Kitchen Aid Dishwasher, Model # KAI-18:

[SactoTeddyBear]

I'm helping some Friends to see if I can get their Dishwasher operating again. I've not worked on very many Brands, but they seem fairly similar. Anyway, I went over to check some things out, including taking out the Lower Spray Arm, Screen, Pump Cover and turning by Hand the Pump Impeller and Motor Shaft. I was told that the Dishwasher had a terrible Sound in it and from what I heard, turning the Motor Shaft, it sounds like the Bearings are bad.

Does anyone possibly have an extra Motor available, if the Price is Right? I checked into Repair-Clinic and they want $185.00 plus Shipping and no doubt possibly Tax as well, for Calif purchase.

My next Question would be, can I replace the Motor through the Tub opening area, or am I going to have to take the Dishwasher out of the Installed area and turn it onto it's Side or Back to work on doing this?

I would gratefully appreciate any and all info and help, that anyone would have for me, especially a replacement Motor.

Peace and Kind Regards, Steve
SactoTeddyBear0503...

 

[stevet]

Out the top!

If that is truly a KDI-18 machine and I dont have any doubts that it is, the whole pump assy comes out from the top.
It is held in by 3 spring clip locks on the motor housing which hold it in place against the tank. Unclip them, take the hoses and wires off and the motor will come out into the tank. You will have to pry it gently to break the seal away from the tank and it will be ready to be taken out.
I should have motors for that unit and may in fact have a few complete pumps for them too. Let me know if you want to and I will check what I have to make sure they run and that the pumps are intact.
You can rebuild your motor as well by installing new bearings in it. They are readily available standard bearings you can get at any bearing shop. Shaft seals are still available thru any Hobart Office if you cannot get them from Whirlpool.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Thank you Steve:

I appreciate your offer. I've sent you an E-Mail for more details and a question about the transaction. It will be real good to get this Dishwasher operating again, for my Friends. It has been quite some time now, since they were able to use it, because of the terrible Screach Noise it has been making.

"BTW" how would I be able to tell if this Dishwasher is a true Kitchen Aid Model, as you have commented about?

Peace and Kind Regards, Steve
SactoTeddyBear0503...

 

[stevet]

Truth be told!

Steve, all Kitchenaid Dishwashers were made by Hobart up until the Model 21 Series and after the sale to Whirlpool, the 21 continued to be manufactured but by Whirlpool or actually by ISE for a specific period of time.
The Model 22 and 23 were Hobart "inspired" Designs but made by Whirlpool. The 22 used the Hobart designed pump and the 23 used the Whirlpool Power Module pump.The 24 series was the first of the purely Whirlpool machines.

One of the members here posted a link to the court case concerning the sale to whirlpool and how KA/Hobart and WP managed to get the victory in the case and explains how ISE came to market Kitchenaid look alike machines!