Kitchenaid KD-21 Superba Dishwasher

[KathyR]

This dishwasher is probably 25 years old but it has always worked great and looks great in my kitchen because it's got the wood panel that matches my cabinets.
I have the problem narrowed down to lower wash arm but they don't sell the replacement units anymore. It doesn't spin like it should - the attached picture shows what I see when I remove spray arm and filter screen. Don't think it should look like this but cannot find anything that shows me how these parts should go together or if something is missing. There is the brass washer (with split), something that appears to be a round wire and the plastic part with 2 tabs on the bottom.
Can anyone help? I'm about to give up as I know any repairman will just laugh and say "you've got your money's worth...buy a new unit."

 

[pdub]

You definitely need a new filter screen (wash pump top - part #4163370) which would look like the attached picture. Unfortunately they are no longer avialable but you might find one by searching the net or maybe even some one here knows where to get one. I hope you can find this part because otherwise you probably have a great running dishwasher that will run for many more years. Best of luck.

 

[labboy]

I would do whatever I could to keep that KDS-21. It is a great machine.

I searched the filter part number (4163370) on Sears Parts Direct and saw that it is in stock. That same part number is called Wash Arm Support on Repairclinic.com but is NLA. You can also get diagrams at Sears Parts Direct...just search by model number and you can see all the diagrams.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/4163370/0022/665?pathTaken=directMatch&filterPart=&pop=flush&prst=0&shdPart=4163370

 

[DADoES]

 

Don't necessarily trust Sears stock report if several other sources list it as NLA.  I've had a case of Sears listing an item as in stock, placed the order and got a message later that it's NLA.

 

[stevet]

Oh Yes, You have gotten your money's worth

Out of that wash arm support!
What happened to the mesh filter on it? That is what filters out all the fine particles sent into the holding chamber below where the mesh used to be that the disposer sends into it and then the clean water reenters the wash tank and wash pump.

The picture shown below yours is what it should look like.

I agree that you cannot always trust Sears stock status as I looked up the same item a week ago and it showed NLA!

I am going to have to check my attic stock to see how many of them I have and will post back as soon as I can. So Don't trash that machine at any cost! We will help you keep it going
Steve

 

[KathyR]

Trying to order but....

I placed order to Sears but I will be surprised if they really have it. Had the same issue with Repair Clinic...they listed it but told you they didn't have it when they processed the order.
Steve, if you can check your "attic inventory," I would be most appreciative. I've forgotten what a pain it is to wash all your dishes by hand but am developing a new appreciation for those modern day conveniences...like dishwashers!

 

[combo52]

KDS-21 WASH ARM SUPPORT

I have good used WASs for the 21 machines I sell them to our customers for $50. You may also need a wash arm as they often have a very deep grove worn in them by the bronze sealing ring. It is also a good idea to replace the main water pump seal if you want this DW to last a little while longer, this seal protects the motor from water leaks and its failure unless caught early ruins most of the motors on these and most other dishwashers for that matter. Your old WRS shows signs of really heavy DW use over the years or it may just be that you are pre-rinsing your dishes or are using way too much detergent or both. Your hot water could be too hot also.

 

[KathyR]

Need to buy used WAS

Well, as I suspected, waited days for Sears to admit they did not have the part...what a frustrating experience.

Need to buy one so if combo 52 can give me the specifics on how to buy one from him, I am very interested.

I'm not sure how "heavy" use is defined for a DW that is 25 yrs old - probably been run 1 time every 2-3 days for the life of the machine. I do pre-rinse my dishes since they sometimes sit in the DW for a day or two; I usually use 2 of the Cascade with Dawn packets and we do have hard water (don't think it's too hot - between 135-140).

Is it difficult to replace the main water pump seal? If not too difficult, I would like to buy one of those also.

 

[Corp_orphan]

Search for Kitchenaid KD21 Parts

We also have a KD21 and have gotten many years of service out of it. Unfortunately, we have a rust problem where the upper rack attaches to the bracket that attaches it all to the dishwasher housing (the left, rear attachment point). It's only a matter of time (we're estimating a short time) until the basket rusts through and we fear we're going to need a new basket.

Any suggestions on where we might be able to get this part?

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Corp Orphan

 

[chachp]

Did you get your new WAS?

I had the same issue with my 21 and while I was waiting to find a replacement part I wanted to continue using my dishwasher. So, at SteveT's recommendation I bought some Marine epoxy and glued it back together from underneath. Sorry I didn't take a picture from that perspective.

I used a couple of popsicle sticks to hold it in place while the epoxy dried. It worked fine until I got the new support. My WAS looked like yours where the screen was completely gone.

Good luck saving your machine. It's worth it.

 

[rp2813]

Resurrected Thread

Ralph, buddy, you're speaking to an issue that's 638 days old, and to a person who has only made 4 posts on this site, lo those many months ago, and who is long gone.

 

The latest topic here is about upper rack attachment issues.

 

Corp Orphan, you might want to start a new thread that mentions your rack problem in the subject line.  These dusty old revived threads have been a source of confusion among portions of the membership since they were recently made accessible.

 

 

 

[whirlcool]

I wonder if she ever got her dishwasher running again? I hate it when you never find out what happens in the end.

 

[washer111]

Totally agree Whirlcool. She said she was a pre-rinser - so perhaps the machine mets its fate in rusted racks, leaks and other misfortune. 

 

[chachp]

Wow

I didn't even notice it was that old. That's what I get for posting so early in the morning.