KitchenAid KD-12 merges with a KD-14, does that make it a KD-13???

[Unimatic1140]

So many of you have seen my custom made KD-12 KitchenAid dishwasher where I installed a window and interior lighting. I really like this dishwasher, its a good performer, there was really only one thing that I didn't like about it. The first 45 seconds of the cycle is a water flush that leaves the drain open and fills. Now that it has a window I could see the flush water washing some (sometimes all) of the detergent out of the detergent cup and down the drain. The detergent cup is a open stainless steel screen cup, not a timed dispenser.

So I decided to install the timed detergent dispenser from the KD-14 into the side of the machine and change the timer to the KD-14 cycle. The KD-12 cycle was Flush-Wash-Rinse-Rinse-Dry. Now the new cycle sequence is PreWash-Wash-Rinse-Rinse-Rinse-Dry. I had to install the dispenser in the side of the machine because the window is on the door and the window of course gets priority.

To install the dispenser I did the following:

First I cut a template and traced the dispenser opening in the location I wanted it. Then I drilled pilot holes for the jig saw blade to fit into.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Next I used my jigsaw and cut out the square. Then I used my Dremel tool to make the cut smooth and round out the edges.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here is the dispenser installed from the outside. I sealed it using Sensor-Safe non-toxic silicone.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here we are, all installed. It came out just beautiful...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Our lovely hand model Fred puts in the first detergent tab. Since its in the side of the machine it would be hard to fill it with powder, so I plan on using tabs in this machine. It dispenses just beautifully.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Here are the mechanicals below. I added an extra component as well, who can name that extra component and why I did it?????

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Tonight on Final Jeopardy...

I can see the heavy duty relay you put on but am having trouble on the why. It'd help being able to trace the wires on FrankenAid...

RCD

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Is it a contact relay wired into the timer to control the dispenser?

RCD

 

[Unimatic1140]

Is it a contact relay wired into the timer to control the dispenser?

Nope

 

[bobbins]

Well, looks like a new timer dial. (KD-14)

Did I win the prize?

Bob

 

[Unimatic1140]

Well, looks like a new timer dial. (KD-14)

Nope I said in my first post I changed the timer to a KD-14 timer so it would operate the dispenser. Drew was right about the electrical relay, but why???

 

[bobbins]

Oh yeah, you had to change it as the cycles are different.

I believe the new KD-14 timer cycles have the following phase:

- Pause
- Fill 1 min
- Pre-Rinse or Wash for 2 1/2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 1 min
- Wash 8 min (Detergent is released)
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 1 min
- 1st power Rinse 2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 2 min
- 2nd power Rinse 2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 2 min
- 3rd power Rinse 2 1/2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Timer Advance 1 min
- Final Drain 1/2 min
- Dry 18 min

Now the KD-12:

- Pause
- Warm-up (water fill when the drain valve is open) 1 1/2 min
- Fill 1 min
- Wash 8 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 1 min
- 1st power Rinse 3 1/2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Fill 2 min
- 2nd power Rinse 2 1/2 min
- Drain 1/2 min
- Timer Advance 1 min
- Final Drain 1/2 min
- Dry 22 1/2 min

The new timer has extra pre-rinse and an extra final rinse....

Now - Did I win the prize...

Bob

 

[bobbins]

I am lost about the electrical relay...does it have to do with the dispensing of detergent..

 

[volvoguy87]

Crazy?

Could the relay control a booster water heater?

Seems like a bit of trouble, but it's something I would do,
Dave

 

[bobbins]

I pulled out my schematics and I still can't figure this out....must be something really simple....

I recall a thread a while ago someone tried to install a separate electric pump on the KD-12 and in order to make the pump work, a rely had to be changed so the.....

I am curious, when you changed the timer...you must have had to re-wire it - I might be wrong, was there was a push button switch in the door plus interlock switch?

 

[alr2903]

I think you are right volvoguy, I am thinking, Robert has wired the heater to 220 during wash and rinse cycles. Maybe then no heat is needed to dry? Nice work Robert. Fred, well done. alr2903

 

[swestoyz]

Very cool Robert. Is the relay used to control the motor somehow? Maybe time-delayed?

Love the Kelvinator drain hose!

Ben

 

[peteski50]

KitchenAid!

Hi Robert,
This is such a awsome idea. I like the fact U have the dispenser with the window. They should have made them like this.
Peter

 

[a440]

Awesome Job Robert!

What a great idea! You need your own Mr. Wizard show I swear!
Didn't you put the relay for the motor when you first made your creation?
What I see new or odd to me is the "junction box" to the right of the fill valve. Is this an added feature.
Oh, and the fill valve. Is that the original valve? It looks new. Does it clank when it opens and closes?
Thanks for the pictures!
I bet you really love your "Super Pimped Hobart" Now! It will be a matter of time until you hook a laptop up to it with all kinds of programs I just know it!
Brent