Hobart KDS-16 leakage

[jb]

Hello-

I have an interesting issue with this well made washer,a nd I hope someone can assist.

Dishes were not being washed, and the trouble was traced to a clogged screen in the inlet pump/solenoid addembly. One could easily detect the presence of air, but no sound of water inside. After a thorough cleaning, pleanty of water was available in the tub-in fact, seemingly too much. While the dishes were well cleaned, water came leaking out of the washer front door, above a rubber seal. This condition commences during the rinse cycle.

The water level appears to be higher than the tub level. The front door gasket appears intact and no leakage appears around the door hinges.

Water is mostly drained after the completion of the wash cycle, but there is evidence of some around the pump assembly. The remaining water is exhausted by selecting the drain button.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated, as I hate to toss this fine washer.

Regards,JB

 

[rp2813]

My first thought is that there's a problem with the water level float and/or switch contacts.  With tub empty, you should be able to lift the float and it should drop back down freely.  You should hear the switch contacts clicking when you do this.  The switch mechanism is accessible behind the access panel if it needs attention.

 

I'm pretty sure your machine has a timed fill, and if the float mechanism is bad or stuck, water is likely continuing to enter the tub after it has reached the proper level.  You could try closing the supply valve so less water is entering the tub during the timed fill for a temporary solution.

 

A small amount of water remaining around the pump assembly is normal.

 

I know just enough to be dangerous, but there are experts here who may offer other suggestions.

 

[coldspot66]

It could also be that the water after each wash or rinse cycle is not draining completely. After 5 or 6 water changes there is more water in the tank than normal, hence the overflowing. I think the drain impeller on these machines are made of rubber, with 4 vanes that move the water. Sometimes the vanes wear down and don't move the water as fast during the alloted drain time. Just a thought.

 

[DADoES]

 
Fills are timed. The float is intended to prevent overfilling in case of incomplete drain, but the trigger level may be high enough that there's a bit of leakage.

The fill valve probably should have a flow-washer in it to compensate for varying water mains pressures.  Did the flow-washer maybe get removed when the valve was disassembled for cleaning the clogged screen?

 

[combo52]

LEAKING KDS-16 DW

I think that John [ coldspot 66 ] is likely correct that the machine is not draining fully at each drain period. Like the fills the drains are also timed with only one minute for all the water to pump out. The overfill cutoff should also be tested and if you have any drought about the inlet valve just get a complete new valve they are still readily available, pt # 417000.

 

[jb]

Hobart KDS-16

Thanks to all who responded.

The tube leading to the float valve was clogged with corrosi.uon. Unfortunately, in trying to remove the rubber connecting hose, part of the metal tubing broke off.
However, there was enough left to fit a new piece of hose with some Permatex compound.

The float valve switch was as good as new and the microswitch functions normally.

Presently, the shutoff valve is cracked about half open as a precaution, but everything appears normal, and the dishes and silverware are well washed.

A very well constructed machine, indeed.

Thanks again to all who responded.

 

[rp2813]

Yay!

I'm glad you found and fixed the problem!  That machine is good for many more years of service.