Kitchenaid KDI-18 cleaning poorly. Need new wash arm support?

[merpy]

We recently got a Kitchenaid KDI-18, but it's cleaning very poorly. The main wash detergent door doesn't open, but I think the main problem may be the wash arm support. Lots of knocking can be heard at certain times during the wash and rinse cycles, and once when we were first testing it, without the bottom rack in place, the arm was pushed completely off the support, and water came out of the bottom of the door.
I was looking at another thread here (see link), and I checked the brass ring and plastic piece on the wash arm support, and they are loose, so I'm thinking I may need a new wash arm support. Does that sound right?

Vintage KitchenAid (Hobart), KDI-18

Hello all - I live in an apartment that is on the second floor of a house. The house has a lot of now vintage but then top of the line kitchen equipment, in cabinet and what not. I was researching what dishwasher I had when I found your forum. It is a vintage KitchenAid (Hobart), KDI-18 and...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[qsd-dan]

You need a new wash arm support part# 4162724. There's a few on Ebay right now. 2 of them are RobertShaw units, I have never used them before, only Hobart and Whirlpool.

Once the new wash arm support is installed, check for lateral play in the brass/bronze wash arm bearing. If there's play, you need a new wash arm.

I would highly recommend installing a new seal and drain impeller kit (435102). When the seal goes bad, it leaks water down the motor shaft and takes out the motor bearings. A new Emerson style motor is very expensive.

Here's where things get interesting:

One used to be able to get the 435102 seal and impeller drain kit for $60 but now Hobart wants nearly $500. Not sure what the F- is up with that BS! Maybe the kit has been discontinued. However, I just looked up the old part# (240366) and found some going for $10 each. GRAB ONE PRONTO!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1240478546...lKtvlenxnTRa0QdwrfwYHf2Fk=|tkp:Bk9SR-T10-bZYA

Next item to check is the spray arm water delivery tube that runs between the upper wash arm and and the rear rack. This tube deteriorates overtime and causes a massive loss of pressure. Remove and carefully inspect. The tube should also fit snug. This part has been discontinued as of earlier this year so that will be another difficult to find part in the future. Part# 4171544.

 

[stevet]

435102 seal kit

The current list price from Hobart is $191.76. There are 12 in stock. You can order it directly from the Hobart parts E-store or by calling your local Hobart office.

I don't know where you sourced the $500.00 price.

Either way, the price is exorbitant but what can you do? Prices havew shot up everywhere and on everything.

Steve

 

[merpy]

Ok, I bought a new support and impeller/seal, but I need to replace the screw that holds the impeller in place. The head of the screw is worn to the point that there's no slot for a screwdriver. I was able to grip it with some pliers and unscrew it, but I doubt I could get it back in. Does anyone know what exact size and type of screw I need?

 

[rp2813]

Try bringing the screw to an ACE Hardware store.  They likely have a screw & thread gauge to determine the size and whether it has a coarse or fine thread.

 

 

[combo52]

KD 18 Impeller Mounting Screw

Its SS, you can match it up at a good hardware store or you can Email me and I can send you one, I know I have dozens of them laying around.

 

John L.

 

[stevet]

Screw size just so you have it

The screw you need to secure the impeller down with is part number SC-066-19. That is the Hobart/KitchenAid number.
The screw is 10-32 x 7/16 Phillip Truss Head Stainless steel.
That should be enough to get it from Ace or True Value hardware.