Thoughts on the KDS-56A?

[colleenm]

So happy to have found this forum! I love reading about your finds and restorations.

I came across a KitchenAid portable dishwasher (KDS-56A). It is pretty far away, but looks to be in decent condition. Seller states that there is a leak, but she thinks it is from a dry-rotted hose.

I tried googling about that model to get an idea if it would be worth trying to fix it, but I didn't find much info. Not even sure if parts are available.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Colleen

 

[turquoisedude]

Leak

The leak could be as minor as a bad washer between the hose connector and fill solenoid... If you can get it for a decent price and are willing to do a little work, it would a machine worth saving! You may not immediately find parts at your local appliance repair shop but it doesn't mean they are not still out there.

Plus we have a couple of very knowledgable KitchenAid owners here to help out if you have any questions!

 

[toploader55]

Hmmmm...

Would that be rust on the door around the top of the gasket ?

What I have learned and am going through now is that once porcelain starts to rust and it gets under the porcelain, it is generally not good.

I just saw some rust in the sump of my newly re installed KDS-20. I am heart broken as this machine is just pristine. I have an extra timer for it, the racks are gorgeous, and it is so beautiful.

I am going to have a look at it tomorrow to decide it's fate. I LOVE these older KitchenAids. But... One has to remember these puppies are old and even though they have lasted this long... somethings don't last forever as much as we want them to.

You should ask the owner to remove the Wash Arm, Filter and get some pics of the sump. They start to rust around where the heating element for the Sani Cycle heater (and Wash water) is placed.

Older machines are a crap shoot. I have found many nice machines only to get them back and find a hidden hornet's nest.

Another thing you might ask them to do is have the owner turn the machine on it's side and get a pic "Under the Skirt" so to speak. These pics will reveal where the leak may be and you will see if there are water stains on the motor, sump area indicating the deciding factor(s) if you want to pursue this further. Post them here and all the experts should chime in with their opinions.

If you are picking it up is one thing as you will be able to inspect it personally but to pay to have it shipped only to receive a heartbreak... that's devastating.

Good Luck. If this gem turns out to be in Great Shape, you will have one of the best One Armed Wonder KitchenAids. Hurricane in a Box, Takes the Rust off a Trailer Hitch, and makes everything "Shine like the top of the Chrysler Building".