KDW-5 Help!

[elginkid]

We’re fixing the KDW-4 and one of the metal plates between the motor and gaskets has rusted out. Is this a piece that is a) still available, b) someone has one that they don’t need, c) replaceable with something besides metal? The gaskets are shot too, but that can be an RTV creation if they aren’t. Pictures below.

 

[stevet]

DIY Project!

If you realize that you are looking for parts that are nearly 60 years old and have been obsoleted almost as long(especially thanks to Whirlpool), you can look for the parts on Ebay or take the item in your #5 picture and use it as a template for tracing and cutting out new gaskets, They can be solid and don't need to have all the extra material cut out of them. As far as the rusted metal gasket goes, forget about it. It was used as a drip shield over the motor and if you feel so inclined, make two gaskets for the top of the pump motor. Just don't use really thin material for the gaskets.

Use cork at least as thick as the gasketing you do have left and you should be good for another 60 years. No need to use any sealer or silicone on any of the gaskets, just clean the surfaces well. Use a bottom tap and chase out the holes in the pump housing so the screws go into nice clean threads and anti-seize on the screws too. Tighten them all evenly during reassembly and then retighten them again before testing for leaks. That way the cork compresses and then you will be able to really make sure all the screws are tight.

It just occurred to me that those gaskets for the drip shield were actually thinner than the one under the tank mounting plate and that was why I said to use 2 of them if you can get the same thin corking. Otherwise one of the thick ones like inside the tank should work fine.

 

[pdub]

Is this what you need?

Looks like it to me!

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[elginkid]

PDub, you’re an angel! Thank you. The gaskets can easily be remade, but the drip shield was going to be a major challenge. I’m thinking a coat of POR-15 before the installation may be in order.

 

[combo52]

Yay, New Drip Shield

It is amazing what can be found, I would make the gaskets out a good rubber type gasket material rather than cork, cork works but is not as durable as a rubber type material and drys out and shrinks if the DW does not get used on a regular basis, this is where the [ now old wives tale ] came from that the gaskets can dry out in an unused DW, Washer etc.

 

The original drip shield would have also worked with a good coat of pro-15 etc, but new is better, since it is galvanized you may not need to paint it, but it won't hurt.

 

John L.