I scored a Reverse Rack!!

chachp · Jan 13, 2017

Conversations about Reverse Rack dishwashers seem to ignite such wildly opposing opinions that I thought I should get my hands on one and check it out. Based on the research I’ve done it appears just about every component I might need is available on eBay. The only thing I have not been able to find is a set of bearings for the pump module or a complete pump module. Unfortunately, I gather that’s the part with a very high failure rate.

 

I picked up this little number for $25 on craigslist. A friend picked it up for me and I’m amazed at how clean it is and how well it runs for a 31-year-old machine. The seller had the original paperwork with a note stating it was installed 1/16/86.

 

The racks are in great shape. I could only find one very tiny spot of rust on the lower rack. I am intrigued by the loading pattern of this machine and can’t’ wait to fill it up with a few Bob Loads. I had one briefly years ago but ended up giving it away before I got to form my own opinion.

 

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o

ixelsPerInch>96</o

ixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->   

We’ll see how it goes.

toploader55 · Jan 13, 2017

Nice.

They're Good Machines. I have the JennAire version my machine has fold down tines in the upper rack. Which makes it virtually flat.

Exact same wash arms, dispensers and Dry system.

Nice machines but... Nothing can beat a KDS-18 ; )

Chetlaham · Jan 14, 2017

Oh! Oh! Oooooooh!

Now that is something to love! <3 <3

One of my favorite dishwashers ever made. Count me as a loyal fan --atic lol. Personally I prefer this design over the conventional. For me bowls have the worst soil, and did well in the lower rack. When I experimented with this machine I would unload the top rack first without water spilling down after the dry. But those trivials aside, I just enjoyed the design in every way.

But, If you ask me I think it never caught on just because people were not aware that it was a reverse rack- at least in the limited number of views I had looking at these in people's homes. Several times I've literally seen plates falling over in the bottom rack, and the cups/bowls in the upper. A few times at the local appliance store awaiting re-sale the silverware basket had found its way into the bottom rack. Dunno, maybe just bad observation, but none the less IMO this machine kicks butt in ever aspect when used right.

FWIW, if you ever get an older BOL RR (late 70s if memory is right), crank the water heater up to 160. Early BOLs did not run the heater in the wash cycle.

washdaddy · Jan 14, 2017

That's definitely a machine where you can hear the power of the wash arms at work rotating inside that tub while running. Yes it does take a little getting use to when loading since it's a RR. But once you adjust to it and learn what you can do with loading it you will be quite pleased with it.

Enjoy your new toy.

chachp · Jan 14, 2017

Service Manual

Does anyone by any chance have the service manual for this machine? I have been able to find the Repair Parts list and I have the user manual from the previous owner. I can’t seem to find a service manual anywhere. 

 

It’s not here on our site to download from what I can tell. I’ve searched for both Jenn-Air and Maytag dishwashers. Some things that should be obvious aren’t and I don’t want to break anything. For example, I can’t seem to pull off the knob to clean under it. I pull on it with a little bit of pressure but it doesn’t budge. I don’t know if it’s stuck or I should be removing it another way.

 

I hope to run it through a complete cycle and see how it works today sometime. I have to get an adapter to connect the water line and I’m good to go. I ran it through a rinse and hold last night by manually adding water and it worked well and when it drained it really seemed to have a lot of force. I had water splashing all over the place.

 

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o

ixelsPerInch>96</o

ixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->   

I had seen a You Tube video where someone had taken some 3 in 1 oil and put a few drops in what he called a weep hole in the wash pump to help extend the life of the bearings. Do any of the experts here have any thoughts on this?

I'm still holding out for that elusive KDS-18. I have a 15, 17, 20 and 21. I'd love to get my hands on a nice 18 with the 3 level wash and the Quick Wash. I love my 20 and 21 but all that waiting for water heating gets on my nerves sometimes.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqr43j44vis

brucelucenta · Jan 14, 2017

I had the rapid advance timer model that was all push button for several years. One of the best dishwashers I ever had! I bought it to replace a similar model Kitchenaid dishwasher I bought about a year before that had no top spray, left particles all over the top of the upper rack and would stop every minute or so to heat the water when I used the heat boost option, so it took forever to even run a load of dishes. I paid a premium price for it, hated that dishwasher and vowed to never have another Kitchenaid dishwasher again. I think I had just unfortunately picked a year when they had not quite worked all the bugs out of a new model. It was a shame because it sure made me dislike Kichenaid dishwashers and I had always heard how they were the top of the line as far as dishwashers go. After the Maytag I had, I bought a TOL Jennaire made by Maytag that did not have the reverse racks and was one of the last of the tower shower models. I got it because the Maytag was about 10 years old and Circuit City had an open box model that was so cheap, I couldn't pass it up. That dishwasher was the absolute BEST dishwasher I EVER had. It was the easiest to load and would accomodate a HUGE load of really dirty dishes, pots and pans and even my giant electric frying pan would fit in and I could still load a full load of dishes with it. It cleaned EVERYTHING I put in it. Never have had one since that was so easy to load up like that one. The Whirlpool made Kenmore I have now is good, but I sure can't load it up like I did that one and have everything come clean. It is not nearly as accommodating to load either. Funny how opinions vary, isn't it?

turquoisedude · Jan 14, 2017

Congratulations!!

I think you'll be happy with this machine - they do a great job and although loading them may seem challenging, you can get a lot of dishes in them. I like the extra-large silverware basket and I am impressed by how well these dishwashers clean cutlery.

One thing you may want to do is remove and clean the micro-filter. It is accessible by removing the white guard unit below the lower wash arm. A bit of a chore but well worth the effort!

Great find!!

mayken4now · Jan 14, 2017

Beautiful find. Only 25. WOW

brucelucenta · Jan 14, 2017

Those reverse racks really cleaned well. It solved the problem of most dishwashers of the day by having a full spray arm under the glasses. GE didn't do that until years later and the tall glasses at the end of a row would suffer. Maytag never had that problem with these. It was interesting that they started out with a certain design for the motor and spray that was a rather big motor mounted sideways and went to a belt driven one and then to a direct drive motor before changing to the racks being like other dishwashers. Supposedly the first models were supposed to be better with the side mounted motor.

stevet · Jan 14, 2017

Nice!!!!

Great find, Ralph.
I can just picture you playing with the machine all day today and maybe cooking up a storm so you can try a BOB Load in it as soon as you can! Make sure you take before and after pics of all the dishes and pots and pans!

I checked your link with the guy "lubricating" the bearings aand the belt.

Does this guy really know what he is doing? You cannot lubricate ball bearings with 3 in 1 oil. They are grease packed and if the oil gets into the bearing, it will liquefy the grease and cause it to break down. That's why they are considered "lifetime lubricated." Replacement is the way to go if they are noisy. I don't even know if you can replaced them in that housing, but I am sure someone will let us all know.

As far as th belt is concerned, correct me, guys, if I am wrong, but didn't those belts get lubricated with a silicone based grease? I really don't think that Lubriplate grease is correct.

I do not profess to be any kind of a Maytag specialist or expert, but just from what I have learned from this site, what he is doing seems all wrong.

Looking forward to seeing some more pics, Ralph.

cam2s · Jan 14, 2017

Reverse Rack

I love my reverse rack! It is a very well built machine and cleans like a beast! This is not really a machine that you can "casually" load, but once you learn the logic of the racks you can really stuff them full. I just ran mine the other night here are the results!

BTW the timer dial comes apart in 2 pieces....grab the silver pointer and turn the actual knob counter clockwise to unscrew it.

Enjoy your machine!
Cameron.

lotsosudz · Jan 14, 2017

REVERSE RACKS ARE THE BOMB!

I had one of these machines, and was sad when i moved, and had to leave it. It will make a huge difference in what your silverware looks like. They are amazing cleaners, both top and bottom racks alike. You will quickly adapt to the loading of the machines, and should be amazed by the look of the dishes once done, and total capacity. There is no need what so ever to pre-rinse at all.

bajaespuma · Jan 14, 2017

Great machines, ended by popular ignorance

I think these machines were some of the best dishwashers ever made. I've repeatedly said that the original Maytag dishwasher, the top-loading portable, had racking and capacity better than any dishwasher I've ever used or seen. I'd like to find another one. I'm using a Kenmore Ultra-Wash machine as my daily driver and, although it is an excellent cleaner, the racking is disappointing and somewhat frustrating; if it had the silverware basket on the door like its brother Whirlpools that would be a distinct improvement but, unlike the Maytags which feature an upper rack that is a breeze to remove and replace, the upper racks on the Ultra Wash are held in place with very nasty and inflexible clips that tear and your fingers and break easily if handled too much. The reverse rack machines are wonderful for washing big loads with lots of oversized and odd-shaped stuff. The original top-loader could hold more plates, cups and glasses in one load than anything else ever made, probably even more than the Empress.

chachp · Jan 15, 2017

First impression....

First impressions are good. I ran through my first load of dishes and got good results. I had only one reject but in looking back at how I loaded the machine I have to admit I think that one was my fault. It was a bowl that was in the upper rack, front right corner. I can see how I blocked the spray. This load didn’t have anything really crusty but maybe today I’ll have something. Not sure what I’ll get into today cooking wise.

 

The only real complaint I have is how noisy the machine is. Granted I have it sitting on a cart with open sides and the bottom panel removed but man that thing is loud. I don’t know how to tell if I have a machine with bad bearings. Will I hear some kind of clanging sound or something? It’s more of just “really noisy”, kind of whiny!! What would bad bearings sound like? I am tempted to take off the belt and see if the motor is noisy by itself.

 

Another question, on this machine is the heating element on during the dry cycle or does the Blower have its own heater? The dryer unit is plastic and from what I can tell it has only a blower wheel so I’m wondering if the heating element comes on along with the blower and if so wouldn’t I have to be careful of any plastics I would put on the bottom rack?

 

One more question about water heating. I understand how the Temp Boost works and I observed the light going off during the main wash until the water reached the correct temperature. Does anyone know if the heating element is on during any of the other sequences or is it used only for the main wash if the Temp Boost is on?

 

Sorry for all the questions, if I can get my hands on a service manual I suspect I would find most of the answers.

 

Paul, thank you. I will see if I can clean that filter out today.

 

Steve, you know me too well. I did dirty just a few extra dishes so I could fill it up. Today I hope to have something a little more challenging than the dishes I washed yesterday. There are still belts available different places and they do come with a small packet of silicone grease. The belt on my machine feels greasy so it has something on it.

 

Cameron, thanks you for the explanation. I was able to take the knob off and clean under it. I don’t think it’s been removed in the 30 years it’s been around. It’s nice and shiny now.

 

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o

ixelsPerInch>96</o

ixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->   

Ken, I have wondered why this design didn’t stick around. I’ve read many posts here on the reliability of these machines. Is that why Maytag went away from them or was this design just too radical to be accepted by the mainstream? I can see that it will take a little getting used to because it is so different, but I can also see how well the machine cleaned. After the first Pre-Rinse I opened the door to see how much soil had been removed and most of it was already gone. The user manual says to start with the Low Energy cycle which is one Main Wash and Two Rinses and see if that meets your needs and go up from there. I think I could have done the Regular Wash cycle (One Pre-Rinse, Main Wash with Temp Boost and Two Rinses) and they would have come out sparkling. I did the Dry Cycle without heat and the dishes were dry except for a plastic container. When that fan kicked on it was blowing a lot of air through that vent. As the dry cycle progressed the air cooled down so when it was done I could handle the dishes immediately.

appnut · Jan 15, 2017

The heating element is on throughout the cycle, including dry, unless power dry is selected off. You can use temp boost with cool dry. yeah, you looked like you blocked water to that bowl in front upper right corner. I would have put what's blocking the water to that bowl that didn't get clean somewhere else. I would have found a place for it and left the unclean bowl where it is and maybe one or two small items in front of the bowl that didn't get clean. And congrats on what I consider the perfect reverse rack model.

jmm63 · Jan 15, 2017

I've had 2 of them. Hated them. They are super load, even when installed. I can't imagine how loud yours must be uninstalled. They were pretty good cleaners though. I got in the habit of turning it on before bed, since the bedrooms were on the other end of the house. I never got the revers rack thing, to me it was just annoying.

brucelucenta · Jan 15, 2017

Which goes to show, opinions vary and so do tastes.

vacerator · Jan 16, 2017

I had one,

a portable back in the early 90's. It was quite loud. It washed well though.
Very heavy also. The solid wood top was nice.
I left it with the ex. I took the range and my Litton microwave. He never cooked anyhow.

countryguy · Jan 16, 2017

I had a RR that I bought in '91. It worked great. I found it easy and versatile to load and everything always came out clean. Yes it was a little loud but the cycles were fast compared to today's machines.

Gary

I scored a Reverse Rack!!

Help Support :

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads