Part(s) for KitchenAid Imperial 21 Dishwasher (KDI-21AD)

[stegfucius]

Greetings!

Recently bought our first home with some really cool, fairly well-operating, vintage appliances, so this probably will not be the last time I hit up these wonderful forums here. To everybody behind the scenes here at AutomaticWasher.org, thank you for providing them!

So, with that said, what has me posting this time regards our AWESOME, vintage KitchenAid Imperial 21 dishwasher (KDI-21AD). It has not been used for much if not all of the last five to ten years, though, from what I understand. We have used it a couple times. Seems to work great! Dishware comes out clean and spotless! What more do you want! However, I am (now) guessing that due to lack of use (some of) the rubber and plastic parts may be dried out and brittle. To wit, the last (second) time we used it, something broke off. I have attached photos of the part and provided a link for it. I believe it is the Seal - Air Inlet.

Any recommendations? Do you think it is, indeed, the Seal - Air Inlet, or not? How critical of a part is it? Does it absolutely need to be replaced?

- If not, what are the downsides to running the dishwasher without it, which is to say what damage is being done to the machine by running it without the part?

- If so, where can I get the part? I cannot find anywhere that carries it.

Thank you all for your anticipated assistance with our getting and keeping our wonderful, vintage dishwasher running! I am...

... Sincerely,
Steve

https://www.partselect.com/PS604785...hTerm=KDI21AD&ModelNum=KDI21AD&ModelID=635849

 

[combo52]

KitchenAid dishwasher part ??

I’m not even sure that that’s part of your dishwasher, in any event if you think it came from around the air vent in the right rear corner where the air comes in look underneath the dishwasher after it’s been run and see if it’s leaking in that corner if it isn’t I wouldn’t worry about it.

I got a chuckle out of your remark that you’re not gonna ever need help when you own a bunch of vintage appliances they will break down just like new ones, sometimes they’re easier to fix otherwise everything breaks

Good luck just know if You find out any more about that part.

John L

 

[steved]

Maybe not dishwasher related?

I wonder if this is a gasket from a blender or canning jar. I can't imagine how it could dislodge from the vent. If you're willing, remove the bottom panel and look for water staining on the bottom of the tub that would indicate a leak.
Yes, continue to "hit up these wonderful forums" as there are many folks here willing to help you with your questions.
I think your statement was misunderstood. SteveD

 

[combo52]

Hi Steve, You are correct I read Stevens fist paragraph too fast, sorry

 

[stegfucius]

Thanks, John, Steve, but need a little more help...

Figures a John and a Steve would help me out here. I am Steve, and my dad, who has passed away, was John. I also appreciate the error pickoff and correction, fellas! I can be longwinded. I apologize.

ANYway, please pardon my ignorance here, of which I bring to the table an abundance, but how do I remove the bottom panel (so as to look for water staining on the bottom of the tub)? It seems to be on there very tight, and I do not see any screws or clips or anything to remove. I do not want to break it. Any further help for the village idiot over here?

Thanks in advance, again!

- Steve S.

 

[steved]

Maybe this will help

See page 2 for the removal of the lower panel. Page 1 has the pic that helps me!

 

[rp2813]

Hi Steve,

 

The bottom panel is fairly easy to remove, but putting it back in place can get tricky.  Just keep at it and eventually it will pop into the correct position.

 

Ralph (sorry for that curve ball)