How do I get the lower spray arm off of a KitchenAid KDS-18 (Hobart 34072)?

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tomclymer

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Feb 27, 2012
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I see from the posts I've found that I'm lucky to have a KDS-18. This strengthens my resolve to fix instead of buy, but I can't seem to make any progress so far. I think I need to remove the lower spray arm and some other things to clean everything out, as there's little water coming out of the lower spray arm and none from the upper arms, and nothing spins. However, the lower spray arm does NOT simply lift off, nor does it appear to have a screw... Thank you for your help!
 
As far as I know, the 4-way Hydrosweep wash arm should simply lift straight up and off.  The fact that it doesn't want to may be related to the performance problems.

 

I've attached a link to another current thread on the subject of the lower wash arm that might help you troubleshoot.  You can also try using the Super Searchalator, as I think the stuck-on wash arm issue has been discussed here within the past several months.

 

Stand by, as the KitchenAid/Hobart experts among the membership will likely see your post and provide some advice.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?38909_8
 
Lower Spray Arm

If it won't lift off straight up, God only knows how much crap could be in there. Try a little WD-40in the very center on the pin that the arm sits on. Or pour some boiling water on it and try to spin the arm. If it frees up it should lift off.

Posting some pictures would really help.
 
Removing a stuck 4 Way Hydro-Sweep wash arm

There is one water jet in the black center hub that is off-set, spray some penetrating oil in that hole toward the center shaft. Then work the arm back and forth as you try to lift it off. On these KA wash arms the bronze sealing ring wears into the black Bakelite hub and it tends to get stuck if the arm is not removed on a regular basis to clean the wash filter. This is another reason to use an appliance properly, if this DW had been used to wash DIRTY dishes it would not have had this problem. It also sounds like your DW may not be getting enough water and will likely need a new inlet valve. You will probably need a new wash arm and wash arm support and spindle assembly, it is also good to replace the main water pump seal if you actually want to use this DW much. Good Luck.
 
It works, but for how long?

Thank you all for assuring me that the lower spray arm would come off, even though it seemed unlikely. :-) It did, in fact, come off after a lot of lubrication and a lot of muscle power (the strainer underneath prevented me from effectively using a hammer as I read in another thread).

I've taken everything apart, cleaned it all (wow, what a lot of junk!), and put it back together. Now the water pressure is great and the arms turn.

That said, the plastic (Bakelite?) hub has cracks and a chunk missing from where it hugs the central post, and the central metal post appears that it should be surrounded by ~1/4" of plastic, but much of that came off during cleaning (I think it was friable due to heat?). So, the two parts are together at the moment, but I suspect they'll completely destroy their connection before too long. Where should I look to replace the lower spray arm (or just the hub) and the central post (and perhaps the things to which it's connected).

Thanks again!

Tom
 
A Hammer ???

A Hammer ???

Cracked BakeLite ??? " The Strainer underneath prevented me from effectivly using a hammer ". Zheeeeeesh !! Thank God for that Strainer.

It just might be your Lucky Day as I'm pretty sure I have an extra wash arm support for a KDS-18 should you need it and I have a couple of Spare Hydro Sweeps.

I just need a Notarized Statement that you will Never Raise a Hammer to a KDS 18 Again for the rest of your life !!!

Just the thought of "Chunks" of BakeLite makes me queezy. Always Remember... Bakelite is your friend. A Rare Friend.

[this post was last edited: 2/28/2012-11:23]
 
My Defense

I'm only beginning to learn the reverence with which I should treat the KDS-18. In another thread somewhere (perhaps a different site) someone had had a similar problem and said they'd managed to get the lower spray arm off by repeatedly gently tapping all around with a hammer. I thought it was worth a try (it was on so tight that I originally didn't think there were two separate pieces :-), and went to the shed for a hammer, coming back with a rubber mallet instead; I'm not a monster. :-)

I'm very interested in obtaining another lower spray arm and another central spindle, as I'm certain mine will eventually self-destruct, given their current state. I will try to baby the ones I have, and do swear that I will Never Raise a Hammer to a KDS 18 Again. :-)
 
Parts

toploader55,

I'm attaching the scanned versions of the notarized papers; I hope you have disk space to download them all. Have you found a central spindle or a four-arm lower sprayer?

Thanks,

Tom
 
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