Kenmore to Whirlpool conversion

[peterh770]

A friend has a Kenmore dw. I'd like to convert it with a WP inner door, flatware basket-on-the-door, and bottom rack with the extra tines. Are these parts easily interchangeable, or do they need to be "like for like" from the same production models? My big concern is for the vent to match up and not leak...

 

[delaneymeegan]

Good luck

 

 

Are you planning to buy such parts?  You'll need a model number with similar parts, if you don't have a parts machine, and the cost.................................................... 

 

[vacerator]

Peter,

Should be no problem except, say at Servall for example, they will want FSP part numbers from the model and serial number.
Also the cost of new racks. That Kenmore was about a $300 machine.
There three types of dishwasher venting regardless of brand. Top of door, inactive, top of door active, with a solenoid damper shutter, and bottom of the door, for highest end models.
If he has access to used racks, just match the style. Nylon are less prone to rust.
There are also close out, clearance, and floor model, and used machines for good prices.
My sister in law got from her appliance repair man, a slightly used black Kenmore Elite with a stainless tub, turbo zone jets, for $250.

 

[peterh770]

Buy new? Mon dieu!

No, I want to get a used WP off craigslist for about $20-$50 and swap the inner door out... The ones I find, the dispenser is slightly different or the vent is different... I'm biding my time until I find what I think is an exact match at the low, low price point...

 

[vacerator]

Peter,

My dad was a Sears service tech. he once found a good Kenmore that had a damaged door, and found a Whirlpool with a bad motor, so he put the Whirlpool door on the Kenmore. Around 1985.
If the wiring harness doesn't perfectly match, you can cut and close off crimp the unneeded wires, and butt connector the ones needed.