Kitchenaid/Hobart Superba KDS-58 water leak above drain hose

[onthego]

My 1976 Kitchenaid Superba KDS-58 is spraying water out water just above where the drain hose attaches on to the nipple. This happens during the prewash, wash and rinse cycles. I took the hose off the and did not see any cracks. I did not feel any cracks in the nipple or the male end that the hose slides up onto. The clamp was screwed down tight and the hose was up as far as it could go onto the nipple I really want to keep my dish washer. Has anyone else experienced this? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!!!

 

[stevet]

Shaft seal..

If everything is tight and there are no holes in the hoses, it all sounds like it is a worn out shaft seal. Since it leaks when it is running, it would drip down on to the cooling fan on the top of the motor and get slung out in a circular pattern. It sprays all over the bottom of the machine and can take out other electrical components.
I would strongly suggest you determine the source of the leak and stop using the machine until you fix it. Those shaft seals should be readily available and are relatively easy to install.

 

[onthego]

Thank you for your reply. What you said sounds exactly like what is happening. I will talk to my repair person. Is the seal something you get from a hardware store or an appliance repair center?
Thanks you!!!!!!

 

[stevet]

OEM only

You will not find the seal at a hardware store. It is a 2 part item. The stationary part goes into the lower housing and the rotating part is part of the drain impeller which is the top part. The Whirlpool part number is 4162139 and they are NLA from WP but available on Ebay for damned good prices.
Get yourself one or maybe two and download the service manual from the Ephemera site here and you should be good to go.
Most current repair men will not want to touch your machine based on its age and their lack of experience with it. Probably wasn't even born when the machine was made.
BTW, the drain impeller is much improved over the original in size and will pump out the water much faster and more completely.

 

[onthego]

Hi,
I ordered the part off eBay and found the site for the manual. I didn’t know it existed. Thanks for the info. Do you if there are any of the upper spray units around? It is the one one listed as #2 of Figure 33 on page 20 if you have the manual. I am also in need of a dryer/heater unit. This is how I found the leak. Smoke started coming out from the dishwasher. When I looked under I saw water on the floor and the dishes inside were not not dry. I did see earlier a used drying unit on ebay, but I wonder how long that will last for $100. Is it worth it? I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond in such a timely manner and provide sound advice.
Enjoy the 4th!!!