Oh Noooooo!!!!
Another thread where the latest pix have stopped displaying for me.
Help Mr. Wizard!
Another thread where the latest pix have stopped displaying for me.
Help Mr. Wizard!
Ralph's resto
- Thread starter roto204
- Start date
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Rinse-aid dispenser, illustrated
The plunger punches a little flap, that goes open and closed, and can either admit and lock or dispense rinse-aid.
We should cut the old one open...
The plunger punches a little flap, that goes open and closed, and can either admit and lock or dispense rinse-aid.
We should cut the old one open...
mrcleanjeans
New member
I like these machines more than KitchenAid. They move water at the rate of 60 GPM,with straight thru action. Even without a filter, they DO clean very,very well. They are not super common which adds to their flair and fun!
How does a steam dishwasher work?
There is no small compartment. From what I've observed, the heating element kicks in and the water in the tub is raised to a steaming hot level. For the "Sanitize" cycle, that means 174 degrees. For the "Heavy" and "Full" steam cycles, it's somewhat lower.
Wash action stops while the water is heated. You can hear the fizz of the bubbles hitting the surface when the water is up to steaming temperature.
This machine uses its share of water and electricity, but it's all business and gets the job done. For everyday loads I use the "Regular" non-steam wash cycle, which requires less use of the heating element and completes the work quickly. The steam cycles come in handy for baked-on bits of food. Even Thermador, however, admits that the machine is not a miracle worker and states clearly in the owner's manual that it won't remove anything that's burnt-on. I'm willing to cut it some slack on that point. It's a real pleasure to unload a top rack that's thoroughly dry (and it accomplishes this without any forced air), so I don't mind washing by hand any baking dishes or roasting pans that have burnt-on residue in exchange for that rare luxury.
There is no small compartment. From what I've observed, the heating element kicks in and the water in the tub is raised to a steaming hot level. For the "Sanitize" cycle, that means 174 degrees. For the "Heavy" and "Full" steam cycles, it's somewhat lower.
Wash action stops while the water is heated. You can hear the fizz of the bubbles hitting the surface when the water is up to steaming temperature.
This machine uses its share of water and electricity, but it's all business and gets the job done. For everyday loads I use the "Regular" non-steam wash cycle, which requires less use of the heating element and completes the work quickly. The steam cycles come in handy for baked-on bits of food. Even Thermador, however, admits that the machine is not a miracle worker and states clearly in the owner's manual that it won't remove anything that's burnt-on. I'm willing to cut it some slack on that point. It's a real pleasure to unload a top rack that's thoroughly dry (and it accomplishes this without any forced air), so I don't mind washing by hand any baking dishes or roasting pans that have burnt-on residue in exchange for that rare luxury.
that "shield" that's on most of the heating element is the steam generator. LightedControls had 2 of these machines and they (if I remember correctly) are his absolutely all-time favorite dishwashers he's ever had.
You can include me in Mark's (LightedControls) camp regarding these dishwashers. This one has quickly become my all-time favorite!
magic clean
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2004
- Messages
- 511
Guys
this is quite interesting and so 1980's! Nate, the bi-metal activated detergent and rinse aid dispensers are identical to what White Westinghouse used in the late 70's & early 80's.
this is quite interesting and so 1980's! Nate, the bi-metal activated detergent and rinse aid dispensers are identical to what White Westinghouse used in the late 70's & early 80's.
Wow!
I had no idea, Leslie--that's interesting. I think the idea's fascinating, though if your bimetallics aren't just perfect, the whole thing goes to hell in a handbasket
Plus, the bimetallics on this machine corroded from some of the leakage, which affected their flexibility (and caused further hair-pulling).
I had no idea, Leslie--that's interesting. I think the idea's fascinating, though if your bimetallics aren't just perfect, the whole thing goes to hell in a handbasket
Plus, the bimetallics on this machine corroded from some of the leakage, which affected their flexibility (and caused further hair-pulling).
Movin' on!
We test and confirm that the rinse-dispenser trick fixed the dribble down the door there. However, the detergent dispenser leaks--not when closed, but when open. We'll have to go in and sort things out.
See the dribble in the dead-middle of the pic?
We test and confirm that the rinse-dispenser trick fixed the dribble down the door there. However, the detergent dispenser leaks--not when closed, but when open. We'll have to go in and sort things out.
See the dribble in the dead-middle of the pic?
Take-apart
We pull screws, unhook springs, and the cover comes apart. Notice the pile of food bits that have accumulated under the shroud. Ew!
The plastic flange is the pass-through for the dispenser cups and their cam.
Every screw post on the shroud has a rubber gasket, and each has deteriorated. So, we take each and every rubber part to the hardware store, and set about matching a suitable replacement, including a replacement for the rubber o-ring that slides up the dispenser cam and is probably our main culprit.
We pull screws, unhook springs, and the cover comes apart. Notice the pile of food bits that have accumulated under the shroud. Ew!
The plastic flange is the pass-through for the dispenser cups and their cam.
Every screw post on the shroud has a rubber gasket, and each has deteriorated. So, we take each and every rubber part to the hardware store, and set about matching a suitable replacement, including a replacement for the rubber o-ring that slides up the dispenser cam and is probably our main culprit.
More take-apart
Here's what the other side looks like, minus the main spring and detergent cam. Notice the corrosion on the bimetallics and the weeping of water through the bushing that surrounds the detergent cup shaft.
Removing the parts is roughly like removing the driveshaft, rear axle, and transmission of a 1967 Oldsmobile through the hood. The crossbraces for the door are totally in the way, but I didn't want to remove them, as I was concerned about door warpage.
I like the metal tray to the lower-left of the dispenser. It just slides in and friction-fits between the door and crossbrace. I think its sole purpose is to redirect those inevitable leaks back into the tank. Either that, or it helps keep the crossbraces spaced appropriately from the door panel. You decide
You can see a thermostat in the upper-right.
Here's what the other side looks like, minus the main spring and detergent cam. Notice the corrosion on the bimetallics and the weeping of water through the bushing that surrounds the detergent cup shaft.
Removing the parts is roughly like removing the driveshaft, rear axle, and transmission of a 1967 Oldsmobile through the hood. The crossbraces for the door are totally in the way, but I didn't want to remove them, as I was concerned about door warpage.
I like the metal tray to the lower-left of the dispenser. It just slides in and friction-fits between the door and crossbrace. I think its sole purpose is to redirect those inevitable leaks back into the tank. Either that, or it helps keep the crossbraces spaced appropriately from the door panel. You decide
You can see a thermostat in the upper-right.
Success
We're able to find suitable o-ring replacements at the hardware store. We have to use roundies instead of flat ones, but everything seals and seems to work okay. Further water testing shows that we've finally conquered the door leak.
Next, we test the steam cycle to make sure it still works. The sound is curiously reminiscent of the old Sunbeam Hot Shots.
The dishwasher will stop and heat water on a regular cycle to make sure it's to temperature, but will really do its thing on one of the steam cycles.
You can twiddle the dial, but you don't really have to. It's push-to-start, and the machine--rather like an older KitchenAid--can just complete most any cycle (except, as Ralph pointed out, Rinse and Hold) with just a press and no further intervention.
We're able to find suitable o-ring replacements at the hardware store. We have to use roundies instead of flat ones, but everything seals and seems to work okay. Further water testing shows that we've finally conquered the door leak.
Next, we test the steam cycle to make sure it still works. The sound is curiously reminiscent of the old Sunbeam Hot Shots.
The dishwasher will stop and heat water on a regular cycle to make sure it's to temperature, but will really do its thing on one of the steam cycles.
You can twiddle the dial, but you don't really have to. It's push-to-start, and the machine--rather like an older KitchenAid--can just complete most any cycle (except, as Ralph pointed out, Rinse and Hold) with just a press and no further intervention.
Now, what about those panels?
Ralph's kitchen is stainless steel, but we had no panels to speak of for the Thermador.
So, we got polished aluminum panels from Orchard Supply, and I cut them to size and backed them with cardboard. We reapplied the trim, and voila! Faux stainless panels for a faux stainless dishwasher!
It even shows fingerprints just like stainless ;-)
Ralph's kitchen is stainless steel, but we had no panels to speak of for the Thermador.
So, we got polished aluminum panels from Orchard Supply, and I cut them to size and backed them with cardboard. We reapplied the trim, and voila! Faux stainless panels for a faux stainless dishwasher!
It even shows fingerprints just like stainless ;-)
Installed
Isn't she pretty?
We had the usual amount of built-in "oh my God, why did they cut the fill/drain/power this short" kind of stuff, but we got it in. It certainly is a BIG dishwasher, like the KitchenAids--it utilizes every inch of space in the enclosure.
The enclosure in Ralph's kitchen was meant to allow for a portable to glide underneath the countertop, so we have to install the Thermador on "skids" of wood to get it up to the right height. Next, we adjust the door latch (which is interesting--it has the ability to click-latch without sliding the actual latch mechanism--a very solid and nice-feeling process).
Finally, we construct a new toekick for the bottom panel out of sheet metal, since the one that belonged with the dishwasher was missing.
Isn't she pretty?
We had the usual amount of built-in "oh my God, why did they cut the fill/drain/power this short" kind of stuff, but we got it in. It certainly is a BIG dishwasher, like the KitchenAids--it utilizes every inch of space in the enclosure.
The enclosure in Ralph's kitchen was meant to allow for a portable to glide underneath the countertop, so we have to install the Thermador on "skids" of wood to get it up to the right height. Next, we adjust the door latch (which is interesting--it has the ability to click-latch without sliding the actual latch mechanism--a very solid and nice-feeling process).
Finally, we construct a new toekick for the bottom panel out of sheet metal, since the one that belonged with the dishwasher was missing.
And there we go
Cheese
Cheese
Awesome!
What a great job on your restore!
These are great dishwashers! I just love the sounds they make while cleaning!
In my late teens growing up in New Orleans.....this was the dishwasher of the "New Orleans" Crowed. Not Kitchenaid....Thermador! I was able to see so many in action. The neat part is that most of the kitchen were complete Thermador sets. Very nice equipment!
Thanks for all your pictures on your progress! It looks fantastic in your kitchen!
Brent
What a great job on your restore!
These are great dishwashers! I just love the sounds they make while cleaning!
In my late teens growing up in New Orleans.....this was the dishwasher of the "New Orleans" Crowed. Not Kitchenaid....Thermador! I was able to see so many in action. The neat part is that most of the kitchen were complete Thermador sets. Very nice equipment!
Thanks for all your pictures on your progress! It looks fantastic in your kitchen!
Brent
Thanks Brent. I love this machine too!
And thanks Nate, for doing a fabulous job of telling the whole story, as well as immediately zeroing in on all of the problem points. I guess I was so thrilled about finding the aluminum panel at OSH that I forgot we went there to find replacement washers!
We did have a subsequent partial tear-down to replace the bad rinse aid dispenser and the bent hinges, and at that time we tweaked out the skids and leveling adjustments to get the machine to fit snugly and perfectly into its new home. I guess what we should have done is snap a picture of the Motley Maytag that was in there before to underscore the drama quotient of this under-counter transformation.
I do agree with Nate that the latching mechanism on the Thermador provides a very solid and satisfying click when it engages, like a fine automobile. This machine is 100% pure beef, and I'm thinking even a KitchenAid Superba from the same period can't touch it for cleaning and drying capability.
I wanted a KA 22 series but Nate found this Thermador for me. I hope I can enjoy it for a long time to come. Just from the sound of it in operation, you know the soiling on the dishes inside doesn't stand a chance.
Nate, we'll see you at my place soon to generate some crusty casserole dishes, BobLoad the TT and kick back and enjoy the sounds of superior steam-charged cleaning.
And thanks Nate, for doing a fabulous job of telling the whole story, as well as immediately zeroing in on all of the problem points. I guess I was so thrilled about finding the aluminum panel at OSH that I forgot we went there to find replacement washers!
We did have a subsequent partial tear-down to replace the bad rinse aid dispenser and the bent hinges, and at that time we tweaked out the skids and leveling adjustments to get the machine to fit snugly and perfectly into its new home. I guess what we should have done is snap a picture of the Motley Maytag that was in there before to underscore the drama quotient of this under-counter transformation.
I do agree with Nate that the latching mechanism on the Thermador provides a very solid and satisfying click when it engages, like a fine automobile. This machine is 100% pure beef, and I'm thinking even a KitchenAid Superba from the same period can't touch it for cleaning and drying capability.
I wanted a KA 22 series but Nate found this Thermador for me. I hope I can enjoy it for a long time to come. Just from the sound of it in operation, you know the soiling on the dishes inside doesn't stand a chance.
Nate, we'll see you at my place soon to generate some crusty casserole dishes, BobLoad the TT and kick back and enjoy the sounds of superior steam-charged cleaning.
John,
Definitely contact me or Nate if you end up parting out the 1986 machine. I hope you don't have to, and if you do find a timer motor, please share your resource with us. The timers seem to be a weak spot on these machines.
Definitely contact me or Nate if you end up parting out the 1986 machine. I hope you don't have to, and if you do find a timer motor, please share your resource with us. The timers seem to be a weak spot on these machines.
My parents own the push-button version of this machine and we all hate it with a fiery passion- dishes have to be completely clean before they can be put in the dishwasher. There's something wrong with the bottom wash arm, where it makes a horrible scraping noise when you turn it with your hand- obviously not going to clean anything that way. My mom wants a new GE tall tub but my dad is super cheap and doesn't really care since he doesn't do the dishes. It is an excellent plate warmer however.
