My GE basement dehumidifier is overheating. The bucket still collects water and the fan works, but the unit is putting out alot of heat. My dad is visiting and has taken the whole thing apart. Any suggestions?

Yes, the first suggestion is I hope your dad can get it back together without any parts left over (LOL). Over heating is generally caused by an clogged or dirty air intake filter. Simply removing it and vacuuming it or if it's really dirty, washing it in warm water and mild dish washing liquid will clean it. Rinse it thoroughly, shake off excess water and allow to dry completely. Never operate the unit without the filter in place. Doing so, can damage the unit.

Getting back to the heat for a moment and where you're using your dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers do generate heat, it's not abnormal. Operating it in a basement can cause it to over heat. This happens because the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level. Dehumidifiers struggle in temperatures below 65 degrees F (unless you have a Low temp unit, designed for basement applications). Raising the unit up off the floor, on to a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that an handle the weight of the unit, plus a full bucket of water, will generally resolve the problem.
Actually, a basement application , higher is better.

I hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.