Kitchenaid KDS-16 Dishwasher question

[navymech]

I picked up a free Kitchenaid KDS-16 dishwasher from craigslist a few days ago, and the former owner told me it still works fine, as she just used it 3 days before I picked it up. It is a Superba model, and was built in 1980. Unfortunately, her husband didn't know how to disassemble the unit in order to pull it out of their kitchen and take it outside. He invited a buddy over, and he pulled a panel, brackets, and trim(and some other stuff) off of the unit. They put all the hardware in a plastic bag, and gave me a pile of parts they pulled off of it. I asked him how all that stuff was to be reassembled onto the unit, and he had absolutely no idea at all. I went online and there is almost no info online for this model at all. I went to the kitchenaid website, and then talked to their customer service, and they emailed me the owners manual for this model in pdf format. Unfortunately, the owners manual does not give a picture of how all this stuff is fastened to the unit. Does anyone out there have a good picture or pictures of how this stuff is supposed to be assembled to the unit (i.e. illustrated parts breakdowns, exploded views, pictures, assembly views, photographs)? I do have mechanical experience, but even us mechanics work from manuals or pictures. This unit seems to be in good working order, and I would like to install it in my kitchen and give her a spin.

 

[bajaespuma]

two cents:

Hi,

First of all, this unit was not made in 1980; my best guess would be around 1969. It's a great dishwasher.

I have a service manual for the Superba KDS-17a which, for many parts, should be close enough. If you want to post pictures of the parts in question, I will scan relevant pages and post them to you. The manual is 41 pages long, so I don't really want to have to scan all of it. Also, if you want, I can have it copied and mail it to you, but I would ask you to pay the charges.

 

[selectomatic]

I love KittchenAids, for some reason.

Nice machine you have there.

Basically, there are four things to consider.

1) Mechanical installation. You've got to put it somewhere, you've got to level the feet, and you might want to screw it to something. Or not. No big deal, really.

2) Electrical installation. You've got to get power into it. There should be a little box down at the bottom, right behind the access panel where the electicity connects. Be careful. Be VERY careful. Get somebody who really knows what they're doing for this, and have them hook power to the machine. Remember: Water supply and drain connections might fail and make a mess, but electricity can kill you. Better safe than sorry!

3) Water connection. There is a Water inlet tube. You need to connect a water supply to this. If you know how to do this, you can pretty easily connect a flexible water inlet hose between the water supply and the inlet valve. If you don't know how, you'd do well to hire someone who does. It's not hard to do, but it's essential that it be done correctly.

4) Drain connection. Same basic rules apply here as in #3. If you have a garbage disposal, there's probably an inlet tube to use for dishwasher draining. It's easy to do, but it's got to be done right. Otherwise you'll have a wet house, and possible structural problems.

That being said, I've installed several of these machines, and it's not particularly difficult.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

-kevin

 

[bobbins]

I will share you a secret....my luv for Kitchen Aid is huge (ohh those 1960's KA-Hobarts with the cast iron spray arms -lots of power...oh babe..I still get excited thinking about it!!)... but better yet, Whirlpool Canada has a fantastic web site for part list on their website (yes really...every Whirlpool model you can think of!!)

You can download all parts catalogs from their site. Also get prices too (in Canadian)!! I am sure the part numbers from Canada are the same as USA.

Have fun!!!

Bob

http://www.whirlpoolparts.ca/parts/fspShow.php?model=KDS-16&folder=Dishwashers

 

[varicyclevoice]

Installation

Hi Navymech,

Congratulations on your newly addition. It is a fantastic dishwasher. I have that exact model in my kitchen. It has been washing dishes beautifully since 1968. I have the use and care, sales brochure, and service manual for that machine. Putting the parts is very simple. I noticed from your picture that the man also removed the evaporation channel also...he didn't need to, but oh well. That piece is the 24" long metal bar with the black rubber strip attached. Put that on first. There are two phillips head screws for that that are machine screws (short and no tapered edge). Once that is on, all you should have is the lower panel and the black metal kickplate. The lower panel has two "ears" on the inside on each end which tucks up and behind the clip from the evaporation channel. Next, attach the kickplate. That is the black metal strip that will rest on the floor. Each end has a hole for two phillips tapered screws. These are usually black so they are more inconspicuous. Once the kickplate is attached, you can attach the lower panel. As you put the lower panel on you have to tilt it 45 degrees to an angle, tuck the "ears" up behind the evaporation channel clips and slide up and push in until the panel is straight. There are two phillips tapered end screws which screw into two holes underneath the panel on the bottom at each end. Hope this helps. Email me at [email protected] if you have further problems. I can send pictures or speak to you on the phone and walk you through this.

 

[varicyclevoice]

evaporation channel

I forgot to clarify that the evaporation channel connects across directly below the main door. There are two metal pieces which hang directly underneath the main door. (One on each end).

--Todd

 

[navymech]

Will get back to this job.......

I will have to temporarily put this job off to the side, as another one has come up of higher priority. Unfortunately, I work 6 days a week, and dont have much time left over. When I get the priority stuff out of the way, I will come back to this job and continue with this thread. Bobbins came through with a pdf file containing a catalog of replacement parts, and it has all the exploded and assembly views of the entire dishwasher. That together with everyone's responses in this thread should get me through this job and then some. Consider this thread parked in neutral for a bit.