KitchenAid dishwasher

[Jitterbug]

Hello, My grandmother has a KDS 2 (I think) and I was wondering, she stopped using it because it began to leak. The Man from Sears and Roebuck said it wasn't worth repairing. She uses it to store he Plasticware.

Is it really not worth repairing?

 

[Jitterbug]

Scratch that; KD2P, sorry.

 

[appnut]

Oh no, it's very much worth repairing if parts can be located, source of leak, and guidance from here.  I'm assuming this is a top-loading portable dishwasher. 

 

[Jitterbug]

It is toploading. What are some common culprits?

 

[stevet]

A little bit of both!

The machine in the picture is a "HOBART DESIGN" but is not the original design of the Hobart 21's. This is a later developed machine which used the large loop element that sat just above the tank bottom.By this point, only the Superba and Monterrey series had the sump heater. This machine can be an Imperial model or even the Custom model which had a pots and pan, normal, light/china and rinse and hold cycles.I had that machine and it was a KDC21D model which had the higher line features of the Imperial like the adjustable racks and the tank trim and China Guard.

All the original Hobart built models had the heating element in the sump and had a heating indicator light on the control panel. The unit in the picture shows the big loop element and lacks the light or so it would seem.

What is important is the fact that regardless if it was built by Hobart or Whirlpool(actually Emerson/ISE),it had the Hobart design which was probably the best pump you could ever have gotten. Once Whirlpool really took over, they fitted the design with their power module pump. Another great washing system. IMHO, the grinding system in that setup cannot hold a candle to the 21/22 Hobart pump/disposer unit but did have a larger soil collection chamber and gave great results too.

If you find a machine of that design in good condition, you will always be happy with it. The same would go for any newer KA of the standard tub size with the power module pump. They cant hold as many dishes, but will give good results.

 

[stevet]

Oops..

This should have gone with the thread with the Craigslist ad! Robert, can you move it? If not, just delete it if you can.
Thanks
Steve

 

[sudsmaster]

If it's a top loading KD2-P, then it's a classic machine that is worth saving. The leak could be something as simple as a bad hose. Or it could be a bad seal, gasket in the pump.

I have a KD2P and I believe so does Robert (the webmaster). Mine works perfectly and really sends out a power spray of water. It's also an attractive 50's period appliance, what with its rounded corners and chrome handle/vent assembly up top.

 

[Jitterbug]

What is the tubing made of?

 

[toploader55]

Does it look like this ?

Here's the one I restored with the help of stevet.

This had a Bad Drain Valve

 

[toploader55]

Machine

Before TLC

 

[toploader55]

Just Hope...

It's not a Drain Valve as I believe there are none available from Hobart. Maybe someone here might have one in their Spare Parts Collection.

I Love mine. It will Wash and Dry in about 40 minutes.

 

[polkanut]

Eddie,

Is that small basket in the center of the top rack for the detergent?  Quite a simple design if it is.

 

[appnut]

Yes, that's the detergent "dispenser". 

 

[Jitterbug]

It looks just like that.

Oh, I shall remember the drain valve.

How may one replace the hoses that connect the washer to the sink?

 

[Jitterbug]

Breaking News!

I callled my grandmother today, she said she remembers the puddle developing on the rinse cycle.

We can't test it because, for whatever reason, the hoses have been cut.

I don't know how helpful this info will be, but I figured It may help.

 

[henry200]

Hoses...

I recently got a KD-11P front-loading portable and I may be proven wrong but I can't imagine why the hoses would be any different on your machine than on mine.  My hoses connect to the machine via standard screw-on fittings like a washing machine or a garden hose.  The fill hose has an intermediate fitting which converts the standard screw on fitting to a snap-on coupler like the other end of the hose connecting to the faucet.  The hoses and fittings/couplers are standard type items available at hardware and appliance parts stores.  Unfortunately, my portable leaks profusely and needs new gaskets for the motor/pump.  That won't be an easy fix, but these old Kitchenaids are definitely worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

 

[Jitterbug]

Oh, this gives me hope.

What sort of tubing should I use, the clear vinyl or try to find the black rubber?

 

[toploader55]

Hoses

I believe I read here that if you can remove the hoses and the faucet connector, take it to a place that does Hydraulic Line repairs. They can "Crimp on" the New Hoses for you.