Kitchenaid Hobart Superba KDS-17...needs a new motor or...

[p21usa]

wiring?

We have this wonderful dishwasher that we inherited when we bought our house in 2006. We believe it is original to the house and suspect it is at LEAST 35 years old. Over the years, we have had to replace the single-piece monoblock timer (once) and the door springs (a few times!). I love this dishwasher! It is fast, loud, and cleans wonderfully!

Unfortunately, something went awry last week while I was out of the country. It seems that during the drain cycle, the dishwasher suddenly stopped working and smoke came billowing out from the lower panel! The housesitters immediately threw the breakers and called 911. The fire department was able to determine that the problem was definitely the dishwasher and not in the house wiring. We don't know if the dishwasher is a total loss, needs a new motor, or just something with the wiring. While I would love to get it fixed, the resources out there, and my time may just preclude this investigation and I might just have to get new dishwasher.

Is there a good resource for parts for this dishwasher? Should we just scrap it? Should we sell it for parts? Anyone want to make me an offer, lol? I have the original Use and Care Guide which has the parts schematic as well as the original warranty card (I am guessing that won't do me any good, lol).

Thanks for any input!

Patrice

 

[rp2813]

I'm not an expert, but it sounds like a leak may have developed and managed to short out the motor.  This is not uncommon.  If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, it may be a bit involved but not a super difficult repair.  Finding a new (or replacement) motor could be the bigger task.

 

There is a wealth of KitchenAid knowledge around machines of your vintage among the membership here.  Someone who is likely able to diagnose the problem from what you've described and provide details on the repair process will probably post something.  Be patient.

 

The machine is worth saving if it's still doing a good job for you.  It cleans better and faster than anything you can buy new.  I believe your series is the type described as "A hurricane in a box."

 

[stevet]

Somebody Help!

Patrice,
You have one of the most popular models that Hobart ever produced. Seems like the 17's and the much improved 18's are the two top favorites.

Have you removed the lower panel to see what may have "burned up?" As Ralph(rp2813)said, there are many here who will have spare parts you could use to rebuild you machine.

Is there anyone here who has an abundance 17's that could help this woman out?
Patrice, maybe you will hear from one of our members who may be in your area and can swing by to diagnose it and advise you of the best way to go.

This is no dig at anyone here on this forum, but many guys have multiples of this same machine and maybe one of them will be willing to sell you one. It may well be cheaper to ship it to you than to repair the one you have now. You can always salvage what good parts are left and keep them as spare parts.

Good Luck.
Steve

 

[p21usa]

Thank you, gentleman. I did remove the lower panel and couldn't find anything really obvious. I will try to take a picture and post it here tomorrow once I have access to the right software to transfer the photo. Not sure if it will help.

 

[combo52]

Smoking KDS-17 DW

We have lots of parts or this DW, where are you in Va.? The best thing is to get an older independent repair person that is interested in helping you get this DW fixed to look at it to figure what went wrong. It could be and easy fix or not so easy but there too many possibilities to just guess what smoked. John.

 

[chachp]

I have this model....

and if I can fix it anyone can. 

 

On mine the drain shaft seal failed which I guess is pretty common when they get this age.  What happens is water drips down onto the motor while it's running and I'm told that if this gets bad enough it could burn out the motor and other components.  I caught mine early and fixed it.  It was a very EASY fix on this model and the best part was I didn't have to pull it out to do it.  Maybe you will be as lucky as I was.  The guys here (or the right repairman) will definitely help you diagnose the problem and hopefully can help with the fix it too.