Soon to be very COOL KitchenAid KD-12 Dishwasher

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Unimatic1140

Unimatic1140

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About five years ago I picked up this relatively common KD-12 KitchenAid dishwasher from Bismarck, ND in pink. Inside its in nice shape, outside is kinda crappy and mechanically it needed some work. This was the first time in 5 years I've ever plugged it in and gave it a whirl...

7-6-2008-15-08-30--Unimatic1140.jpg
 
The problem that most likely put this dishwasher out of service is the motor start switch with a terminal that fell off. Not many washers or dishwashers use a external start switch to energize the start winding of the motor, most have them built right inside the motor. The KitchenAid (like GE Filter-Flo washers) use a special switch mounted externally. The way it works is when the motor first starts there is a great rush of power thru the motor with the rotor stationary. This great rush of power causes enough of a surge to close the solenoid switch deep inside this switch box. When the motor gets near full speed (1/4 to 1/2 second) the rush of power subsides and the solenoid opens which removes the power from the little internal solenoid opening the connection to the start winding, hence only leaving the run winding of the motor energized.

I tried to fix this motor start switch but even opening up the box caused it to crack and break even more.

7-6-2008-15-10-21--Unimatic1140.jpg
 
So even though the KA motor is 1/4 horsepower, I decided to try a GE Filter-Flo external start switch for 1/3 hp GE motors. Because the KA has three terminals and GE has four I had to do a little experimenting to get it to work as well as add a jumper wire between two terminals. But it works perfectly! it’s a perfectly replacement for a (I’m sure) long NLA KitchenAid motor start switch, YAY.

7-6-2008-15-15-55--Unimatic1140.jpg
 
An Excellent Job, Robert!

I was about to hit my old Hobart books for the new part number for the relay but I see you were able to get the machine going.
They actually changed to a relay like the one you have there so if you want me to check for you, let me know. We may still be able to get the correct oem item for it thru Hobart.

I like the drain pump you installed. I bet it really drains the machine quickly. Unfortunately, without the drain pump and reservoir installed and the pressure switch, you have no overflow protection except that as long as the motor runs, any excess water will pump out so I guess it isnt too bad.

Lot's of luck with it. Hope to see a real "Bob Load" in it one day!
 
lol, toploader.
thing is, I don't see that as a problem for Robert.

It's amazing how small they made those DWs, considering the amount of space they allotted for it.

Sweet, your adorable pet electroluxs frollicking in the background just as pets often do.
 
You should have seen this machine's Papa and Grandpa!

The original commercial UM series machines were even smaller than this yet could also be had in a standard counter ht machine like this one. They had a shortened tank which only took one rack at a time and that held dishes too. It was probably about 6-8 inches lower than the domestic tank. It fit great underneath the counters at bars as a glasswasher and in donut shops as a full functioning undercounter dishwasher.They were just about everywhere someone needed a fast machine
 
They actually changed to a relay like the one you have there so if you want me to check for you, let me know. We may still be able to get the correct oem item for it thru Hobart.
Thanks Steve, this one works just fine.

your workshop is as cluttered as mine - yay!
You can say that again ;)

Well step one with the Jig Saw worked just fine, and I'm glad to report not one single leak using a nice thick cork gasket against that beautiful new glass. Later I have to cut away the front of the door. ***Evil Laugh***

7-6-2008-18-25-7--Unimatic1140.jpg
 
Hobart made some interesting stuff.
The Church I belonged to when I lived in Northboro, MA. had a Hobart undercounter machine. I am guessing it was late 60s or a bit newer.
but it only took one all plastic removable "rack" that had no tines and no wheels. ??? they looked like those racks you see them deliver bread in at the grocery store. I don't know if this was original. Anyway. It was SS and had a pressure guage in the kick space you had to wait until it heated up before using the first time. Anyway, you put the dishes in with detergent and they were done in like 4 minutes. ??? Does that sound right. That is what those long term members at the church said was the way to use it.
Helping at the church one had to organize the plates on this rack without tines. not even a silverware basket. There were about 10 of the plastic racks so you could load them in advance. It seemed to work. I just thought these needed to rinse more than once.
 
***clapping***

Lots of dishwasher fun!

Looks fabulous...

Which do you think was more nervous? The Dishwasher or the Jigsaw?

~F
 
Which do you think was more nervous? The Dishwasher or the Jigsaw?
I think its answer 'C' Fred, "me" using the jigsaw :)

Well here he is, all ready for his first Action Washload. What I want to do next week is seal up the space between the outer door and the glass, automatically light the dishwasher interior while its running and give it a good paint job! Begone with the "Forbidden to see" cycle! YAY

7-6-2008-20-57-13--Unimatic1140.jpg
 

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