Deciding on a KDS-?? KA dishwasher...can't decide

[voodoochikin04]

Mark,

I jumped the gun by saying everything was covered in white powder, because when I first opened the door I could see the items that had the white residue and it brought back flashes of past times haha. A closer inspection later on revealed it was only on dishes that had food dried on, same with silverware. Such as my pyrex dishes were clean and clear except when food had been, where white deposits were left. Ill get some photos to show what I mean. And I will do the water level check and take photos! Thanks my friend!

 

[voodoochikin04]

INFORMATION TIME....

Ok guys!! Here what's I've collected since last night's run...

1: I removed the gpm limiter from the faucet aerator adapter. Which resulted in massive flow improvements
2: I turned the water heater to just shy of its max (150F), from approx 135ish. I now measure 130F at the tap after 10seconds of hot water being on.
3: I purchased some lemi shine crystals and cascade complete powder.
4: I took a photo of the water level once the tub was filled on the main wash.

Here's what I've found.

The system is definitely draining ALOT of water compared to before, actually appears to be several gallons. Last night I never saw water levels being barely above the sump, that aerator limiter was barely moving any water.

I've noticed that the unit sounds way more forceful than it did last night, actually sounds like high pressure where as last night I was getting convinced the arms were barely sweeping. When I opened the door to snap a photo, heavy steam billowed out whereas last night wasn't getting a whole lot.

I thought there was some other things I wanted to mention but cannot recall now.

Here's the water level. It appears to be just at the edge where the basket angles in to the smallest circumference in the center. Two photos in case one is easier to see.

 

[DADoES]

 
That's the correct fill level.

Fills are timed.  The inlet valve has a restrictor to moderate the flow rate ... the supply source shouldn't be directly restricted.

 

[voodoochikin04]

Getting somewhere!

Here is my 2nd load after correcting those water flow issues. This is with the heated dry as well. This was a smaller load but had some grungy pots and pans from beef stew I made yesterday as well as a muffin pan which had cornbread baked on it. Everything appears to be clean! The pyrex dishes look pretty dang clean too.

The rust in the tub, appears to mostly be from the retaining nut on the temp sensor deal, as most of the rust on the tub around it seems to be superficial. It does feel like there might be some silicone around the rust on the heating element, unless the factory sealed those areas?

I forgot to take pics of the dishes dirty.

 

[qsd-dan]

Looking good. When used correctly, these are speedy workhorses that provide excellent results.

 

[voodoochikin04]

Let's get it fixed

Ok so I would like to tackle the rust on the racks. I have seen several liquid products sold for repairing dishwasher racks. Is this the preferred method?

I figured I would use a razor to cut the edges of the bad vinyl away, wire wheel the rust with a dremel, and cost the metal.with some type of liquid product.

Or what's the proper way?

 

[panthera]

That's how I do it

Although I use JB weld because I have not had good luck with the specialized compounds for dishwashers. I do think that's more than surface rust you may have to pay attention to sooner rather than later around the sensor. Looks good, congratulations!

 

[voodoochikin04]

You just use regular jbweld? It holds up to the water?

 

[panthera]

It has.

I do prepare the surfaces really well.

 

[voodoochikin04]

This is not the prettiest looking fix but it works and does not bother me.

I used a small wire wheel on a dremel and cleaned all the rust off as well as stripped the coating back to bare metal. I then treated the surface and coated with liquid tape. This stuff has stood the test of time on wiring in and around engines, hydraulics, and exhaust systems for me on my farm. Hoping it stands up fine to hot water and soap. I let it cure over night and ran a sani load today, held up for one. Wash. I may do additional coats to build it up.

One thing I'm learned About this DW, top rack placement is very key. Anything really scummy needs to avoid the litter edges. Other than that, working good.

 

[qsd-dan]

Anything really scummy needs to avoid the litter edges

The larger wash arm in 19/20 upper rack models eliminates this problem. Be on the lookout.

 

[voodoochikin04]

Am I to be looking for the whole rack or is that arm all I need?

 

[qsd-dan]

The whole rack. The larger arm won't transfer over to your existing rack. It has been attempted by other members.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Great to see the progress!  It looks like the dishes are being washed clean and clear.  I have had excellent results from Cascade Complete powder in softened water.  However I did once use it in hard water and I found calcium deposits were being left on items.  Black plastic utensils started turning white with hard water residue.

 

Wonderful machine.  Hope you enjoy it!

Mark

 

[voodoochikin04]

I will get some test strips and check our water. I'm going to have a "collection" of dishwasher powders here shortly. Lol

 

[combo52]

Larger Top Wash Arm For A KDS-18

You only need the WA and the plastic China Guard that goes under it, have done this many times.

 

John L.

 

[panthera]

Good for you!

I like your solution, be interested to see how it holds up.

 

[voodoochikin04]

Wrong tint

So I decided to mix up a tinted coat to try and color match. I thought I had it just about right, slightly lighter... AND then decided I needed one more tiny droplet of vegetable dye... And it looked good. But after drying for 5 minutes I think it's gonna be too dark.

It's hard to judge lol. Seems to match the plastic better than the faded racks. Also if I had nice brushes than these cheap acid brushes, it might look nicer.

What do ya all think?

 

[combo52]

Repaired racks, I Like It

You can tell it has been repaired if you look closely, but it doesn't look jury-rigged.

 

John 

 

[voodoochikin04]

Thanks John!

This stuff smooths out quite a bit before hardening fully. I may clean it up with a red oxide pad chunk on a dremel to smooth the repaired areas a bit, and coat them with a finer brush. (the metal was badly pitted and looked like swiss cheese once I peeled off the coating).

This material has a good working time. A couple minutes after it's set, you can peel and rub areas away like rubber. After about 20minutes it starts getting hard. After 24hours it's hard but can flex, such as if you brushed it on wiring. Been good stuff for me. Get it in bottles at any electrical supply place or section.