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bigalsf

Well-known member
Platinum Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
565
Location
Salt Lake City
Hi, wanted to share a recent find I came across. It’s a KitchenAid KDS16 in Avocado! The panels look great, but the rest of the machine appeared rough at first. However, with some cleaning it has come back to life. This model is the first series, before the Soak cycle was introduced.
When I first picked it up it was super dry inside (dusty, dried food debris, a couple of forks!) and very dirty outside. It had sat in a garage for a couple of months after being removed from a kitchen during a remodel. I’m not sure how long it sat before being removed, but it had to be quite some time based on all the dried “ick” on the inside. However, the machine lived up to its reputation. I put very hot water in for a soak before doing anything. After about 30 min I pushed Full cycle and it came to life with the familiar “woosshh” that is KitchenAid! No leaks whatsoever, but lots of soap residue (we have very soft water at my house and I go through the same thing with each machine I acquire). It took several cycles to get the film off, but it’s working very nicely now. And the tub shine is starting to come back!
While I was able to get the grime & film off of the tub, the racks have seen better days, especially the lower one. I’ve been applying ReRack in hopes that I will be able to salvage it for the time being. I also had to replace the detergent dispenser; luckily, I found a NOS one on eBay and got it installed. It also needs a door seal (on its way). The only real bummer is the crack in the control panel do I’m still hunting for that.
I am planning to try this out as a daily driver for a bit (as soon as it’s fully ready). I’ll post more pics once it’s installed. Hope you enjoy the pics.

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WOW! It looks great!

I've always liked those cycle selections that are divided into 'daily' and 'party' use. Of course this now means you have to throw a party... LOL

Congratulations!
 
KDS-16 DW

This is my favorite vintage KA DW, I have one in the butlers kitchen in the W,Va. house, I added a relay so when the timer calls for one 700 watt water heating element to run, the relay turns on the other 700 watt element, and boy does it get the water hot even during its fast cycle. [ you can get away with running both elements at the same time if you have the DW connected to a 20 amp circuit ]

We also have the SS tank version of this DW in the DW line-up at the mususem.

Alan, I have an extra plastic control panel insert that I can send you if you like.

John L.
 
Thanks everyone for the comments. Yes, I've always enjoyed the "Party" cycles. There's always an excuse for a party! :)

On an annoying note the "new" tub gasket I ordered arrived today, but it had been cut into two pieces. The longer section was new, but the last third was a section from a used gasket. There was still food residue lodged in the grooves! Back it went!
The original gasket is still good, but it does let water splash out near the right top corner. I'll try adjusting the door latch to tighten that area. I'll also search our archives for the corresponding Hobart part number (i'm pretty sure Steve has listed it here before).

John, thank you for the offer on the control panel insert; I would love it! I'll email you separately with my address.

Hopefully I will have this installed this weekend!
 
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