Vintage Kitchenaid Dishwasher missing a part

[patti53]

I recently purchased a vintage Dishwasher model # KUDI230BWH0. Appears to be in great shape except there is a round something or other (I can’t even find out the name of the part or it’s purpose yet) missing from the bottom panel. I have a picture of the pamphlet that came with it but still doesn’t list the part or purpose so I can even try to locate one. Does anyone know what this part is and it’s purpose so I can search for one? Thank you in advance.

 

[steved]

Pic needed

How about an actual pic of the dishwasher? The model number you give does not match anything in that brochure

 

[stevet]

SteveT agrees

With SteveD! A Picture is worth 1000 words!

 

[circlew]

The KitchenAid brochure you posted show models made in the mid to late 1960's (probably 15 series). A machine with the model number KUDI23 is much later, probably early 1990's. The round thing you refer to is the timer. Starting with the 16 series, the timer was moved, so yours won't have one on the bottom panel.

 

[patti53]

Actual dishwasher pic

Here is the actual dishwasher.

 

[DADoES]

 
Previous owner reused the front panels from their old machine.  The ring on the bottom panel is a non-functional artifact.  The timer on your KUDI23 is at the knob at the left on the upper panel.

 

[DADoES]

 
Post the serial number of your KUDS23 if you want to know the age of it.

 

[patti53]

Must be an odd duck

Thank you all for your responses. That explains why I am having so much difficulty locating info. I did find a manual from the internet when I entered the model number, handwritten date of 9/95. But couldn’t find info on the timer or why it would be down there. Sorry for delayed responses, but newby’s can only post a 30 minutes. I will send a pic of the tag on the inside of the door. The machine appears to be in really preserved condition…minus the missing piece. It looked so good, I couldn’t pass it up. If I can’t get my beloved KDI-17A restored, I thought I might install this one if I am unsuccessful at restoring mine. I also bought a working used KDI-17 to use for parts. Combining the best of both for restoration. The second pic is mine installed. I am attached to it and don’t want to give up on it yet. Wanted to find the piece for the other because iI am a stickler for old appliances looking and working as they should.

 

[rp2813]

Also --

If the simulated wood door and lower access panels don't match your kitchen, there may be additional panels behind them.  They're likely white, black, almond, and one other color that would have still been popular in the early '90s.

 

The trim pieces around the door and access panels need to be unscrewed on one side and removed, then the sheets with other colors on them can be accessed (if they weren't discarded entirely in favor of the simulated wood ones).

 

[patti53]

Kitchenaid dishwasher panels

Certainly didn’t expect the panels not to be the originals for the model. Now that you said that, it makes sense. I won’t need to get a part for it then. Problem solved. Thanks

 

[hobarthero]

KD-15 panels

Interesting that someone would have re-used panels from a KD-15 machine on a KD-23. Well I’m glad you aren’t missing any parts.
-Shannon

 

[firedome]

panel interchange...?

I don't believe panels will interchange between KA 15 and 23 series models, iirc the door and lower panel sizes are different. My 17 series panels wouldn't fit on the 18 series we've had.

 

[steved]

Insert

I'm betting that they cut down the wood insert from the 15 to fit the panel kit for the newer model

 

[circlew]

It would make common sense that if they were only replacing the dishwasher, and not the cabinetry, that they would reuse the matching wood panel if possible. It would have been expensive to make a new insert and stain it to match.