KDS-18 usage and possibly missing top spinner

[tl000]

Hi. I have a KDS-18 that hasn't been used for a long time (years). It appears to function basically OK. There are a couple of issues I'm concerned about where I could definitely use advice! First, I think the top spinner is missing. I have the service manual (but not the user manual) and it shows a narrow plastic assembly (please see photo). At the top of my unit there is a small flat plastic part. I'm assuming the full spinner assembly at one time was attached there, but I'm unsure. Is cleaning going to be drastically affected by the spinner being missing if that is the case? I suspect it's been missing for at least 20 years or more, even when the dishwasher was in regular use!

Second, as I mentioned, I don't have the user manual. As I recall when this dishwasher was in use, the procedure was to put detergent in the right hand cup (as viewed with the door open flat in front of you) and close the lid. Then detergent was put in the left hand cup and that cup was left open -- that detergent would pour into the washer as soon as the door was closed.

But the left hand cup also has a lid, and now I'm wondering if it was supposed to be closed also, for Normal or Short cycle runs or other wash cycles? Also, the "soak 'n wash" cycle as described in the service manual actually mentions putting detergent in both cups AND in the "front indentation" -- which also suggests both cups were supposed to be closed for at least some usage (then more detergent outside the cups themselves?) Embarrassing to be unsure about these issues after so many years, but it's been a long time since this unit was actually used.

Thanks very much for any info and ideas! (2 photos attached).

 

[steved]

in Manuals and Literature

at the top of the page, click on "Manuals and Literature". Follow the prompts and you will find an Owner's Manual for the KD-18 series.

 

[qsd-dan]

It looks like you have the updated upper constant rinse spinner in place. It should look like this:

 

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

The left detergent cup is for pre-wash cycle and the right is for the main wash cycle. Put detergent in both cups and close both doors for all cycles except "Short Wash" and "Rinse and Hold." You'll have to play around with how much detergent to use. Softer water requires less detergent, harder water requires more. 

 

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 Also, the "soak 'n wash" cycle as described in the service manual actually mentions putting detergent in both cups AND in the "front indentation" -- which also suggests both cups were supposed to be closed for at least some usage (then more detergent outside the cups themselves?)

 

That's correct.

 

NO TABS OR PODS IN THIS DISHWASHER! Tabs and pods will cause the pump to suds lock almost immediately. Liquid detergent leaks out between the door opening and the dispenser so those are generally recommended although you could probably get away with using some in the pre-wash cup. These dishwasher cups were designed for powder only.

 

 

 

[tl000]

Thanks so much! In fact, I have another run going now and it appears both the rinse and detergent covers are opening correctly (nice loud clunks when they do, too!)

Now you've really got me puzzled about that top spinner. It may sort of resemble that eBay part you referenced but certainly not exactly. I'll get a better photo of it and be back. Outside of some chipped paint inside the door and tiny bit of rust on the door, it's almost impossible to believe that it's around 45 years old. Built like a tank.

Thank you again, and I'll upload a better photo asap. Best.

 

[tl000]

I assume you meant that liquid detergent is NOT recommended due to leaking. No problem, I'm just using traditional powder. I'd never use tabs or pods -- I'm not a sadist!

 

[qsd-dan]

Yeah, I just noticed my error. Liquid detergent is not recommended.

 

[tl000]

Thanks. OK, so here are a couple of photos. #1 is a better shot of the top of my unit. There is an oblong, oval-ish flat piece of plastic hanging underneath that will spin freely by hand. The second photo is one I found here on this site showing what the full spinner assembly apparently looks like. It appears to me (unfortunately) that what I've got is the top part of the spinner assembly, and the rest of the assembly is missing (and apparently has been for the decades I've been here, all along!). My test runs today had a couple of glasses on top that came out with lots of white film, which might relate to the missing spinner (if it is missing, that is) or just the detergent/hard water mix right now.

Any thoughts? If the spinner really is missing, how big a deal is this? Is it worth trying to hassle with replacing it (assuming the parts exist), or will the dishwasher work pretty well the way it is right now? Thanks again so much! Best.

 

[combo52]

KDS-18 Constant Rinse Top Sprayer

Photo #1 is the revised style and photo #2 is the original style, both are fine.

 

The lack of this top spinner will not cause white film on glass ware, try better detergents, our customers usually get great results with premium detergent pods in older machines like this one.

 

I used a premium pod in the main wash of my KDS-20  for years and continue to use them in my 1987 WPs and my 1968 KA top loading portable with no excess sudsing problems.

 

If you are having excess sudsing you may be putting the dishes in too clean or your water temperature may be too hot, even these older DWs do not need water any hotter than 130 F and 120F may work just fine with these new improved detergents.  

 

John L.

 

[tl000]

Hi. Thanks very much for this info. Glad to know that my unit is apparently intact up there and that the older style spinner in photo 2 was revised by the time my unit was built. On closer inspection, I see that the flat oval has a curved cutout on one side, so I guess it does spin in the flow and splatter water around, even though it's not a bigger "spinner" like the older style. Bottom line is that nothing is missing up there on mine, which is good news! Thanks for confirming this!

As for detergents and ... Yeah, the water is quite hot. I see I'm going to have to start a series of experiments with different temperatures and detergents to try home in on what's going to work best, since the filmy white residue is definitely a bit annoying. Thank you again!