toward repair rather than junking it and replacing.

spray arm is plugged with loose tea leaves.

Put a cup of vinegar in it, and run a cycle. Do this without soap and without dishes in it. Helps to remove any soap build-up, and loosen any hard water deposits.

If you do have soap build-up (the walls feel chalky or slimy), then you need to use less soap. You don't have to completely fill the detergent cups.