KitchenAid Superba KDS-17A dishwasher - cycle does not advance

[arcfire]

I have a KitchenAid Superba by Hobart KDS-17A dishwasher that was manufactured in 1975/76 (timer date stamp is Dec. 1975) and has worked well since I moved in to my house some 8 years ago.
But the last time I ran it, the wash cycle would not advance--it filled, then started washing, but never stopped - just kept washing and washing, never drained.
To get it to drain, I had to push "cancel."
I tried running another wash cycle, and this time it filled for longer than usual, I hit "cancel" to drain when it was clearly fuller than usual. (I didn't want to find out if it would overflow.)

So it seems that on the main wash cycle, at least, the timer does not advance from one part of the wash cycle to the next.

However, if I push "cancel" it does advance rapidly through all the settings; I can hear the timer clicking forward and the light advances rapidly from prewash to wash, to rinse, etc.

Does this mean my timer is shot? I am hoping to find a way to repair this amazing machine. I figure a machine that has run for 40+ years will probably keep running longer than anything I could buy new today, if I can find a way to fix it!

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,
Arthur

 

[DADoES]

 
There are two motors on the timer.  One rapid-advances it to the starting point of the selected cycle, quickly to Off at the end of Rinse/Hold, or to the final drain for Cancel.  The other advances it at normal speed through the cycle sequence, and is what's not working.

I don't have direct experience working on KA, so can't say if the bad motor can be replaced separately or the entire timer must be changed.  I'm sure one of the KA experts will come along with more specific details.

 

[combo52]

Kitchen Expert To The Rescue

You likley have a bad timer motor for the normal advance speed, these motors can be replaced separately if you can find a motor usually from another timer.

 

Kitchenaid used two different suppliers for the the timer on KDS-17 DWs, you either have a Singer or Mallory timer and you need the correct timer motor while if replacing the complete timer they are interchangeable.

 

The KDS-17 DWs were very popular machines in their day and you should not have too much trouble finding a replacement complete timer or good new or used motor, if you can't find just the timer motor get in touch and I probably have one.

 

John L.

 

[arcfire]

It's a Singer timer. Where might I find a new timer or motor? A search on ebay didn't turn one up. I don't have any experience tracking down parts for vintage machines.

John, thanks for mentioning you might have a motor. I will follow up with you if I can't find one.

Arthur

 

[spacedogb]

There is one on eBay right now

 

[rp2813]

Can you provide a link to the ebay timer?  I tried to locate it and burned out on sifting through the listings.

 

[arcfire]

Maybe I am not searching for the right thing.

Is it just "kitchenaid KDS-17 timer" that it would be called on ebay? Or is there a part number I need?

Thank you,
Arthur

 

[chachp]

Timer for KDS-17A

4161474 or D-115675.

Check out this one.

http://https//www.ebay.com/itm/KITCHENAID-DISHWASHER-TIMER-PART-4161474/222775347292?hash=item33de72085c:g:dIIAAOSwWLBZ9-Cq

 

[rp2813]

The ad in that link is for an entire rapid advance timer assembly, not just the regular timer motor. 

 

What we need is the part number for the Singer timer motor, or a good search term for one.

 

That having been stated, the entire timer might not be a bad thing to consider.   It's worth making an offer for it when you consider how much a flimsy brand new dishwasher would set you back.

 

[chachp]

KDS-17A Timers

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">I've replaced the timer in both of my 17s with this one and it's a simple plug and play operation.  I've never done just the motor.  If it were me I'd go with the whole new timer given other components of the timers can wear out.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">I think either would work but I don't have a number for just the timer motor.</span>

 

[dan218]

My 49 year old KitchenAid Superba KDS-17 dishwasher is having this same issue. I really don’t want to replace with the newer junk on the market. I cannot find a replacement timer anywhere in the internet. If anyone knows of any of these timers, please let me know. I guess my only option right now is to try and fix it. The fast motor works fine but the slow one won’t advance the timer. It makes a loud ticking noise. I uploaded a video. Go to the end and after the cancel cycle is engaged and the fast motor advances to the end, the slow motor is left to kick the timer over the edge to the stop position. If you listen it just clicks. Maybe this is a worn gear that can be 3D printed? Does anyone know someone who could repair this?

 

[combo52]

Timer Problems On A KDS-17 DW

Hi Dan, at the end of the cycle the low speed timer motor advances the timer the last increment which takes 1 or 2 minutes, on your video you advanced the timer by hand after only 10 seconds or so, are you saying that it never advances ?

 

If you need a replacement timer we have good used ones for sale for $68  with the club discount+ shipping.

 

John L.

 

[dan218]

Thank you for responding. Yes, the slow motor never advances the timer at all. It would have stayed on the dry cycle all day if I didn’t manually advance the timer. If I start a cycle, the fast motor correctly advances the timer to the correct start position, the machine starts to fill, then then keeps filling, until water runs out of the front of the machine. So, it seems like the slow motor lost its grip and slips. Maybe that’s why I hear ticking. Also, this model doesn’t seem to have an overflow cut off or it is malfunctioning.

Yes, I am interested in buying a replacement timer. Please send me details.

 

[combo52]

Timer For A KDS-17

Hi Dan, I can not find a completer timer for your DW, I may have just a timer motor, the regular cycle slow motor is the one mounted between the two wiring blocks.

 

I would take this motor off the timer and see if it runs properly  when powered up, if not post a picture of all the numbers on the old motor and I will see if we have just the motor.

 

Send requests to [ [email protected] ]

 

Thanks John

 

[DADoES]

 
Overflow protection is via a pressure switch, similar to a water level control on a washer.  There's a port in the side of the sump.  Maybe it's clogged, or the pressure switch has gone bad.

 

[bigalsf]

Hi, I have an extra timer for this machine that you can have. Send me a PM with your address and I’ll let you know what shipping is.

There is pressure switch as Glenn mentioned that should have shut off the water. Check for a clog at the opening inside the sump (about 8 o’clock position). Carefully use a toothpick to clear out any debris.

-Alan

 

[dan218]

Update:
I was able to find a shop that repaired the timer up in Canada for $120 us plus shipping. They replaced two motors and springs. http://www.turnerstimerrepair.com/

Timer works perfectly now. The problem with the overfill still persists. I will try and unclog the over fill protector if I can find it.