Changes are too numerous to mention, but do able!
First and foremost, that machine IS gorgeous on the outside. I am getting more and more used to the stainless look on these older machines. Makes them timeless.
The washarm indicates that this was one of the earliest models they made. They went to the newer style phenolic hub without the screws soon after these came out. I dont have the dates for that change.
What model 17A do you have?
The washtank on the 15, 16 and 17 is basically the same except for these points:
Sump has non circular opening to accomodate the manifold for the Constant Rinse sprayer, so you will have to use the 17 pump.Also, the 16-17 had a different pressure switch but it will work just fine with the 15 harness.
If you have a Superba 17 then the sump heater and even the temperature controls will be a direct connect affair. They were the same until the 18's
The top racks are different in the newer machine but you can put the 15 tracks into the 17 by exchanging the hardware.
There may be a problem, however, with them being too long because the 15 has a hollowed out, for lack of a better word,inner door. The 16 and 17's moved the timers up to the top on the lower end models and so have that 4 inch indent in the door. The 16 may share the dispenser but the 17 definitely had the bimetal style dispenser so you can't use that!
You will wind up with a Frankenaid dishwasher but I can't say I haven't had a few of those conversions of my own. Did the exact same thing for my aunt..she got a KDI16 machine which also had a heater in the sump, but only 700 watts and we put all the KDS15 stuff on it, including the door! It worked fine, but took a long time to heat the water for the sani cycle.
I would run a tub cleaner in there first to see if you can get the chalk off. It MAY just be limescale and not the glaze coming apart!
Good project ahead of you and you can probably have some spare parts left too. You can use the 17 pump assy complete or even put the 15 style in there.If my memory is correct, it should work fine. But you will be able to see right away.
One last item..
The chain on the timer is connected to the Rapid Advance motor.
It took over after the rinse and hold was done and when utility/utensil was selected.It advanced the timer to the last 5 minutes of the dry segment in U/U and to off in the R/H cycles. Normal and Sani were identical cycles except for the final rinse heat in the sani cycle. The timer in the back controlled the movement of the timer. But it sure looks pristine!
