westingman123
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2009
- Messages
- 1,541
Purty.
A slice of Roto Racking, Green Colored Portable Dishwasher Goodness!
- Thread starter redcarpetdrew
- Start date
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Be still my heart! This is exactly like the dishwasher the neighbors across the street from the house where I grew up had!! Theirs was white, but by golly, they had those same light-up cycle buttons! Very nice machine indeed!
This save has guaranteed you a place in 'Dishwasher Heaven' Drew!!!
This save has guaranteed you a place in 'Dishwasher Heaven' Drew!!!
1967 KM PORTABLE DW
Great find I would have to agree that this machine was unused [ it is really the only a D & M machine could have lasted this long ]. This is a 1967 model that was manufactured February of 1968, the last four digits of the serial # on most D&M machines are the manufacturing date.
I had a similar good find this week, I stopped by an old house where they were cleaning out to have an estate sale and they had hauled all the appliances out in the yard for trash pickup. And sitting there was a slightly dirty older WP portable DW. I started looking at it and noticed that the real maple top looked awfully good, the guys working there said to just take the machine so my helper and I carted it off and loaded it in the back of the box truck. I didn't want it to roll around inn the back of the truck so I layed it on its side on some cardboard. When I examined the machine from underneath it was flawless, and when we got done with our appliance deliveries for the day and went back to the warehouse I starting unpacking all the SS cookware that the old couple had stored inside he machine. This is when I found out that the machine had never been used, it still had all the rinse aid samples instructions and coupons for free boxes of detergent. The model # is SSP 90 it is next to the TOL machine I will try to take some pictures of it and post.
This WP DW like the D&M machine was not a highly durable DW and the only reason that it is still around is that it was not used. The WP machine is much better engineered and would do a better job cleaning and drying dishes, but these suffered having an all pot-metal pump which led to an early major repair. WP did come out with an all Bakealite replacement pump assembly that lasted much longer.
Great find I would have to agree that this machine was unused [ it is really the only a D & M machine could have lasted this long ]. This is a 1967 model that was manufactured February of 1968, the last four digits of the serial # on most D&M machines are the manufacturing date.
I had a similar good find this week, I stopped by an old house where they were cleaning out to have an estate sale and they had hauled all the appliances out in the yard for trash pickup. And sitting there was a slightly dirty older WP portable DW. I started looking at it and noticed that the real maple top looked awfully good, the guys working there said to just take the machine so my helper and I carted it off and loaded it in the back of the box truck. I didn't want it to roll around inn the back of the truck so I layed it on its side on some cardboard. When I examined the machine from underneath it was flawless, and when we got done with our appliance deliveries for the day and went back to the warehouse I starting unpacking all the SS cookware that the old couple had stored inside he machine. This is when I found out that the machine had never been used, it still had all the rinse aid samples instructions and coupons for free boxes of detergent. The model # is SSP 90 it is next to the TOL machine I will try to take some pictures of it and post.
This WP DW like the D&M machine was not a highly durable DW and the only reason that it is still around is that it was not used. The WP machine is much better engineered and would do a better job cleaning and drying dishes, but these suffered having an all pot-metal pump which led to an early major repair. WP did come out with an all Bakealite replacement pump assembly that lasted much longer.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
D&M quality
Were any D&M machines with Roto Racks capable of holding up over time? I'd sort of like one, although at this point any dishwasher would have to be capable of being used regularly.
Were any D&M machines with Roto Racks capable of holding up over time? I'd sort of like one, although at this point any dishwasher would have to be capable of being used regularly.
D&M DISHWASHER QUALITY
The earlier machines before 1967 were a little better in several ways but trying to use such an old machine as a daily driver will always add extra challenges. That said if you really want a roto-rack machine the best bet is to find a seldom or never used machine. This way you may be more likely to get 6-12 years of fairly trouble use out of it. See if you can get this one that Drew has, one like this would give you the best shot of being useful over the longest period of time.
The earlier machines before 1967 were a little better in several ways but trying to use such an old machine as a daily driver will always add extra challenges. That said if you really want a roto-rack machine the best bet is to find a seldom or never used machine. This way you may be more likely to get 6-12 years of fairly trouble use out of it. See if you can get this one that Drew has, one like this would give you the best shot of being useful over the longest period of time.
Leaking
I remember dishwashers of this era leaking from under the door. There is a small rubber sweep on the bottom of the door and it rests on the floor of the dishwasher when the door is closed. Usually a quick wipe of that area while it is moistened will remove accumulated food grunge and the leak will stop. Perhaps the rubber has dried and is less flexible and after some soaking the leak may disappear.
[this post was last edited: 4/17/2011-01:23]
I remember dishwashers of this era leaking from under the door. There is a small rubber sweep on the bottom of the door and it rests on the floor of the dishwasher when the door is closed. Usually a quick wipe of that area while it is moistened will remove accumulated food grunge and the leak will stop. Perhaps the rubber has dried and is less flexible and after some soaking the leak may disappear.
[this post was last edited: 4/17/2011-01:23]
rollermatic
Well-known member
love that dishwasher!!!!!
love the color of the racks, love the lighted control panel buttons, that is one fine lookin machine!!!
gonna check into the habitat for humanity stores here in cinti. dayton. and columbus. i have seen you guys get some real gems there!
i see your's has the older style lower spray arm that i really love, with the raised water jets instead of simply drilling holes like the newer one's have.
and you have the older style top spray tube also.! again my fav! my top loader has that style tube and arm also but my front loader has the new boring style tube and lower spray arm! the old tubes were black, the newer style are white.
but the kelvinator i am rebuilding at the moment has old type lower spray arm
as well. as always i prefer the old 60's style as that is what i remember when i used to spend hours looking at sears appliances in both the stores and catalogs. the kelvinator is a D&M so it's just like a sears but without a rotorack.
enjoy your beautiful machine!! thank God you found it!!!
love the color of the racks, love the lighted control panel buttons, that is one fine lookin machine!!!
gonna check into the habitat for humanity stores here in cinti. dayton. and columbus. i have seen you guys get some real gems there!
i see your's has the older style lower spray arm that i really love, with the raised water jets instead of simply drilling holes like the newer one's have.
and you have the older style top spray tube also.! again my fav! my top loader has that style tube and arm also but my front loader has the new boring style tube and lower spray arm! the old tubes were black, the newer style are white.
but the kelvinator i am rebuilding at the moment has old type lower spray arm
as well. as always i prefer the old 60's style as that is what i remember when i used to spend hours looking at sears appliances in both the stores and catalogs. the kelvinator is a D&M so it's just like a sears but without a rotorack.
enjoy your beautiful machine!! thank God you found it!!!
beekeyknee
Well-known member
Kenmore Flood
My parents installed a D/W just like the one above in the late 60's or 1970. By 1984 it had flooded the kitchen twice and caused a rain storm in the laundry room below. My Mother said, "I've had enough. That damn thing's goin." She made a comment on what she should get and I told her, "KichenAid Superba. You won't regret it."
A few days later she and my Dad showed up with a KDS-20, crated, in the back of the truck. I helped him install it and it was still there running 20+ years later, when I took it out and replaced it with another low milage KDS-20. It will out last them and maybe me. Timeless beauty and style.
Not to rain on your parade, Drew.
My parents installed a D/W just like the one above in the late 60's or 1970. By 1984 it had flooded the kitchen twice and caused a rain storm in the laundry room below. My Mother said, "I've had enough. That damn thing's goin." She made a comment on what she should get and I told her, "KichenAid Superba. You won't regret it."
A few days later she and my Dad showed up with a KDS-20, crated, in the back of the truck. I helped him install it and it was still there running 20+ years later, when I took it out and replaced it with another low milage KDS-20. It will out last them and maybe me. Timeless beauty and style.
Not to rain on your parade, Drew.
beekeyknee
Well-known member
Roto-Rack
In ours always wobbled if the dishes on one side were heavier, which they usually were. I hated that thing.
In ours always wobbled if the dishes on one side were heavier, which they usually were. I hated that thing.
Wobbling roto-rack
Well, the instruction manual said to rearrange so that weight was more evenly distributed. Was used todoing that if needbe.
Well, the instruction manual said to rearrange so that weight was more evenly distributed. Was used todoing that if needbe.
It turns, hence the term Roto Rack. D&M started the feature in the early 50s when just the water thrown by the impeller turned the rack. It was designed to eliminate dead spots with no spray to areas above large bowls and pans in the lower rack. If the weight of the load in the top rack is not fairly even it can affect the rotation and, in some cases, lead to breakage of glasses that might be hit by shifting items or that might fall over due to irregular movement of the rack. The round rack sacrificed space in the corners, but was an early attempt to provide even washing in the upper rack.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
John/Combo52 & Brian/Beekeyknee
Thanks for the D&M reliability info, and the experience with the one late 60s machine!
I am guessing I'd probably be better off with something else. Although, if I ever have space enough for more than one dishwasher, a Roto Rack might be an option.
Thanks for the D&M reliability info, and the experience with the one late 60s machine!
I am guessing I'd probably be better off with something else. Although, if I ever have space enough for more than one dishwasher, a Roto Rack might be an option.
strongenough78
Well-known member
I think my Grandma had a dishwasher similar to this one when I was a kid. The control panel looks very familiar. I think hers was brown though. Funny how a picture of a dishwasher can flood your mind with memories.
beekeyknee
Well-known member
Kenmore Flood
John,
That dishwasher might be just fine. It might have been just a fluke in our machine. I still didn't like the Roto-Rack though. A nice vintage find in what appears to be very good condition.
Brian
John,
That dishwasher might be just fine. It might have been just a fluke in our machine. I still didn't like the Roto-Rack though. A nice vintage find in what appears to be very good condition.
Brian
D&Ms and wet feet
This was fairly common in my experience, especially since some had an annoying habit of the wash arm sticking in a particular position. I loved our Magic Chef derivative of the D&M design, but a few times when we ran the dishwasher and wandered off, we returned to a puddle on the floor. The stuck wash arm would force a lot of water at key points in the door that weren't meant to deal with the drenching. Usually the addition of a flat washer under the arm or between the arm and the nut helped fix it (or you could replace the little fiber washer that was there).
My grandmother's D&M leaked from the corners of the door until it was run for a bit and the door gasket rearranged itself a bit. Go figure.
This was fairly common in my experience, especially since some had an annoying habit of the wash arm sticking in a particular position. I loved our Magic Chef derivative of the D&M design, but a few times when we ran the dishwasher and wandered off, we returned to a puddle on the floor. The stuck wash arm would force a lot of water at key points in the door that weren't meant to deal with the drenching. Usually the addition of a flat washer under the arm or between the arm and the nut helped fix it (or you could replace the little fiber washer that was there).
My grandmother's D&M leaked from the corners of the door until it was run for a bit and the door gasket rearranged itself a bit. Go figure.
When the family who had a later all-pushbutton Lady Kenmore Roto-Rack d/w moved out, the family who moved in experience flooding from it, too--The First Time they Turned It On!!!!
It otherwise gave good service (until mother passed away, then the house, including all the kitchen appliances were sold!)...
Neat dishwasher & one that I have never seen! Only the later Piano Key L/K model, the white one owned by the fam' across the street & one owned by a relative of ours who also had a wide-coil Frigidaire electric range & a GE-built Philco fridge--all in copper!
-- Dave
It otherwise gave good service (until mother passed away, then the house, including all the kitchen appliances were sold!)...
Neat dishwasher & one that I have never seen! Only the later Piano Key L/K model, the white one owned by the fam' across the street & one owned by a relative of ours who also had a wide-coil Frigidaire electric range & a GE-built Philco fridge--all in copper!
-- Dave
beekeyknee
Well-known member
Returned to a puddle.
We didn't have a puddle, we had a lake. The water valve stuck open and the float didn't shut it off. Luckily we were home both times, but by the time we got it stopped, half the kitchen was flooded and the room in the basement below too.
I was sitting at the kitchen counter, reading and I looked up and saw this giant black half circle shape creeping toward me. I yelled, "Mom, the Dishwasher's running over!" She yelled, "Turn it off!", and came running. We opened the door and it still kept running. She said, "Go downstairs and turn the water off, quick!
Then she came downstairs and looked around the corner and saw the rain in the laundry room. She was hot. We had quite a time cleaning up water in the house that night.
I'll never forget that water creeping across the kitchen carpet toward me. The carpet made it look black. It looked like "The Blob". Then sometime later it did it again! That was the straw that broke the camels back. Kenmore had to go. What a trip. LOL.
We didn't have a puddle, we had a lake. The water valve stuck open and the float didn't shut it off. Luckily we were home both times, but by the time we got it stopped, half the kitchen was flooded and the room in the basement below too.
I was sitting at the kitchen counter, reading and I looked up and saw this giant black half circle shape creeping toward me. I yelled, "Mom, the Dishwasher's running over!" She yelled, "Turn it off!", and came running. We opened the door and it still kept running. She said, "Go downstairs and turn the water off, quick!
Then she came downstairs and looked around the corner and saw the rain in the laundry room. She was hot. We had quite a time cleaning up water in the house that night.
I'll never forget that water creeping across the kitchen carpet toward me. The carpet made it look black. It looked like "The Blob". Then sometime later it did it again! That was the straw that broke the camels back. Kenmore had to go. What a trip. LOL.
FLOODING APPLIANCES
Unfortunately any DW, washing machine or ice maker that is connected to your pressurized house water system can and will flood when the inlet valve mechanically sticks open. If this ever happens to you unplug or turn off the appliance first and if the water keeps flowing you have a stuck valve. [ turn off the water quickly ]. If this happens to you on a modern appliance REPLACE THE VALVE do not fool with trying to clean it out or other wise fix it unless a repeat flood is not a big concern to you. Stuck inlet valves used to be much more common a problem in the 50s through the 70s than it is now. However we have seen a large # of WP built tall tub DWs 2000 on with stuck inlet valves, I would be careful if you have one of these machines that is over 5 years old about letting it run unattended.
The main problem with D&M DWs were water leaks around and under the door. Many D&Ms were so chronic with this problem that when my brother and I started the business we would not even take calls on D&M machines if the complaint was leaks. The machine was so badly built that you could change door gaskets, vent plates and door latches all day long and they would still leak at times. They are an interesting part of appliance history but I would never install one in my home [ our 1966 one was enough ] LOL.
Unfortunately any DW, washing machine or ice maker that is connected to your pressurized house water system can and will flood when the inlet valve mechanically sticks open. If this ever happens to you unplug or turn off the appliance first and if the water keeps flowing you have a stuck valve. [ turn off the water quickly ]. If this happens to you on a modern appliance REPLACE THE VALVE do not fool with trying to clean it out or other wise fix it unless a repeat flood is not a big concern to you. Stuck inlet valves used to be much more common a problem in the 50s through the 70s than it is now. However we have seen a large # of WP built tall tub DWs 2000 on with stuck inlet valves, I would be careful if you have one of these machines that is over 5 years old about letting it run unattended.
The main problem with D&M DWs were water leaks around and under the door. Many D&Ms were so chronic with this problem that when my brother and I started the business we would not even take calls on D&M machines if the complaint was leaks. The machine was so badly built that you could change door gaskets, vent plates and door latches all day long and they would still leak at times. They are an interesting part of appliance history but I would never install one in my home [ our 1966 one was enough ] LOL.
