KtichenAid Superba by Hobart Dishwasher Leaking (late 60s - early 70s?)

[erb]

Hello! We have a KitchenAid Superba by Hobart dishwasher which I believe was installed sometime in the late 60s or early 70s. We purchased the house--and thus the dishwasher--about a decade ago. Despite an initial repair, the dishwasher has run perfectly for the last 10+ years.

Until a month ago when it started leaking (see red circle for location of the leak). The leak went from bad to terrible within a few cycles.

We called around for a repair person who'd deal with older models of appliances. Repairman immediately said he could no longer get parts, so although he thought it was the seal around the inside of the door, he couldn't do anything about it.

My husband shopped around and found a gasket/seal that was supposedly compatible with our model of dishwasher. It was not. I'm still feeling doubtful that's the issue, but I'm--clearly--not great with dishwasher repairs!

Any suggestions for things we might be able to try?

 

[turquoisedude]

I'm not sure about the 'newer' KitchenAid dishwashers like this one, but I am sure this link will help:

 

This is the service manual for the 17 series dishwashers (which I think yours is).   I just tackled a pump rebuild for an older 14 series dishwasher and believe me, I couldn't have done it without the manual!

KD-17 Series-Automatic Dishwashers Service Manual

KD-17 Series-Automatic Dishwashers Service Manual

www.automatice.org

 

[appnut]

The dishwaher in question is a KDS16

 

[turquoisedude]

OOPSIE!   Well, here's a link to the 16 series manual:

KitchenAid KD-16 Series Dishwasher Service Manual

KitchenAid KD-16 Series Dishwasher Service Manual

www.automatice.org

 

[stevet]

Who, what, where?

Can you be more specific as to where the water is leaking from and if it leaks only when the machine is running or not? That will help us with whatever advice we can share with you. Pictures of the leak, if possible would be even better!

 

[stevet]

oops..

I didn't see the red circle, but that is usually caused by a worn gasket or the need to tighten the door when it closes by shimming the door latch. Also, was the machine moved out of the cabinet for any reason and then not re-leveled when re-installed?

 

[erb]

Not moved

Thanks for the information! I have the original user guide--I thought it was the manual ("The Special Dishwasher for Special People," LOL!)--but the manual you linked to, turquoisedude, is much longer. I will have to take a look (it's not loading for me at the moment, but knowing it's the KDS16 will help; thanks, appnut). I think my husband thought it was the KDS 18 or 20... or something higher than 16 which is probably why the door seal we bought doesn't work!

stevet: The dishwasher has not been moved in 10 years. I don't think the repairman even pulled it out when he came, but I'll ask my husband, who was the one who met him. It only leaks water when it runs... and it doesn't start leaking immediately. I haven't been able to watch a full cycle, but I will try and do so this weekend to make note of when the leaking starts.

We haven't made any changes, improvements, different detergent, etc. Nothing that I can think of that would have prompted the leak--except regular use (perhaps a little higher use starting a year ago when we had a baby). So, I guess that is a big change: we probably ran it 1-3 times a week for 10 years, and for the last year ran it 3-5 times a week.

Thank you all, again, for the information. Any ideas appreciated.

 

[chachp]

Door Seal

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The one you need is 4160249.  I always start with eBay but there aren't any out there right now.  A few other places have them for the $40 range.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">But I can tell you how I determined whether or not that was my problem before I spent the money.  I went to Home depot and bought a thin weather seal that was sticky on one side.  Like you would seal a door.  I placed it over my existing seal closed the door and immediately felt the door closed a little tighter.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Ran a cycle and I had success.  Those weather stripping seals are cheap and could get you running well until you find a real one at a good price.  If you look closely at mine in this picture you can see the weather stripping.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">That is unless someone feels it's a different issue.</span>

 

[dekedickerson]

I had the same problem with my Superba--leaking--but I found out it was caused by using modern detergent, and too much of it. The suds were too much and made it leak. You should try a load with about half the amount of your regular detergent (or NO detergent) just to see if it still leaks. Could be a really simple fix like that....

 

[chachp]

Counters?

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Are those stainless steel counters?  SOOOO jealous in Arkansas!</span>

 

[chachp]

The dishwasher Gods are looking your way I think.

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I am pretty sure this is the seal you need for your machine (let's wait for confirmation).  The price certainly is right and I think it is the full assembly not just the rubber gasket.  Mine was a pain to put on because I had to get it just right but this one looks like it's done for you.  Just screw it on.  If you don't grab it I might !!</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Steve or anyone else can you confirm if this will fit the 16?  I can't reference that part number back to the 16 but it sure looks to be the right one.</span>

 

[erb]

It worked!

chachp - Thank you! I purchased weather stripping and ran the dishwasher: no leaks! I'll have to keep an eye out for the part, but this is incredibly hopeful. And in the meantime, I can use my dishwasher! Thank you so, so much!

We don't have stainless counters: those are the stainless edges of our white Skylark pattern Formica counters.

dekedickerson - Thanks for the tip! I will try using less; I've always used Cascade powder, but I'm not sure I need to be using as much as I am.

Thanks all! I'm so excited we're not shopping for a new dishwasher! I'm buying the manual, too, so we can do our best to keep this machine running.

 

[chachp]

Great news!

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">If I see a gasket on auction at a good price I'll send it your way.  That's a great dishwasher.  Glad you're open to saving it.</span>

 

[stevet]

OEM Door Gasket or

As close to it as you can get!
You can order part number 121030-2 from your nearest Hobart office and a package of part number 024677 clips (6 to a bag)and you should be all set for another 10-15 years! The gasket will either be black or cream colored instead of the classic blue but it will work perfectly on your machine. Or you can go to the link attached and order it.
Hope this helps.
Steve

http://thesmartpartsestore.hobartservice.com/

 

[erb]

Thanks again!

chachp: thanks, again! When we bought our house, we figured we'd replace it in a few years; then, everyone we knew was forced to replace their dishwashers. Most of our friends and family have replaced their dishwashers at least once--and usually with some issue: it doesn't fit anything, it takes forever to wash, doesn't wash well, requires too much pre-cleaning, etc. Plus, why don't all appliances come default with removable face plates?!

stevet: Excellent; thank you! I have a feeling I'm just going to wind up ordering from that site, but I'm going to see if I can find a local supplier; the site wants me to order at least 10 of the clips. Everything is so much cheaper than buying a new dishwasher, I'm not particularly worried about the cost, but I don't need 50 extra clips!

 

[kenmore71]

You have one of the great "One-Armed-Wonders" of dishwasher history there!

 

These were great performers IF you loaded them properly, used the right detergent and had HOT water. 

 

I have rebuilt one myself and use it as a chef's dishwasher on a regular basis.

 

[combo52]

KDS-16 DW

This is my favorite one arm KA DW.  When replacing the door gasket adding extra clips makes for a neat looking gasket installation but the extra clips are not necessary at all, and the orignal clips are completely reusable, so I would not sweat looking for the extra clips, after all the DW worked for over 35 years with the orignal number of retainer clips.

 

John L.