1982? Sears/Best Dishwasher

[imisssears]

Hello everyone, been a fan of this site for a number of years, and finally decided to make an account. My grandparents have a 1982 (I believe) Sears*Best Kenmore dishwasher that they bought from our local Sears (R.I.P.) for what I believe she said, $499. Being in a small town in Canada, everything came from Sears. And we sorely miss it.

I'm aware that other companies made major and small appliances for Sears and they rebranded them under familiar names, and I'm in need of some help for their old dishwasher.

I believe the tub seal is warn out (very brittle and hard) and when the plates are stacked, they have to be stacked a certain way, or water will drain out on the right side of the unit. I see Amazon and ebay selling lots of "universal" kits and was curious if these will work for such an old application. I have Included a picture of the model number, (mind you it's Canadian, unsure if it can be crossed to a similar U.S. Sears machine), and am hoping for some assistance!

The dishwasher works amazingly. Other than being loud, it's far better than my father's current Bosch dishwasher.

Thanks for a beautiful website!

 

[cam2s]

Others might be more familiar with Sears model numbers, especially for Canadians machines. However if you could post a pic of the interior and the control panel it would be easier to identify who made this for Sears and what your options are for parts.

 

[repairguy]

It’s a D&M built machine but the model doesn’t come up. As recommended above pictures are great.

 

[rpms]

Would love to see pics of your dishwasher.

 

[pierreandreply4]

same for me

 

[imisssears]

Here are the pictures finally... Couldn't get interior shots as it was currently in use. I will try to add interior shots next time I visit my grandparent's.

Thanks for the interest! It's a nice machine.

 

[cam2s]

What a beautiful machine! You don’t see too many machines that used the analog time remaining indicators! Glad they are still using it.

 

[rpms]

Nice dishwasher. Loved to see it all lit up.
Does it have the funky utility basket in it?
ImissSears,where do you live?

 

[combo52]

1982 D&M Built Kenmore DW

It looks like it was a portable model.

 

These usually leaked after some years use, the vent plate in the lower door was the usual cause.

 

The gasket was always pretty hard and a PITA to replace when you could get them, usually after you replaced it the door closed so hard that the door latch would break the next week, LOL

 

I would not attempt repairing this DW, try to get as much use out of it by babying along if you like.

 

John L.

 

[imisssears]

Combo52. Yes that's correct. It is a portable model. My grandmother still has the solid wood top for it too. When they moved homes they installed it in their 2nd kitchen.I agree with your statement and probably shouldn't attempt repair unless I accquire it once they decide to move. Then I would do a nice overhaul.

RPMS I live in Northern Ontario.

Cam2s, me too! It's had a pretty easy going life as of the early 90s as all their kids moved out by then. I'd say it's a very low hour machine. Needs a deep cleaning for sure. Thanks for the interest!

 

[imisssears]

Here are the much anticipated photos of the inside and the control panel with lights on! Dishwasher is still going strong, still leaking, is there any possibility that the drain could be clogged from 30 years of use? Sometimes water will be sitting at the bottom once it's completed.

My grandma still has the hard top for it as it's portable. It's in great shape! Cannot find it currently but last time I did it looks brand new.

Is there any good cleaning tips I can do to this thing? Not afraid to get my hands dirty as this unit still works flawlessly and isn't as loud as I remembered.

 

[imisssears]

Here's after it completed it's "Short Wash" cycle, about 27 minutes for a wash and 17 minutes for a hot dry. Not too bad, surpringly, no leaks this time. I'm not sure why it sometimes does, sometimes doesn't.

Clean and sparkling!