WP Dishwasher questions

[akronman]

My godson might buy a house with this dishwasher, unknown condition. When is it from? If in good working order or repairable, does it wash well? I have a spare KDS21 in perfect condition I could swap to him if this one needs much work. This WP says CONVERTIBLE-PORTABLE and is weirdly added in to a 1947 kitchen closet.

 

[awooff]

Wp

I had that same model in my first house. Washed great especially on heavy wash but does use about 13 gals of water. Door switch went out on mine.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Great washing machine. Keep it unless you have water problems like a shallow well. You can still get very good results skipping the first wash, just put the detergent in the first fill as well as the main wash.

 

[whitetub]

I would say it was made in the mid-1970's.

 

[DADoES]

 
The model/serial tag is probably affixed to the edge of the tub.  Model is coded for year of market introduction.  Serial is coded for year and week of factory production.

 

[qsd-dan]

May want to run a couple of loads of bleach through it first if that's mold at the bottom of the tank.

 

[appnut]

Takes Chromes off a trailer hitch!!! Looks like an adjustable upper rack. Early to mid 1970s I'd say.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

motor sound

The motor sound on these older units sound completely unmistakeable to me, especially when the pump is running while filling.

 

[combo52]

1978-80 WP DW

Very good DW, will out-clean the KD-21 DWs for sure.

 

Looks to be lightly used and in good shape [ that's just dirt in the bottom not mold ] if you run bleach in it don't use more than 1/4 cup to avoid damage to rubber parts.

 

You can even up grade this DW to a Power-Clean pump from a later machine.

 

John L.

 

[akronman]

Now at my house

My godson bought the house, the dishwasher doesn;t run but the washer, dryer, HVAC, stove and everything else does! So, the dishwasher is at my house for repairs, it's portable model SDF7800, and the underside looks remarkable! Except the motor, looks like it's been leaked on and seized. His entire Frigidaire kitchen looks like 1974 or so, the range has a 3 prong outlet right above the rear right burner, I think that bad idea was stopped in the mid-70's.
John, the parts diagram says motor 301861-Emerson, or 301858 GE motor, I can get a used Emerson at a reasonable price. But you mention upgrading to a Power-Clean? What should I be looking for?
Various pics, no rush on repairs since there's only 2 folks at his house and they've been washing by hand in their old place and here.
Underside looks excellent, this machine got some use but knowing the previous single 80 year old owner of the house, I bet it gave him trouble in the 80's and he pushed it in a corner of the kitchen and it hans't been touched since. Solenoids work for fill, then the motor does nothing at all.
And the impeller screw looks to have a folded over tab covering it, is that right or is it damage?
And the very 1st pic at the start of this thread---it turns out this is a prtable, they just kinda sawed off parts of the kitchen closet door jamb and stored it there! 1947 home remodeled in the 70's, what the heck!
Also, I am dis-assembling from top down inside the tub, correct? I will loosen the motor from underneath later?

 

[akronman]

Parts and diagrams

This is Whirlpool dishwasher SDF7800W1, W means white. IT has a reversing motor for pump up into the wash versus pump down to drain, as opposed to various machines using single direction motors with solenoids to choose wash versus drain.
Attached are parts list.

 

[akronman]

More Fun

sticker on top

 

[mickeyd]

I have this originally portable Whirlpool, too--thanks to Big Al, King of Dishwashers-- also transformed into a built-in with a handmade butcher block top. Tis a true beast, used mostly in the Winter months, because of its monster heater which adds fragrant warmth to the kitchen nicely. Got a real kick out of Uncle Bob's comment not to mention his telepathy, since today I bought my first Wegman's "Golden Pan" entree, a stuffed pork tenderloin, and indeed the Whirlpool ate the gold right off the pan. All the superlatives about Whirlpool custom Imperial are true.

One moment, please, for the pix.

 

[mickeyd]

Pix

 

[combo52]

Late 70s whirlpool dishwashers

Hi Mark,

It’s better to just replace the entire pump and motor assembly good used ones are still readily available I may even have one if you need help procuring one.

From underneath you merely takeoff the drain hose unscrew the nylon check valve that the hose was clamped onto swivel the four little tabs in word unplug the wiring and push the motor and pump assembly completely out of the dishwasher. You lift it out from the inside that is.

The early power clean assemblies will fit right in there as well.

John, call me if you have questions Mark

 

[tomturbomatic]

Beware the Power Clean Module

You will run into the same problems that John ran into if you replace the pump with a power clean module. The power clean module does not pump out as fast as the original pump so there is water left behind after every drain. Power clean machines have a timer with longer drain periods. John must not remember that he had to turn down the fill valve on his modified machine. How your son will manage that with a portable, I don't know.

 

[mattl]

I've got a similar unit in my basement I use for odds and ends. It will take paint off things. It's also very loud. Would not be my first choice for a daily driver due to the high water usage but does do a good job.

 

[akronman]

New motor pump arrived

I will have fun all evening. For the record and searches,
Whirlpool Dishwasher SDF 7800 W1, also known as SDF7800. Serial #F85105973 tells me 1973, which seems to match his Frigidaire stove in era.
Pump/motor assy known as 301829 or 675688 or 675688A for assembly.

 

[akronman]

new parts kit motor pump assembly

more fun