calling all you kitchenaid guys- got a timer problem!

[soberleaf]

hey guys, and especially stevet if you are out there. i ran my kd-12 for the first cycle tonite after getting the water and drain lines in for my "dishwasher row" in the kitchen. timer is not advancing but i can hear a faint hum coming from it when motor is off and fill/drain solonoids as well. i stopped using it, the idea being that maybe the timer motor still works but is simply stuck. it has been a while since i have tackled a dishwasher timer, i'm almost afraid to tear into it for fear of messin up something else. but i know myself well enough to know i will have to try at least. i'm sure finding a timer for a kd-12 is almost impossible.

any suggestions, tidbits, i know you guys are full of good tips and great knowledge from all your appliance collecting experience. i will await to hear before i rip it apart (gently ofcourse).

thanks

pete

 

[toploader55]

Calling Dr. Stevet,Calling Dr, Stevet...

Don't despair. You never know what Pops up around here in Washer Land. Eddie

 

[soberleaf]

so true!!!

yes i just love washer land! i'm hooked on it big time! i have now come out of the closet (not that i am new to that) about my dishwasher collecting hobby! and automaticwasher.org is responsible for my liberation!

i just know someone will pop up here with some good info on this timer problem! i'm sure all the washer and dryer guys have dealt with inoperative timers also so it's not just a kitchenaid exclusive.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is a primer on timers...

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/VINTAGE/2008/15365x21.htm

 

[swestoyz]

Robert - thank you for posting your link. It was your posting that helped me rebuild Greg's KDS-14 timer.

Don't be afraid of working on the timer. Take your time and take the extra precautions that Robert did (marking the sides), and you'll be fine.

Thankfully KA timers are very simple. The first step for me would be to hook 120v straight to the timer motor before taking the timer off the machine. Does the timer turn freely by hand? Are all the contacts fasten securely to the contact boards?

If you do find that you need to take it apart it generally most of the parts are interchangeable between other KA timers. The escapement is part of the timer and is not separate. This was the case at least on those KA timers that I've worked on or seen from the 12 to 14 range.

Keep us posted,

Ben

 

[soberleaf]

surgery scheduled for this evening

thanks, love the pic of that beautiful old timer with the "1957" stamped on it's side! they just don't make em like that anymore! classic nostalgia in it's simplicity.

anyway i intend to take the timer off the machine tonite when i get in from work. if it is an inoperative motor i am hoping i can find a replacement motor somewhere. i can turn the dial manually and advance the kd-12 thru all it's washing steps, everything works fine. i really am hoping the motor is just jammed in some way or there is an easily fixed problem in the "escapement" that you mention in your thread. such as a missing spring etc.

only one way to find out so mr. timer is scheduled to go under the screwdriver and pliers tonite at 9 p.m.

wish me luck!