KitchenAid KDS-17A worth listing?

[andrew45]

We are having our KitchenAid KDS-17A dishwasher replaced with a new dishwasher, primarily because it's not currently functioning properly. I was sad to say goodbye because it's obviously beautiful, I love old/vintage things, and I like being resourceful. Now after sifting through various posts on your forum, I'm even sadder! But we are moving ahead.

Is it worth trying to find a new home for the old dishwasher (via craigslist or some other means), even if just for parts?

Some factors:
1. Around 5 years ago, it was functioning and seemed to clean well. At some point it stopped cleaning and we didn't run for a few years. Plumber was recently out to diagnose the problem and seemed to think the circulation pump motor was shot and needed to be replaced (and I'm just not seeing these available).
2. This might be blasphemy/dealbreaker but I had painted the faux wood front panel a yellow color, to better match our cabinetry.
3. Overall in good cosmetic shape, inside looks clean, except a bit of rust on a few of the tines.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[stevet]

PICTURES...

Are always worth a thousand words.
Post some so that members are able to judge properly as to the condition and possible value of your machine. And those pumps are actually available often on Ebay.
You will definitely regret replacing it with something newer especially if you have learned how to properly load it to get everything on top clean.
Nothing on the market will do a complete cycle in less than an hour like your machine.

 

[andrew45]

Some pictures

Thanks for the reply. A few photos.

 

[rp2813]

I think the paint job looks fine.  It's a major improvement over the '70s wood look.  You really did a good job in making that trusty dishwasher fit into a more modern decor.  Vintage KitchenAids are timeless in that regard. 

 

It's sad that this machine's time is up.  Let's hope it finds a home with someone who can revive it, or at the very least, that it can serve as a donor to keep some of its cousins going for many years to come instead of going to the scrap heap.

 

 

 

[quincyman]

Screen Filter

Have you ever pulled the screen filter out and given it a good cleaning. It's amazing how a clogged filter and affect the machine.

 

[chachp]

Looks very nice...

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">I would never attempt that paint job because I could never do such a nice job.  That really looks nice especially with the wood panels.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">Not sure where you are with replacing it, but if you have an interest in fixing it you might want to post a more detailed description of what's going on.  It may be a simple fix.  Many of the most common parts still show up on eBay and what isn't there is likely in private stashes all over this site.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">Either way, it really looks nice.</span>

 

[andrew45]

Thanks...

Thanks to you all for your replies and for the compliments. Our new dishwasher is being delivered this week and unfortunately it's too late to reverse, but I'll see what I can do about finding a taker locally for this KA.

Wish I had found this forum sooner. I'll be checking back often as it's a very cool site and obviously a lovely community of people.

 

[appnut]

Norgeway wants a KDS17 but he's in North Carolina.