Another KitchenAid ''what's the year'' question

[combo52]

Rust Around Rinse Aid Dispemser

To correct this remove the dispenser clean and let the area dry and paint the edge where the rust was cleaned away with a good epoxy paint and let dry. You can use the old gasket if it is one piece by coating both sides with a good gasket sealant, usually something that is 100% silicone sealant. I would NOT recommend using two gaskets, using a 2nd gasket will allow water to get to the metal edge of the door panel around the threaded nut and it will have a much harder time drying out and may really cause the door panel to rust out. KA, WP, D&M, HP, GE and many other dishwasher makers did not put a gasket on the inside for a reason, you also cannot tighten the nut properly and it may work loose and leak.

 

This same technique of using the silicone sealant can also be used with the old [ clean and dry ] gasket for the detergent dispenser, inlet air-gap and several other places on this DW.

 

[stevet]

OOPs, My bad

Sorry about the part number error.. 293014 is actually the gasket.
John gives some good advice for a fix.
The most important thing is making sure the area is clean and in sound condition.

 

[bogo]

Another one

I may have found a KDSM-21AC in good condition as a parts donor for the 22. Is there any major difference between both?

 

[stevet]

MONTERREY MODEL?

The main difference is the addition of the quick glass cycle on the 22 but mechanically, they are nearly identical. Pumps are the same as is just about everything else save the timers and program switches.
Good find. Who knows, you might like the 21 better!

 

[bogo]

kdsm21a

According to the manual it's a Monterey. Now I have to explain to my wife that we need to get another DW.

 

[bogo]

Well, on the KA website when I clicked on KDSM-21A, I've been redirected to the kuds21m manual which is the Monterey...

 

[mitch]

Love mine

I bought a KUDS21M Monterey back over the summer and have installed it in a utility room off the kitchen. This machine is awesome! No complaints--it is one good cleaning, well mannered beast with a "get it done" attitude


With all the holiday baking and entertaining it has been an absolute treat having two dishwashers! I would love to find the portable version of the KA 18 series as a basement machine

Good luck to you!
Mitch

This was the thread from when I got her home:

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?41269

 

[bogo]

It running!

After some plumbing work I managed to install the machine tonight (not totally leveled yet, I'll finish that over the week end). The unit is running as I wrote this and everything seems fine except that I'm not too impressed by the low noise it suppose to make. Specially when you look at it while it's running and you read "whisper quiet" on the front panel!

Fortunately the wash cycle is quicker as opposed to the other one I had before.

 

[bogo]

upper rack doesn't go in easily

I find also the the upper rack needs to be pushed hard to enter the DW. Maybe it's because I'm used to my old one. Rack was smooth. I'll see another 22 next weekend for spare parts, I will "test" the upper rack.

 

[rp2813]

Congratulations on getting it running!

I don't think any of the top racks on the KA's I've had were effortless to move to and fro, but it shouldn't be a battle either.  Maybe someone will offer a lubricating option that won't get washed away or impact performance.

 

As for the noise level, KA dishwashers of this vintage were never known for entirely quiet operation, but there are other makes that are even noisier.  My guess is that your machine isn't any louder than it's supposed to be.

 

[bogo]

check valve

Probably not you're right. Looking in the parts manual I just realize that mine doesn't have the check valve. Does it need it absolutely?

 

[rp2813]

A check valve that's stuck open or is missing completely can compromise the wash action. 

 

The Whirlpool part isn't available anymore, but there is a GE part that fits the same.  If no one else can provide the GE part number, I can find it for you.  I'm pretty sure I have it written down in my garage shop.

 

[rp2813]

A check valve that's stuck open or is missing completely can compromise the wash action. 

 

The Whirlpool part isn't available anymore, but there is a GE part that fits the same.  If no one else can provide the GE part number, I can find it for you.  I'm pretty sure I have it written down in my garage shop.