Bosch SI6PB1B Dishwasher- bitumen coating question

Dear all,

I hope some can advise!

I recently pulled out our dishwasher to access the space behind it. I noticed that the black ‘tub liner’ (bitumen/rubberised coating) on the outside of the washer- Bosch (type SI6P1B)- appears to be getting soft and tacky when the machine is running (I normally run it at 70c).

There is evidence of bubbling in some places on the coating, and the coating has become mildly deformed where it was in contact with the plug at the back of the installation space (i.e. It has become soft and been deformed by the pressure pushing on it). I had to prise the plug off the coating at the back of the machine after i pulled it out.

There is no evidence at all of burning around the socket or damage to the plug or anywhere else other than the bitumen on the machine.There is no fabric sound/heatproof insulation on the machine, just bare metal and the bitumen coating.

The machine dates from late 2011, and doesn’t seem to have been subject to any recalls according to the bosch website.

I would be grateful for any advice, as i am unsure if the bitumen becoming tacky is within the usual parameters of operating the machine, especially when constantly run on such a hot cycle, or if it indicates an overheating fault. I haven’t noticed and hot smells or unusual noises from the machine.

Many thanks,

S