KitchenAid KDI-16 Detergent Dispenser

[SEAimperial]

My KDI-16 is a real workhorse that's worked great for 42 years. Recently the detergent door has been a bear to keep shut over the main cycle well. It's got a button action in the middle of the door hinge that seems to help at times, though that's not consistent. The door works correctly during the cycle once I get it closed. I think it may be time to get a new spring (if that's what's used to keep the door shut) or replace the dispenser.

I'm having a time finding the part though. The detergent dispenser & gasket sub assembly with solenoid is part A-102830-1. I'm not sure if I need the whole thing or if just the body & lid sub assembly less solenoid, part M-83078, would do the trick. I'm attaching a link to the youserguide.com site where I found the parts catalog.

Any ideas on what I can try before replacing the dispenser? If I have to replace the dispenser, where can I find the parts?

Thanks for your input!

http://www.youserguide.com/wiki/Whirlpool_KDI-16_WITH_SOAK_parts-010

 

[toploader55]

Betcha...

Stevet has one or Combo. ?

 

[stevet]

SOME DETECTIVE WORK NEEDED

Sorry, but the oldest and youngest detergent dispensers I have would fit from the 17 thru 23 series machines. Your dispenser was only used on the 15 and 16 series.

I would suggest that you remove the front panel of the door and inspect the action of the dispenser door shaft when you close it. It had a small latching mechanism on it that the solenoid would trip to release. It may have bent or wore out and is not locking well enough. IIRC, you may be able to flip the piece over and get another 42 years out of it!. Also, make sure that the dispenser is clean of residue either from deteregent or lime buildup so the door can go thru its full travel. Also, make sure there is no buildup on the outside as well.(meaning on the solenoid side of the dispenser)

John can verify this next thing,as far as what might fit in its place..I remember seeing Maytag dispensers of the same vintage that seemed to be the same as yours. They may be more readily available and may be able to be put in your original's place.

 

[combo52]

KITCHENAID DW DET DISPENSERS 15-16 MODELS

There were two different designs of solenoids on these dispensers, but the complete dispensers were interchangeable. You may be able as Steve suggests to fix the old one, other than that look for a good used complete dispenser.

 

Steve that's an interesting thought about using an early MT DW Det dispenser. I would be surprised if it fit as the KA disp fits in a pretty tight well in the door. The early MT dispensers had a 120 volt bi-metal and could work and the later models had a Bi Metal release that had to be wired in series with the DWs heater or Motor so these would be harder to use on a KA DW. The early MT dispensers were pretty unreliable so I wouldn't go to much trouble to put one of these in a good KA DW.

 

[SEAimperial]

Vinegar Wash

I emptied the dw and ran it thru a full cycle with a couple cups of vinegar and no detergent. That helped somewhat. Must've had some liquid detergent residue preventing the dispenser door from staying closed. The button in the middle of the dispenser now pops up further. It still takes some finesse-ing to get it closed, but it's considerably easier. Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[neptunebob]

I have some KA16 parts including a dispenser so I could give it to you if you want.

 

[mistydawn]

I have a KDR66 dishwasher looking for the dispenser part # A-102830-1

 

[chachp]

This one should work.

This one is on eBay if you still need one and should work in your Imperial.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Kit...624?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item461d55f668