Need some parts for a Kitchen Aid KDI-18

[zippy1981]

I have a KDI-18 dishwasher that came with a house I bought. Beautiful wood paneling that matches the kitchen. After looking on this forum I don't want to part with. It needs some work though.

First of all the door opens too steeply. Can I adjust or replace the hinges somehow.

Secondly It's not cleaning as well as it could. My glasses all have spots on them. I took the lower sprayer assembly apart and cleaned out everything. It didn't help.
According to this thread: http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?23275 I need to replace the sprayer support. Where can I buy that?

Finally, I'd like to add the rinse agent reservoir to the door. Where can I buy the parts for that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[volsboy1]

I would first start and run about 3 things of dishwasher magic through it with noting else in there on the longest cycle.

Go to the hardware and buy some real T.S.P.   http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/bro...4,27282.html?gclid=CLKfj_jml8ACFSpp7AodxGsAog . That link will show you the real stuff ,When I use

dishwasher magic I fill the wash cups with T.S.P. which is what made old dishwasher detergents clean so well softens the water

and will work wonders. That part might still be pretty easy to find I am not sure though.Some folks never clean the inside water

distribution and greases can get everywhere.

 

 

[zippy1981]

I will try this dishwasher magic. Normally I use borax or vinegar to clean my dishwashers. I also use borax instead of cascade in the prewash holder.

Is there a difference between these two dishwasher magic's besides the label?

* http://www.amazon.com/Dishwasher-Magic-12-Oz-Pack/dp/B004JP8RTI/
* http://www.amazon.com/Dishwasher-Bottles-EPA-Registered-Eliminates-Salmonella/dp/B0052UMMRC/

 

[stevet]

Wash arm Support and dispenser

If everything is fine with the dishwasher, then you can get a new support assembly and get many more years out of the machine.

Below is just one link to a seller on Ebay and it is a good price so you may want to scoop it up as soon as you can.

The rinse aid dispenser is actually the same one/type used on the 15 thru 18 series and should be available online somewhere. The connections should also be in the door right near the dispenser. Just a simple plug and play situation. Check around and see what you find.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lower-Wash-...185?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a946647c9

 

[zippy1981]

Some updates to my KDI-18 Woes

Hey all, I never replaced the part. Took things apart cleaned them out put them back together and everything was ok. Today it won't drain. I'd appreciate some advice and a lower price on a part as outlined below.

So first of all, how do I force this diswasher to try to drain so I know if I gotta take the bottom apart or not and clear out a blockage in the drain pipes/hose?

Second of all of all I need a new gasket, the one labeled 6 in this picture, is that a standard one I can buy anywhere, or does it come with p/n 4162724?

http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/AWJPEG/VINTAGE/2009/stevet++7-19-2009-21-03-58.jpg

Thirdly, can anyone bat this price on this part?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4162724-NEW...775033?hash=item41a8bc1e39:g:IzUAAOSwT4lWS5I~

Fourthly, can someone confirm this is broken. The white and black plastic form a tight seal, but the metal is super loose.



Thanks.

 

[combo52]

KD-18 Wash Arm Support

Yes you need a new one, yours is broken, the $72 price is pretty good for a new one, I would jump on it before it gets sold.

 

[zippy1981]

Ok ordered the part and he gave me the gasket for $6 and change. I still don't know how to force a drain cycle. I ordered a drill powered pump on Amazon so I wouldn't have to bail it out. I'll take apart the bottom tomorrow when that comes.

 

[stevet]

CHECK THE DRAIN VALVE

Just for the record, the gasket you needed is Hobart part number 435544 and has a list price of 2.20. So the guy really overcharged you but since you were getting the support and did not have to pay the separate shipping, I guess it was a fair price.
Just know, that these gaskets do have a tendency to stretch a bit and will appear to be too big when you want to reinstall the old ones. No harm would be done if you actually cut it just a bit to fit the circumference of the lower support. Just make sure that the is no gap in it.

As far as "forcing" a drain cycle, you should hear a definite "snap" sound of the drain valve energizing during the cycle. If you advance the time knob by hand when it is in the wash cycle( a cycle button needs to be pressed (like normal or soak cycle) you will come to the portion of the cycle where the water needs to drain and hear that snap. If you don;t, then you likely need a drain valve.
If you cannot find one online, then let me know as I have a few of them and I know Combo52, John has some.
I do have a rinse dispenser for the machine too if you want to install one.
As far as the door opening too low, it would seem that the hinges have either worn out or someone stood on the door or leaned on it to heavily at some point in its live and you will need to replace them. If you can pull the machine out of the counter a bit, you can see exactly is wrong with them. the stops on the hinges should contact the side frame of the tank when the door is perpendicular to the tank. If the hinges still have more travel, they are bent. Also, you will be able to see if the flange of the tank has been bent out which may be hard to fix, though not impossible. This condition can also be cause by repeatedly letting the door drop when opening it especially if the wood panel is heavy and they did not get the heavy duty door springs.

 

[zippy1981]

Progress

Thanks for the feedback SteveT!

Ok I took it apart some more and part 13 on the diagram was broken.
. Do you have this part available to sell Steve?

Can someone confirm the screwdriver is inserted into the part that leads to the drain in this pic? Is it safe to attempt to snake this with one of those plastic zip snake things? A pipe cleaner? Anything?


I managed to disconnect the drain hose. Yes I used towels to catch the initial water. Can I reuse the meta screw band that seaed it in place? If I cover the sharp bits of a snake in tape is it ok to snake this to the drain? I've done that with the dtain hose of a dishwasher made this century once.


Also I inserted the plastic snake in the green opening that the red hose used to be attached to and opened a valve. Water came out. It seemed to reseal. Is it likely i damaged anything? Is that the drain valve you spoke of? How do I test it?

Finally how can I (and more fundamentally should I) disconnect this? I unscrewed it all the way but it didn't get loose. Can I just yank down hard?

 

[yogitunes]

a wet and dry vac, or even a carpet cleaners suction can work wonders for helping you empty a machine, or even clear out a hose or clog.....

just hook to the end that attaches to the sink side, and with the unit unplugged, reach in and pull on the plunger to open the drain line.....

can count how many times this trick has come in handy for working on dishwashers and washers...

 

[stevet]

give me a holler

Justin, sent you an email.
Steve

 

[zippy1981]

Parts came one is broke

The parts came, one is broke, and its the cheap version of the part as per Steve.



I was told Combo52 could get me the good version with the brass top instead of the plastic top. Please contact me anyone if you have that part available.

 

[toploader55]

I have the part.

email me please

 

[zippy1981]

OK How do I put this back together

Ok I'm a little confused about the bottom. Do I have the right seal part? Which way does it go? Do I used those flat metal washers or other washers for the shims? I realize the conical washers go between the wash impeler and pump cover.



So close and yet so far

 

[stevet]

Generic Parts, Eh?

Nice set of instructions that came with your seal, from wherever you got it!
Yeah, right!

I just emailed you the Hobart/Kitchenaid instructions to properly install the shaft seal in your machine if you ave not done so already. If nothing else, you now have it and can double check your work.

I hope it helps.
Keep us posted and keep in touch
Steve