latest curbside find

[Cybrvanr]

our neighborhood had another bulk trash pickup day yesterday, and I went up and down the streets in search of old appliances. I did strike it lucky this time! I had seen you guys talking about the old Hobart Kitchen-aid dishwashers and how nice these things are, so I didn't pass this one up! Although I really don't need another dishwasher, with my grandmother's mobile-maid, and my newer Fridigaire, I figure I will get this not for it's collector value, but to use as a "daily driver"

Yes, this is a pretty nicely well built dishwasher! While a friend and I lifted it up in the van, the owner came out and talked with us. He said the only thing wrong with it was that the door gasket was leaky. I took it home and hooked it up in the back yard. He was right...the door gasket drips a little around the bottom edges. Will an appliance shop have this gasket?

Some of you all have mentioned that these machines are noisey, but I've noticed this machine is no noiser than my 5 year old basement-bargain Fridigaire that came with the house. As you can tell however, I also need to obtain a bottom panel for it too. Will the machine become noisier or quieter once he's installed in a cabinet?

 

[Cybrvanr]

Here's a picture of the inside...another issue I discovered is that it looks like someone has used hand dishwashing soap in it at one time. I am still getting soap suds after two rinse and fill cycles. Other than that, this dishwasher appears to be in pretty good shape

 

[Cybrvanr]

Now, here's what it may be replacing. It's a $179.99 Lowe's special. I can't say that it's all that bad. It has been able to remove a remarkable amount of dirt and grime, and it's not terribly noisy. The biggest complaint that I've had is that it's made mostly out of plastic, and it feels filmsy and toy-like. The other gripe have is that it does not run the top arm, and the bottom arm together, but switches back and forth during operation. The K.A. runs both arms at the same time, and also has a direct pipe to the upper arm, instead of just a "squirt pipe". I've always wondered how effective those would work, since the water does not have a direct connection to the upper spray arms, I think most of the water would splash out of the funnel before it even gets sprayed out of the wash arm.

It also appears that the cycle times are longer with the Fridigaire than they are with the K.A. That would be a good benefit right there! As I would like the machine to finish up quicker...the Fridigaire is over an hour per load!

 

[jamman_98]

You're going to find the funny

I got that same Frigidare diswasher for $5.00 at an auction. LOL It works great though and really quite.

Joe
jamman_98

 

[fixerman]

Before you replace the gasket make sure it is just not leaking because of excess suds. I have seen them do this when the wrong detergent is used. There is no gasket on the bottom so it is possible the extra suds is the problem. My experience is the gaskets almost never go bad on those. Run a few more cycles until all the suds are gone, then try it again. Be sure the leak isn't coming from between the inner and outer door. If it leaks from between the door, check for bad dispenser or whatever else might be on the inner door.

 

[gansky1]

Nice KA! The racks look great, usually a weak spot in most vintage d/w finds. Try adding a 1/4 cup of vegetable oil into the machine when you run it - give those soap suds something to 'eat' and knock 'em down.

My parents had that same Frigidaire d/w in black in their former home in AR. It seemed to work fine but it was rather skimpy in the build-quality and the constant on/off for the reversing pump motor got a little annoying after a while. I know others who have higher-end models that are much quieter so it's not as noticeable.

 

[gyrafoam]

I thought those machines already had a good layer of insulation glued to the exterior of the tank. I know mine is pretty quiet----but noisier than a modern Frigidaire----it is also MUCH more powerful! I suppose you could always snatch a used one off of some cast off unit behind a Lowe's or something. I have also seen them sold new in the area where the water heaters are in the Lowe's store here. Seems like I remember Greg and I wrapped his old KAID in a cast off insulation jacket. Did the trick! She is mighty quite for that vintage!

 

[mayken4now]

Steven:

OMG, who in their mind would pitch this. How great of a find!

Steve

 

[chachp]

Wouldn't you love to know what they replaced it with? Maybe a Frigidaire? LOL!

 

[magic clean]

A

Steven, I notice from your photos that this is a KDC-18, probably about 28 years old or so now. The machine looks like it is in very good shape. That said; I notice that the upper radius' of the tank gasket has black discoloration. Chances are this is where the leak may be ocurring. Also, the plastic tabs on each front corner of the lower rack are the original style. Their purpose is to prevent splash-out at the tub corners. They were later modified to further reduce the possibility of splash out. So that may be worthwhile looking into as far as updating when you replace the tank gasket. Another area to check is the condition of the hinges. Do they show signs of wear or distortion? Also, note, that these units will leak if they are run without the bottom rack in place. Have fun!

 

[deeptub]

Steven, I have a bottom panel and a toe kick that would fit this machine. The panel is harvest gold, so you'd need to paint it. Let me know if you're interested!

Tom

 

[Cybrvanr]

Hey thanks for the great info guys! I'll look into those things when I get home from work today! I'm gonna be moving it into the house tonite. The gasket has a bit of mildew on it, and I imagine that's responsible for some of the leaking. That's some good info there Magic Clean on the bottom rack. The local appliance shop I imagine has the modification to the lower rack that may help out. I'll check that out.

I'm interested in that lower panel. I've got an automotive spray gun I can paint the lower panel with. I've even thinking about painting the upper and lower panels in the brown to match the control panel.

 

[deeptub]

Steven, I'll dig the panel out this evening. Email me your mailing address and I'll send it on its way. I had the convertible version of that machine and disassembled it for parts, so let me know if you need anything else for it.

Tom

 

[Cybrvanr]

Thanks! I've E-mailed you to the address in your profile!

 

[gregm]

gasket fine, agree with

I agree with fixerman, the gasket may be fine, but it leaks due to the wrong soap and oversudsing ......... my '84 KA below does a GREAT job but yes it is the noisiest machine I have ever operated. It did quiet down a bit when I put the bottom panel(s) on. I may at some point, give in to a quieter machine but for now I love it ........... and the stainless panels (thank you coldspot) have dressed it up nice I think ....

View attachment 10-18-2005-22-26-24--gregm.jpg

 

[gregm]

trying to repost the pic again ..............

ok .......

 

[Cybrvanr]

WOW! What a stylish machine Greg! That stainless steel really does give it a neat look!

 

[deeptub]

Lower panel

Steve, I might have spoke too soon. That panel hasn't immediately jumped out at me, although there are many things it may be hiding behind. I was going to write a glowing story about Todd in the Super thread about how tolerant one's S.O. is of our hobbies, but he may have thrown that panel away, so no kudos to him! BOO! But, as I say, I'm going to keep looking!
Tom

 

[mikepaquette]

Great Dishwasher Greg

Hey Greg. I have a new TOL all stainless steel KA & the pic of yours blows mine out of the water. I know they are a little loud but your machine does a great job . Washes & Dries far better than mine and just has that look about it. Good for you, Very nice machine