A few of the teardown/rebuild
Power Clean?
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How much I miss these! I need a crying emoji! Best machine ever made hands down. Glad to see you saved this machine. I have to admit now that I look at it dismantled these certainly were not complex machines- actually very simple.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Yes, those ovens are absolute workhorses. The only thing I’ve ever had to do was replace the heating element and fix the timer. I didn’t even have to replace the timer to fix it. There was just a piece of metal that had slightly bent over the years and I just bent it back. I’ve had mine since I bought the house back in 2009 and it’s seen 4-5 days per week use. If anything does go wrong, it’s such a simple analog design that it should be easy to fix and last a lifetime!
Beautiful machine you got there! It looks immaculate. Thanks for sharing.
I ended up getting a 915 today! The guy I was going to buy the 941 from couldn’t sell it to me for a couple more weeks, because his new machine hadn’t been delivered. I know a lot can happen in couple weeks and there just so happened to be a 915 that looked good, so I jumped on it. I still plan on getting the 941 if it works out.
This was the first live look I actually got of one of these machines. All I can say is, this thing is well made! The plastic on the interior is thick and made to last through years of heat cycles. The stainless steel is actually true solid stainless steel!
Eventually I would like to replace the control panel, because the start button cover is missing.
I can’t wait to do my first load!
Beautiful machine you got there! It looks immaculate. Thanks for sharing.
I ended up getting a 915 today! The guy I was going to buy the 941 from couldn’t sell it to me for a couple more weeks, because his new machine hadn’t been delivered. I know a lot can happen in couple weeks and there just so happened to be a 915 that looked good, so I jumped on it. I still plan on getting the 941 if it works out.
This was the first live look I actually got of one of these machines. All I can say is, this thing is well made! The plastic on the interior is thick and made to last through years of heat cycles. The stainless steel is actually true solid stainless steel!
Eventually I would like to replace the control panel, because the start button cover is missing.
I can’t wait to do my first load!
KUDS-25 Architect Series Flat Panel
Piles of washing to do... The last of the holiday baking.
Always clean. I have softened water, our tap water runs 12-17 grains, and have been using the Kirkland dishwasher pacs in the main cup for two years now. Never have had a failure or rejects.
Piles of washing to do... The last of the holiday baking.
Always clean. I have softened water, our tap water runs 12-17 grains, and have been using the Kirkland dishwasher pacs in the main cup for two years now. Never have had a failure or rejects.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Installed
Love that KUDS-25! That’s an absolutely beautiful machine!
So, today I was able to get the PowerClean installed. I checked the inlet valve filter, which was in surprisingly good shape being over 13 years old. I also took the machine apart a bit to see if I need to manually clean anything; but again like John said it would be, everything was surprisingly clean. Especially the filter. There wasn’t an ounce of anything on the filter. They aren’t kidding around when they call it a self cleaning filter!
I then ran an empty pots and pans load with lime green Cascade gel that has the bleach in it. First thing I noticed was the water inlet didn’t sound like it was just dribbling water, but rather pouring water in! And then the hurricane started. This machine definitely has some power! Also, in between cycles and during the drying cycle huge pockets of steam was released. It just seems like a well designed machine from top to bottom.
One question I do have is: When I was taking it apart to get down to the pump, in the oval shape pump outlet there were two balls. The video I was following said that in most models 1 ball is in the outlet and one down inside. I figure my DU915 must just be one of the models that had both balls in the outlet, so when I put it back together, I just put both balls back in the outlet like they were. I just followed the rule of putting it back together like it was when I took it apart. Did I do the correct thing?
Love that KUDS-25! That’s an absolutely beautiful machine!
So, today I was able to get the PowerClean installed. I checked the inlet valve filter, which was in surprisingly good shape being over 13 years old. I also took the machine apart a bit to see if I need to manually clean anything; but again like John said it would be, everything was surprisingly clean. Especially the filter. There wasn’t an ounce of anything on the filter. They aren’t kidding around when they call it a self cleaning filter!
I then ran an empty pots and pans load with lime green Cascade gel that has the bleach in it. First thing I noticed was the water inlet didn’t sound like it was just dribbling water, but rather pouring water in! And then the hurricane started. This machine definitely has some power! Also, in between cycles and during the drying cycle huge pockets of steam was released. It just seems like a well designed machine from top to bottom.
One question I do have is: When I was taking it apart to get down to the pump, in the oval shape pump outlet there were two balls. The video I was following said that in most models 1 ball is in the outlet and one down inside. I figure my DU915 must just be one of the models that had both balls in the outlet, so when I put it back together, I just put both balls back in the outlet like they were. I just followed the rule of putting it back together like it was when I took it apart. Did I do the correct thing?
Yes!! There are three check balls total, two of them go down inside that opening of the shroud that goes around the drain impeller, so you did it correctly. One of them will push against the bottom hole of the filter assembly, preventing back flow, the other will cover the hole on the side of that outlet opening, which is where the remaining water is pulled from the sump. The third one is inside the little oval shaped cover that is secured with a T15 bolt on the bottom of the filter assembly. There's normally no reason to take it apart though. The purpose of that check ball is the prevent water being pulled from the filter accumulator chamber back into the wash impeller chamber when the drain portion starts, so that the soils that have been trapped don't sucked back out and through the wash arms. If you notice, during the drains, despite the impellers reversing, there's still a fair amount of water that gets pushed through the arms, just at a fraction of the pressure and volume.
You're exactly right about the build quality. Despite the tubs being plastic, it is GOOD plastic. There's a reason they gave the tubs 20-25 year warranties; there's no reason they'd ever crack or warp or leak. These machines are built like tanks, and you can feel it on everything from the motor and pump assembly to just opening and closing the door.
You'll be amazed what a power house it is at cleaning. The Normal cycle is beyond adequate for even the most heavily soiled loads. My aunt has a 2003 model similar to the one in your original post on this thread, with the difference of one addtional cycle I believe. That particular machine is what made me fall in love with the PowerClean design and Whirlpool in general. I was always amazed at how that machine was packed to the brim and not a single dish was rinsed, the door covered in goopy sauces and even pieces of green bean or a stray noodle or bits of cooked hamburger meat sitting on the bottom of the tub. A normal cycle later and not a single speck remained and nothing but a fresh smell at that. I envied her for that machine because we had a GE Nautilus that would leave yiblets and grit along the top edge of the door even after a Pots and Pans cycle, and still didn't leave the squeaky clean feel that the PowerClean did on just a normal wash.
Even for the machine I have, I use the Normal-Low Energy cycle more than Normal itself, because Low Energy forgoes the prewash and does a longer main wash, better for enzyme based detergent pacs today, and still heats the final rinse to 140. Not a single complaint with any of the results.
You're exactly right about the build quality. Despite the tubs being plastic, it is GOOD plastic. There's a reason they gave the tubs 20-25 year warranties; there's no reason they'd ever crack or warp or leak. These machines are built like tanks, and you can feel it on everything from the motor and pump assembly to just opening and closing the door.
You'll be amazed what a power house it is at cleaning. The Normal cycle is beyond adequate for even the most heavily soiled loads. My aunt has a 2003 model similar to the one in your original post on this thread, with the difference of one addtional cycle I believe. That particular machine is what made me fall in love with the PowerClean design and Whirlpool in general. I was always amazed at how that machine was packed to the brim and not a single dish was rinsed, the door covered in goopy sauces and even pieces of green bean or a stray noodle or bits of cooked hamburger meat sitting on the bottom of the tub. A normal cycle later and not a single speck remained and nothing but a fresh smell at that. I envied her for that machine because we had a GE Nautilus that would leave yiblets and grit along the top edge of the door even after a Pots and Pans cycle, and still didn't leave the squeaky clean feel that the PowerClean did on just a normal wash.
Even for the machine I have, I use the Normal-Low Energy cycle more than Normal itself, because Low Energy forgoes the prewash and does a longer main wash, better for enzyme based detergent pacs today, and still heats the final rinse to 140. Not a single complaint with any of the results.
I've had 2 problems with my KUDS24.
A relay connection on the main control board blew off all its solder and the motor would no longer run. A few seconds with a soldering iron and it is better then new.
Second issue wasn't a show stopper but it seemed to lack performance somehow. I pulled off the washarm to check for blockages and noticed there was a bunch of axial play in the washarm. The bearing spacers that the washarm rides against were worn to the point that much of the pressure leaked out under the arm. I machined new anti friction Delrin parts and it works like new again.
A tablespoon of gel on the door for the first wash and a Cascade Platnium pack in the dispenser. Wash performance is always flawless. Hope to keep it running another decade or two.
A relay connection on the main control board blew off all its solder and the motor would no longer run. A few seconds with a soldering iron and it is better then new.
Second issue wasn't a show stopper but it seemed to lack performance somehow. I pulled off the washarm to check for blockages and noticed there was a bunch of axial play in the washarm. The bearing spacers that the washarm rides against were worn to the point that much of the pressure leaked out under the arm. I machined new anti friction Delrin parts and it works like new again.
A tablespoon of gel on the door for the first wash and a Cascade Platnium pack in the dispenser. Wash performance is always flawless. Hope to keep it running another decade or two.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
First Load
Did my first load and everything came out flawless. I’m very happy with this machine!
Did my first load and everything came out flawless. I’m very happy with this machine!
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
I have plates
just like that. I also notice you load bowls differently than I do. I put them face down instead of on their side. I might try on the side just to see how they come out. It looks like on the side would definitely give you a little more room.
just like that. I also notice you load bowls differently than I do. I put them face down instead of on their side. I might try on the side just to see how they come out. It looks like on the side would definitely give you a little more room.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Thanks for the info about the check balls Murando. It makes sense now.
Mark, yeah. You’ve got to love Corelle. They are so durable. The only ones that have been broken are the ones that have been thrown at me haha!
This is the latest placement system that I have found that works best for my family of 5 using my Corelle dishes. I start alternating large plates from the right. I start placing small bowls back left and small plates front left. I then have room for larger bowls around the sides. I’m able to fit my tall cups up top by leaning them, I make use of the unused space by placing lids there.
Mark, yeah. You’ve got to love Corelle. They are so durable. The only ones that have been broken are the ones that have been thrown at me haha!
This is the latest placement system that I have found that works best for my family of 5 using my Corelle dishes. I start alternating large plates from the right. I start placing small bowls back left and small plates front left. I then have room for larger bowls around the sides. I’m able to fit my tall cups up top by leaning them, I make use of the unused space by placing lids there.
Glad You Are Enjoying Your PC DW
Indeed you can get a lot in these DWs because the water force is strong enough you can often block 90% of water access to items in the lower rack and they still get plenty of cleaning.
I would be careful of the three large S\S mugs in the top rack however, since they are tilted to the outside they may not get enough water inside them, Test by smearing peanut butter in one or two and see if it is all washed out.
John L.
Indeed you can get a lot in these DWs because the water force is strong enough you can often block 90% of water access to items in the lower rack and they still get plenty of cleaning.
I would be careful of the three large S\S mugs in the top rack however, since they are tilted to the outside they may not get enough water inside them, Test by smearing peanut butter in one or two and see if it is all washed out.
John L.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Thanks John
I didn’t do the peanut butter test, but I found if I remove just one of the small plates, I’m able to add my large cups on the bottom rack where the clear pie dish is in the photo would go. This leaves me with more room on the top rack anyway since the large cups were taking up 2 rows.
I didn’t do the peanut butter test, but I found if I remove just one of the small plates, I’m able to add my large cups on the bottom rack where the clear pie dish is in the photo would go. This leaves me with more room on the top rack anyway since the large cups were taking up 2 rows.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Rust
When I first got my PowerClean I washed off a little rust from the inside tub before I used it. For two weeks the tub remained spotless. Today out of nowhere I noticed some rust stains at the bottom of the door. I’m wondering if I might need to do some preventative maintenance on the machine. I did notice when I took it apart there was a little rust on the motor shaft. I have soft water and my pipes are clean and I have crystal clear water. I did wash some knives that have small specs of rust spots. Does anyone know what it could be?
When I first got my PowerClean I washed off a little rust from the inside tub before I used it. For two weeks the tub remained spotless. Today out of nowhere I noticed some rust stains at the bottom of the door. I’m wondering if I might need to do some preventative maintenance on the machine. I did notice when I took it apart there was a little rust on the motor shaft. I have soft water and my pipes are clean and I have crystal clear water. I did wash some knives that have small specs of rust spots. Does anyone know what it could be?
Stained Door Linner
I don't think that is rust, but rather some type of stain from food, see what removes the stain that will help determine what the source of the stain is.
John L.
I don't think that is rust, but rather some type of stain from food, see what removes the stain that will help determine what the source of the stain is.
John L.
The stain very much looks like there had been a utensil in the silverware basket coated with tomato product. Plastic tubs are notorious for tomato staining!
Not Rust:
As others have said it is a food soil stain. Most likely tomato based. The solution is to use a chlorinated detergent and or rinse tomato based soils before loading. Although neither is really needed as this minor discoloration is temporary and causes no harm to the machine or it's ability to wash.
WK78
As others have said it is a food soil stain. Most likely tomato based. The solution is to use a chlorinated detergent and or rinse tomato based soils before loading. Although neither is really needed as this minor discoloration is temporary and causes no harm to the machine or it's ability to wash.
WK78
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Thanks Everyone
Thanks everyone for the reply. It was definitely food, today I found some orange colored fine food particles trapped in the door crease of the bottom of the dishwasher where it meets the door. They were so fine you could tell they had been pulverized. I’m thinking I might need to replace the gaskets, since I opened it up and never replaced the gaskets. I don’t think food once pulverized is supposed to make its way back into the tub is it?
There wasn’t water in the bottom of tub, but there was water in the pump area. Is that normal? I’m thinking it’s designed that way to keep the pump primed, but I just want to make sure.
Thanks everyone for the reply. It was definitely food, today I found some orange colored fine food particles trapped in the door crease of the bottom of the dishwasher where it meets the door. They were so fine you could tell they had been pulverized. I’m thinking I might need to replace the gaskets, since I opened it up and never replaced the gaskets. I don’t think food once pulverized is supposed to make its way back into the tub is it?
There wasn’t water in the bottom of tub, but there was water in the pump area. Is that normal? I’m thinking it’s designed that way to keep the pump primed, but I just want to make sure.
Water In Sump
Is normal, mainly because it is impossible for a water pump to pump all water out when pumping up hill, it also keeps the carbon-ceramic seal surface wet and lubricated.
The PC system grinds up food very fine, but it can not filter all of it out of the water stream so some particles just have to get flushed away with water changes.
John L.
Is normal, mainly because it is impossible for a water pump to pump all water out when pumping up hill, it also keeps the carbon-ceramic seal surface wet and lubricated.
The PC system grinds up food very fine, but it can not filter all of it out of the water stream so some particles just have to get flushed away with water changes.
John L.
iiijohnnymaciii
Well-known member
Thanks Again
Thank you for the info and quick response, John.
Thank you for the info and quick response, John.
