Kuda23 superba selectra dishwasher info

[gardenmom]

Hi,
I'm getting ready to rehab my kitchen but want to keep my awesome Kitchenaid dishwasher I bought new in 1997 as I detest plastic parts in the newer models and
This one works great. My problem is I'm worried I'm not going to find parts in the future. I bought new hinges and door springs a year ago and had no problem finding those, and got a new pump/motor from Sears about 10 years ago, but now it seems like a lot of parts say not available. From reading this forum I'm not seeing many dishwashers like mine so I don't know if that's why I can't find parts. The full model is KUDA23HBWHO, it has an electronic control panel with blue LED lights, white porcelain interior and the blue racks, and has the option to turn preheat water off like the older Hobart models.
Will I be able to find new parts for this without going the theBay route for used parts?

 

[washer111]

You're likely to need to start your own collection to supply parts, if you don't want help from other members. Start finding Selectra's for sale on craiglist and exprapolate parts like the Wash-Arm support, Control boards, Rotary Control, Motors, Filter-Screens ETC.

 

We do have several guys on here running repair businesses who can offer good deals on spare parts (Combo52 and SteveT to name but two) if you need them, as well as offer repair advice.

 

As part of the service I can offer, I will offer some advice about your machine:

~ Don't use the "Sani" or "Heated Dry" options, as these increase load on the wiring and higher temperature reduce the life of dishwasher components

~ Avoid pre-rinsing your dishes; Pre-Rinsed dishes give nothing for your detergent to act upon, which over time will wreck your plates and destroy seals and nylon coatings on the racks

~ Turn of the Pre-Heating on ALL cycles if you have your water heater set at about 120-130 or above, and there isn't an appreciable pipe run from the heater to the dishwasher. This again reduces cycle time, saves using the water heater and capitalises on what you actually have available. ALWAYS run your hot tap in the kitchen HOT before starting the machine (And I mean as HOT as it will go, not till it's lukewarm) - and between washing/rinsing.

 

Also, most older machines than the KDSS-23 did not offer the option of turning off the pre-heating. In fact, I don't even believe that you could do it on other Selectra's older than this one (Someone correct me if necessary). Certainly not on Superba's, Imperials and Customs.

 

Would you mind posting some pictures of your tub and controls? It always nice to document historical products, especially those at the end of a very long-lasting and FAMOUS legacy

 

[gardenmom]

Kuda23 controls

Controls for my KA 1997 model

 

[gardenmom]

kuda 23 options

Option detail - you can see the control panel has yellowed - not much you can do about that due to age and originally being white - and I will say it has never been whisper quiet but it does the job so I never cared about the noise.
Regard to the first reply about steps to extend the life - I guess the dishwasher may be doomed because I've always used the heated dry and let it preheat the water - on a daily basis - gets the dishes really clean which is why I want to keep it.

 

[gardenmom]

kuda23 - tub and racks

Tub and top rack - top rack has the adjustable height for tall items and the bottom has a plate insert that hooks onto the silverware insert. Any info on obtaining parts before they are totally gone would be appreciated.

 

[gardenmom]

kuda23 - interior and door

The porcelain doesn't have any chips or cracks, but the top rack is starting to rust in the middle where it hooks to the arm and the silverware section has some rust on the side, so I would like to replace these if possible, and a new control panel and pump/motor might be a good idea to have for future use.

 

[rp2813]

I say, keep using it the way you have been as long as it's getting the dishes clean.  There are plenty of KitchenAid dishwashers out there that are older than yours and still going strong.

 

I don't know for sure, but the electronic controls on the series 23 Superba Selectras may be the "new and improved" Whirlpool version which is far more reliable than the failure-prone Hobart type on earlier Selectras.

 

If there are any weak links in the mechanics, they're probably the wash arm support and the check valve.  If the wash arm spins freely, it's still good.  If it scrapes or chatters its way around, you'll probably need a new support.  Looks like you may have some calcium or detergent residue that has built up over time, which could keep the arm from spinning freely.  The wash arm lifts straight up and off.  You may want to remove it and see what it looks like under there.  Just be sure when you lift it off, all four tips of the arm are in the clear from the lower rack's guides on either side of the tub.

 

The check valve is a little rubber flapper that opens and closes depending on the function, like washing vs. draining.  They can get stuck open which often causes an "urping" sound that can be heard through the air gap (the thing on top of the sink to one side of the faucet) or the sink drain during washing and rinsing.  A stuck check valve can diminish the amount of water that's delivered to the upper wash arm.  There's a GE part that works as a replacement.  If you do a search here you can probably find the part number.  It's an easy thing to change out if you're handy with a screwdriver and perhaps a pair of pliers.

 

You'll have to scrounge up most other parts for your machine from sources other than appliance parts houses, but they're out there.

 

You can get touch-up repair for the rusted plastisol areas on the racks.  You may have to do some looking to find it in blue, though.  I found Maytag brand (not that Maytag) in blue a few years ago at an appliance parts store that had a lot of old stock, but it was really blue compared to the blue shade of the racks.  Others here may know of a brand that matches better, but all I've ever found in hardware stores was gray or white.

 

You're wise to hang on to your Selectra.  It gets the job done faster and in many cases better than its modern day equivalents.  Plus, KitchenAids tend to have a timeless design that holds its own even in a brand new kitchen.  Their stand mixers are a perfect example.

 

[washdaddy]

Gardenmom-

I can understand your reasoning for wanting to keep that dishwasher. That's a great looking machine and it has performed for you very well. Even though it may have yellowed a little bit it still looks good.

If you ever have any questions about that machine or any of your other appliances this is definitely the site to come to for advice and a helping hand. Great group of people here.

Best of luck with your rehab. Post some pic's as you go and when your done. People here would love to see your new kitchen.

Rick

 

[SQueenJJ]

1992 Kitchen Aid superba

My mother bought a new KitchenAid Superba in 1992 and it still using it today and it never has had to have a repair. Great machines.

 

[akronman]

Question

I have a wonderfully working 23 series KA installed. Depending on what buttons I push, I get 1 or 2 or 3 washes, then a purge and one rinse. Can anyone describe the purge? It is a great system, everything comes out spotless, but I don't know what it's doing.
Thanks
Mark

 

[appnut]

A purge is a much shorter fill than the regular fill. It fills for the short period then the pump circulates the water. Most intended to clean the filter. Maybe spray a little bit on the dishware in the load. then it drains and then fills for the final rinse.