KDS-20 Issues

[wingnut]

Hello all,

I have a KDS-20 that I inherited when I moved into a new house. I read up on this machine and feel that I want to restore it back to it's original luster. I've got a few things going on with it, and I'd like some suggestions on where to start.

1. Only the "Heavy Wash" will actually wash.
2. When anything other than Heavy Wash is selected, it throws the machine out of whack (when i try and run it, is stalls out and displays the prewash and wash lights at the same time).
3. Occasionally, it does a dry wash, where there is no water being sprayed around during the wash cycle.
4. The Dishwasher upper spray arm water delivery tube was missing, so I replaced it with some hose.
5. After it runs, there is a lot of soap still in the soap dispenser. My understanding is that it should be all cleaned out after a wash.

Where do I start? Replace the timer?

Thanks!

-Andrew

 

[toploader55]

KDS 20

Hi Andrew.
Feed tubes for the upper wash arm are still available.

Sounds like you have a timer issue.

But we'll wait until Dr. Stevet reads this post. He's a Hobart Guy.

And there are a plethera of members here that can help you pinpoint the problem.

That's a Nice Machine and should clean the rust off a trailer hitch

 

[wingnut]

KDS-20

Also, during the dry cycle, I get a loud "buzzing" sound. Is this normal?

I've purchased a new timer, and I wanted to see what everybody said here before I replaced it.

Toploader,

It is a nice machine, and I from what i've read, with a little TLC, this thing will blow the doors off anything brand new...

 

[stevet]

Well, what can I say?

Well, Andrew, since you already bought a timer, you might as well hook it up and see if the problems resolve themselves.
I have seen many units where just the program buttons go sour and the timers are fine. But why not just give it a shot?
As far as the buzzing goes, it may be the dryer motor so lets get the cycles issues resolved and go from there.
I have blowers and motors if you need one so relax on that.
We all await the next installment of the saga!

 

[wingnut]

KDS-20

I was worried that it might just be the buttons. I'll get that timer switched out and let you guys know how it goes.

As far as the motor and the buzzing, I took the bottom panel off and had a look around while it was buzzing, and I did see a pulley spinning.

 

[stevet]

It's pull-eying your leg

But a fan!
I am assuming you were looking at the pump motor and it has a cooling fan located on the top of it just below the black plastic pump housing. It should be spinning with the motor as it is very tightly connected to the motor shaft.However, these were made of plastic and would often split where they fit over the shaft and would kind of "scream" when the motor started and then kind of catch up and spin at the same speed or close to it and quiet down.
See if that is what you are seeing.

 

[appnut]

Steve, he said during the dry cycle he gets a loud buzzing sound. I venture to guess its the fored-air drying blower motor or something related to it.

 

[stevet]

Yes.. Correct.

My bad and I thought of that but had him confused with a guy who just emailed me from the KA forums site.
Needless to say, if it is the blower motor, either the bearings on it are dried out or the blower fan itself may be hitting the housing, though that is rare.
I have blowers and motors if needed by anyone
Steve

 

[wingnut]

KDS-20

Pulley, fan...at least I was close, ok not really. Yes that is what I am seeing rotating on top of the pump motor. That seems to be functioning ok.

I replaced the timer, hit the "rinse & hold" button. No water. I waited for it to run it's course, then selected "heavy wash", water was heard spraying into the machine only for the pre wash. The regular wash just made noise, but was essentially dry.

Still getting the loud buzzing during the drying stage. Looks like it's coming from the "forced-air drying blower motor" The buzzing seems to be coming from the motor that is attached to the blower assembly.

 

[stevet]

Program buttons! And blower

Looks like the program switch may be worn out. You could take it apart and check the contacts and carefully clean them. Make sure that the return spring mechanism is intact otherwise the contacts will not line up properly to make it all work.

I have blower motors for sure if you need one. And maybe even the program switch but will have to check and see.

 

[wingnut]

Program Switch

I was afraid of that switch being the culprit. Looks like I have a spare timer now...

I won't be able to get at that switch till probably Thursday.

I'll post again if/when I get the program switch cleaned up.

Stevet,

I sent you an email about those parts.

Thanks!

 

[wingnut]

Parts

Do you guys have any parts sources for this model? I can't find the program switch anywhere.