Kitchen-Aid KDS-17A please help - again!

[laura]

Hey you guys! you had helped me out awhile back with operation issues on my KDS-17A.
I would love your input again.
I was changing out the pressure and relief valve on our water heater with my husband. So we had the water turned off to the hot water heater - and i had drained some of the water out of the water heater - not sure how much was in there.
My husband, not thinking, actually started the dishwasher! I dont know how long it ran - but it did...at least a few minutes if not more.
i am uncertain how the dishwasher is plumbed - meaning i assume it is only always getting water from the hot water pipe?
What i really want to know is this - could we have damaged it? It seems to work fine - but i have started to notice that it is not cleaning as well (but this could be my imagination). Mostly the things on the top rack - sometimes still feel greasy.
Is there a way i can check if we screwed up anything? i.e. what if it was running through the cycle - but not getting hot water?!?
Also -that little plastic thing on the very top of the dishwasher came off years ago - but i figured it just spun around and helped spray the water - but that without it - the water would still spray out - just maybe not as far. should i try to fix that?
Thanks so much for any input - I value this forum SO MUCH! it is invaluable to have your guys's insight!!
Many thanks,
Laura

 

[yogitunes]

I would get that top wash arm fixed/replaced....if that spinner is missing, it has full flow from the pump, possibly causing the other sprayers from not getting the equal pressure, hence, not washing the dishes properly.....

 

[rp2813]

I doubt you did any damage by running the machine for a few minutes.  With the water supply to the heater cut off, the machine probably didn't even fill, though.

 

Yogi makes a good point about that top spinner needing to be replaced.  That might be easier said than done since that part isn't likely to be readily available.

 

[chachp]

These pop up on eBay

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">I have bought a couple of them but for some reason I can't find the part number in my stuff.  Does anyone have it?</span>

 

[combo52]

You Did Not Hurt The DW Running It Without Water

The little top arm helps clean the bottoms and outside of glasses etc only, if things are dirty inside the DW may need some other help, we suggest the peanut butter test, next time you run the machine put four glasses in the top rack in several different spots each smeared with a generous amount of PB on the inside [ you can smear some on the outside as well if you like ] and see how the DW does. If everything is working well they should be completely clean.

 

If not report back.

 

John L.

 

[laura]

THANK YOU!

Love the PB test - GREAT! IDEA!

I found that plastic piece that goes on the upper water supply (mine spins around). I WAS able to actually snap it back into place onto the upper spinner!!! It had fallen off at one point - and I think i thought - hmmm lets see how it works without it.

Is there anything i should be doing to keep this machine running well? for example - you descale a coffee maker regularly. How about this dishwasher? Is there preventative maintenance you can do - to keep it operating at its best? We have hard water here in WI, and my husband is not the best at keeping up with putting salt in the water softener.

Thank you so much - this site is in valuable - and your input and feedback is what makes it so!!! So grateful for your help!!!

Laura

 

[askolover]

That little plastic spinner will probably come off again.  My mom had this exact dishwasher when I was little.  It came off, we stuck it back on, it came off again, ditto ditto.  She eventually just tossed it away.  I wish there were enough room in the top of the tank to rig up a wash arm from a Maytag dishwasher.  That would be sweet.

 

[jkbff]

As far as dishwasher maintenance goes, listen to how your cycles run. On the longest part of the hottest wash cycle, add a few cups of white vinegar every few months. Hot water and vinegar help keep things cleaned out.

Clean your stainless filter and pre-filter often.

Don't use too much soap for the cycle, that causes the most build up.

 

[DADoES]

 
Didn't lose the Constant Rinse on our KDI-17a for the duration, we moved out of the house 1980/81-ish.  The house we moved to also had a KDI-17a and it remained intact until the parents replaced it circa 2002.

 

[combo52]

KDS-17A dishwasher maintenance

There is almost no maintenance required with a DW, just keep and eye on things, if your drinking glasses are not coming out perfectly clear and spot free don't put off changing your routine.

 

It is certainly better if you keep the water softener working properly, and I am sure you have read that the DW will last longer and have fewer problems if you put the dishes in as dirty as possible [ just scrap off the big stuff, NEVER turn on your kitchen faucet while loading a DW ]

 

Also while you should not over use detergent it is basically impossible to use TOO MUCH dishwasher detergent, using too much detergent has NEVER caused a mineral build-up in any DW, and detergent can not build up as it dissolves easily and will just wash away.

 

John L.

 

[askolover]

although

too much (especially in soft water) can etch or cloud some glassware.

 

[combo52]

KDS-17A dishwasher maintenance

There is almost no maintenance required with a DW, just keep and eye on things, if your drinking glasses are not coming out perfectly clear and spot free don't put off changing your routine.

 

It is certainly better if you keep the water softener working properly, and I am sure you have read that the DW will last longer and have fewer problems if you put the dishes in as dirty as possible [ just scrap off the big stuff, NEVER turn on your kitchen faucet while loading a DW ]

 

Also while you should not over use detergent it is basically impossible to use TOO MUCH dishwasher detergent, using too much detergent has NEVER caused a mineral build-up in any DW, and detergent can not build up as it dissolves easily and will just wash away.

 

John L.