Finally.. Getting a KDS-21 tomorrow.. Anything I should know?

[dustin92]

Found a decent if not nice KDS-21 on FB marketplace about 40 mins away and I'm picking it up tomorrow morning.. The seller says he bought it new and has never had any problems with it. Includes all the panels, an extra top rack, and the manuals. All for $40. Depending on the condition I may be in the market for a lower rack but it appears useable if not a bit rusty. Anything I should know about it? I'm tired of 2+ hour cycles for dishes to come out dirty and wet.

 

[appnut]

Congratulations Dustin!!!!

 

[combo52]

KDS-21

Congratulations on your new to you DW, now you can have dirty and wet dishes in only an hour, LOL

 

Hi Dustin, I couldn't resist, but what DW are you using now that is so bad ?, The Kids-21s were not the best performing DW of the time.

 

John 

 

[dustin92]

Currently using a 2013 Frigidaire which in all honesty is an adequate dishwasher.. It just lacks the water pressure to remove all but the simplest soil and doesn't dry well. It has served it's purpose but I switch out dishwashers fairly often. I've used a KDC-21 pretty regularly and didn't find much to dislike about it's cleaning performance or drying, and the shorter cycles are very much appreciated.

 

[qsd-dan]

Things to inspect before regular duty service:

 

 

Inspect the water delivery feed tube that leads to the upper wash arm. These crack/deteriorate overtime and cause major performance issues.

 

Check for any plugged jets on both wash arms. Doesn't happen often on Hoart Kitchenaids due to their large size, but it does occur.

 

Check for lateral play in the lower wash arm, should be none. Spin the wash arm, it shouldn't chatter. Remove the wash arm, remove the course filter and clean. Inspect the fine mesh filter for any deterioration. Consider replacing the seal and impeller for longevity sake. When they leak, water works its way down the motor shaft and takes out the motor bearings. https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?73906

 

Hook up the machine and remove the front panel. Check for leaks in and around the detergent dispenser while washing. After many years, the o-rings in both detergent cup hinges eventually begin leaking. They're replaceable. Verify that both doors open during prewash and main wash cycles.

 

Check and verify the water level is above the course filter. If it isn't, you'll need to replace the water valve.

 

Listen for weird noises from the airgap/drain during the washing phases. This usually indicates a bad check valve. Replace with GE WD1X1486.

 

 

 

 

 

[this post was last edited: 11/5/2021-22:10]

 

[dustin92]

It's home and installed, currently running an empty wash. Timer is working and it's clicking through the cycle. First thing I noticed was the upper rack had a rusted/broken area.. No problem, installed the like new spare rack and done. Second issue, the mesh filter under the wash arm seems to have disappeared without a trace. Can I replace the mesh without replacing the whole wash arm support?

 

[qsd-dan]

Can I replace the mesh without replacing the whole wash arm

I don't believe there is a fix for the mesh, at least none that I have seen on this forum.

 

There is currently a new support available on Ebay. Better snap it up, they were obsoleted many years ago.

 

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[dustin92]

Also the prewash dispenser isn't opening.. Main wash worked fine but the prewash dispenser doesn't feel like it's latching. No signs of leaks from the dispenser.

 

[DADoES]

 
Remove the door panel to check for evidence of leaking at the dispenser, damage to the wires or bimetal actuator.  It has been advised to rotate the dispenser assembly 180° so the wires and bimetals are at the top to avoid potential future leaks from causing damage (if it's not already oriented that way, WP made the change at some point after they bought KA).

 

[dustin92]

I've had the door panel off and there seems to be no sign of leaks or damage, the dispenser has not been rotated but I can do that.

 

[dustin92]

Both detergent dispensers seem to be working now, maybe I just didn't have it latched properly. Also, is there any reason I shouldn't just use it without the mesh filter? I've done 2 loads and it cleans amazingly well, even without it. Not a speck left on anything, clean and dry. Next question.. Detergent. I have been using Cascade Platinum pods and Cascade liquid for the prewash, should I use something else?

 

[appnut]

Not the pod for prewash, the liquid is fine or Casscade powder.

 

[stevet]

Filters

What fine filter are you referring to? The machine is designed to work with both filters in place. Can you post a picture of which one you are not using?

 

[dustin92]

Sorry I guess I didn't word that quite right.. I'm using the Cascade pod for the main wash and Cascade liquid/gel for the prewash. Also I'm not in front of the machine but I'm referring to the filter which is part of the wash arm support, under the wash arm when it's in place. The stainless steel mesh ring that snaps into place is present.