LDS-16 Issues

[lam327]

Hello,

I recently picked up this kds-16 for a couple hundred dollars because we have loved our kds-17 and thought this would look better in our new house. I didn’t mind paying what I did because I couldn’t believe how clean it was for its age. They said it was working when they took it out for an older lady, but I’m having a hard time believing that now.

I just installed it tonight and it will not fill with water and the lower arm doesn’t spin after putting water in and running the cycle. I took the inlet out and throughly cleaned the screen but it didn’t help any. It drains and heats great. No odd sounds. Sounds to be running smooth.

Any suggestions on what to check next?

 

[combo52]

KitchenAid dishwasher KDS 16

This is my favorite vintage KitchenAid dishwasher, have one in my second house. Also have one with a stainless steel tank at the museum.

First thing to do is to get rid of that inlet valve put a new inlet valve in it don’t fool with old inlet valves, a clogged screen is never the problem with an old inlet valve, the rubber valve diaphragm’s are just worn out.

The lower washarm should turn. If you have water in the machine, does the arm turn easily by hand? A little more investigation needs to be done there I guess but the pump must be running and in good condition if it can pump the water out.

Check it out a little bit more in, let us know will try to help.

John.

 

[philcobendixduo]

When I saw the heading for this posting.....

.....I thought it was going to be about Mormons! (LDS)

 

[lam327]

Thanks for the advise!

I’ll start looking for another inlet valve and look closer at the arm today. Anywhere other than ebay to find these?

 

[combo52]

New inlet valve for KDS 16

This is one of the few parts that may still be available from whirlpool for this dishwasher, and there’s about 119 of them on eBay right now

Part number 4171000 this is the proper replacement valve. It has been improved. It no longer has two solenoids. You just clip off one white and one black wire and install.

John

 

[bajaespuma]

Did a model year make a difference?

Is there a difference (other than minor tweaks)between the KDS-16 and the KDS-17?

 

[lam327]

Title typo…

Haha, yeah it was after midnight and I was at my wits end and missed the typo until it was too late…

 

[lam327]

Thank you John!

Glad to hear about the 4171000 being compatible. The oem part was going to be a lot more expensive than that one. Thanks a ton for the help! Once it gets in I’ll check back here.

 

[DADoES]

 
17 series has the Soak cycle vs. 16 series Heavy Soil.

Reply #5 is a KDS-17A, which added the Energy Saver dry option, brown button at left of the console.

 

[lam327]

One Last Thing

Replacing the inlet valve did the trick and everything is doing good now.

There is a very slow drip around the nut and threads I have circled in the attached photo. Any advice on how to address?

 

[combo52]

Slight leak at the heater mounting nuts

Try spraying some penetrating oil on the top of the nut and on the exposed threads.

After it sits for a while, try gently tightening the one that’s leaking leave the other one alone.

If this doesn’t work, you may have to remove both nuts and remove the heater and try to reseal possibly replacing some rubber washers etc. as necessary.

I should’ve said it first, but turn off the power first.

John

 

[lam327]

Thanks John. I’ll try that. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

 

[chachp]

Calling STEVET!!

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Seems to me SteveT said one time not to use these kinds of corrugated hoses (or whatever you call it) on these older Kitchen Aid machines.  See Steve, I do listen to what you tell me.  Problem is I can't remember the reason why.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">BTW, nice looking machine.  In the late 70s ish a friend of mine bought one of these used out of someone's garage for something like $20.  We installed it in his house and he used it until he sold the house in the early 1990s.</span>

 

[combo52]

Best water line and drain lines for vintage dishwashers

The new flexible, inlet lines, and even the corrugated plastic drain lines work just fine on these vintage KitchenAid’s. I have seen no problems with them at all.

Vintage kitchenAid dishwashers like this do you need a half inch inside diameter for the drain line, the water lines never gonna be a problem unless you use something ridiculous like a quarter inch copper tubing, which I’ve actually seen work on modern dishwashers, but it would not be a good idea on a vintage one.

John