KDS17-A surgery, or Jeff -vs- The Dishwasher

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hoover1060

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 9, 2005
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I was able to get the parts for the DW this week, $55.00 for two bi-metals and holders. I decided to replace both just because with my luck, as soon as one was replaced, the other would go.
Here is the view with the front panel removed. The broken one is on the left...

3-9-2008-20-02-11--hoover1060.jpg
 
here is a view of the works inside the door...

Looks like something has leaked here at one time...

3-9-2008-20-03-26--hoover1060.jpg
 
Here is the problem...

The purple wire to the pre-wash side of the detergent dispenser had shorted out. The connection to the bi-metal thingy just about crumbled in my hand.

3-9-2008-20-05-29--hoover1060.jpg
 
So first we replace the bi-metal

On the wash side of the cup. I wrapped the terminals with electrical tape to maybe keep any potential leaks off the conductors.

3-9-2008-20-07-20--hoover1060.jpg
 
The broken bi-metal...

The right side spoke is broken, which is where the shorted wire was connected.
(sorry for the bad quality picture)

3-9-2008-20-09-22--hoover1060.jpg
 
re-assembled...

did it work?
I just posted a little video on you tube, as soon as it finishes processing I will add the link...

Surgery successful, my beloved Superba is as good as new!!!

3-9-2008-20-20-39--hoover1060.jpg
 
Jeff

Congrats on a great job of saving your beloved Superba. They hold a special place for me.

What could be better than a Vintage KA and a Vintage Maytag?

Keep the pics and videos coming.
 
Must be Hurricane Kaydie!

Wow, that machine looks gorgeous but does it really make that much noise? While they all have that classic Kitchenaid sound to them, yours sounds really loud even with the panel off.
But I am sure it is a sound we all love to hear!

It is pretty clear that your soap dispenser must have or still is leaking. I just had the same problem on a KDS20 I picked up this past friday. The second door would not open on the dispenser and when I really took a good look at it after changing the bimetal on it,I realised that it was soaking wet which was enough to carry the current thru to the motor wire and not allow the bimetal to flex and open. Problem solved there.
Now you should just double check your dispenser so make sure it isnt leaking or leaking badly enough to drip on the bimetals again. Also, make sure the rinse agent dispenser isnt leaking as well. The gaskets under then nuts were a leak prone area as well as the dispenser itself after all these years.

Since you have the door open and apart, why don't you throw in some acoustic insulation or unfaced attic or wall insulation to quiet it down as well as insulate the door to reduce heat loss. I always fill my doors in with it and it does make a difference in the noise levels.Same goes for the bottom panel and kick panels. I also lay the batts on the floor below the machine to to quiet the whole thing down.( not to mention wrapping the sides and back too!)
 
noize...

SteveT,
No its really not all that noisy, some of what you're hearing is the result of video compression and such. I personally don't think its all that loud, and quite honestly I love listening to the sound of it run.
Funny too, because I did reassemble it without using the fiberglass insulation that was there. The stuff is old and crumbly, so I left it out. I will check around for some acoustic foam or something like that.
I checked everything over inside the door pretty thoroughly today when I had it apart, if the detergent dispenser is leaking its minimal. I bought this DW from its original owner, and she told me she'd never had a moments trouble with it. I believe it to be a 1975 model.
In the almost 2 years that I have had it the only other repairs I have made were replacing a couple of hose clamps at installation time, and the constant rinse sprayer thing was broken. Luckily I was able to find a NOS replacement on ebay and made the repair.
As a whole the machine is in very good shape. I was also lucky to find NOS racks too. The front was originally coppertone, I had the panels painted black at an auto-body shop. It looks like it could have come from the factory that way!
 
Awesome, Jeff!

Glad it's healthy again.

I like your videos, as well.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

(However, that one of Jack and Symmone "where's the kitty".... :)
 
Jeff, I am really proud of you!!! So glad that the machine will continue to serve you well, 1975 Wow!! Now that is quality!!!
 
stevet.........jeff runs this thing all the time....it really isn't that loud in person. it is louder than mine for some reason (kds22) but its not annoying at all. must be the video.

maytagbear.......no kitties.....sorry
 
I insulate mine too!

stevet and I have the same idea, but I take mine one step further. I isolate the machine from the floor with a thick rubber spacer. I picked up a large heavy Fernco coupling at HD and cut it up. It really cuts down on the vibrations transmitted to the floor. I really don't want to hear the motor noise but I do want to hear the water swishing past the door.

Jeff glad surgery was successful, long ago we had the same machine.
 
Aren't They Great ?

Congratulations on your repair. I just love my KDS-18. I hope it lasts for as long as I'm alive. I as well just love the noise they make. It just takes me back to the 70's and 80's, When we built things here in the states and quality and pride took the front seat. Come to think of it, I love all my machines.
 
Same old! Same old!

Whitekingd,
The dispensers were the same on the 14 thru the 18's so if you find one in good shape, have at it. You may have to replace the gaskets but you can still get them from Hobart if Whirlpool doesn't carry them any more. If you need a part number, let me know and I will give you the current one so you can order them.
Hope this helps.
Steve
 
one more

Thanks for all the nice words, I am happy to have my baby back running the way it should. I have grown so accustomed to this dishwasher I would HATE to have to replace it with a modern one.
Below is another brief video shot back in November, its not as "compressed" as the other one and gives a better idea of the sound.

 

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