Thread Number: 21259
Anyone have timer controls for a Hobart/KitchenAid KDA-5/KDW-5 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 335387   3/14/2009 at 00:55 (5,515 days old) by packrat ()        

Hi, I came across this list in my quest for a replacement timer unit for our workhorse KDW-5. Its not dead yet - the unit has some burned contacts on the pump motor side, so its not always working the pump. I've emery boarded the contacts tonight to see if that will help but figure if I could get that timer side panel from another unit (with the same configuration, KDA-5 or compatible) that has the contacts in better shape then I'd be golden for another 30-40 years.

I thought this dishwasher was from the late '70s - imagine my surprise when the retired repairman that looked at it said it was over 40 years old!

BTW, the Google search turned up another KDA-5 on your site, and the fellow that redid the top did a wonderful job. Ours is in need of a good sanding too...

Any help appreciated!

Thanks,

Frank




Post# 335394 , Reply# 1   3/14/2009 at 02:46 (5,515 days old) by soberleaf ()        
you're at the right place!

 this site is marvelous for old appliance info, parts, suggestions and basic knowledge. there are a lot of guys here that have kitchenaids (like me) and although i can't help you with your timer problem i'm sure someone will be able to. especially if you get "stevet" involved, the resident hobart expert! he has given me much info and invaluable help with my collection of old kitchenaids.

many parts are still available from hobart, unfortunately not timers, and many more parts are probably available thru the guys on this site. there is also a website called www.expertappliance.com... that claims to have parts for old dishwashers including timers but i have not called them yet to see if they are what they say they are. i have my doubts.

and if for any reason you ever decide to get another dishwasher by all means don't pitch that classic kitchenaid. someone will buy it from you, timer problem or not, there are a lot of kitchenaid fans here.

i myself am on the lookout for a timer motor or timer for my kd-12 and i know one will eventually come along thanks to this group here. in the meantime i am running it manually with 3 small switches externally wired controling the motor, fill and drain solonoids. it's kinda fun that way, used it tonite, you can let it wash as long as you like! and give it as many washes and rinses as you like! although i'm sure my "remidy" for a broken timer is not for everyone.

keep inquiring around here, also you could post on the kitchenaid site, people put posts on there all the time for parts for old machines.

good luck with it!

Post# 335403 , Reply# 2   3/14/2009 at 09:02 (5,515 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
If you find any old appliance that has a mallory timer (most appliances used Mallory timers in the 50s and 60s) you can remove good contacts from that timer and replace the bad ones in your timer.

See my link below about doing this:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO unimatic1140's LINK
Post# 335423 , Reply# 3   3/14/2009 at 12:01 (5,515 days old) by everythingold (Grand Rapids, Michigan)        

everythingold's profile picture
I can get my hands on a KD5, toploader, the KDA is front loading? Matt

Post# 335453 , Reply# 4   3/14/2009 at 15:16 (5,514 days old) by packrat ()        

Some replies below to posters...

Soberleaf:

Thanks for the info. I checked the website www.expertappliance.com/kitchenai...
and they claim to have the original timer unit for $168 - a bit steep. Can you elaborate why you're thinking they're not legit?

Like you, I may install a switch to turn the pump on since it stays on during most of the full cycle run

I've even thought about looking into converting the controls portion of the timer to low voltage inputs/outputs that could in turn drive higher-voltage relays... leaving just the timer motor power and a power supply for the low-voltage circuit energized. Might be a fun project.

Unimatic1140:

I'd actually found your info on this site about the timer repair, and may go that route. Thanks for the detail instructions!

I don't unfortunately have any other timers to scrounge parts from - my Dad may. I may even look to see if I can cannibalize this timer for an unused cam follower/contact since we only ever use the full cycle mode.

Are these cam followers and contacts generally available in electrical parts places? I can check with the local appliance parts dealers... Its been a long time since I've seen a automotive ignition point, but the concept is similar.

I was mainly looking at the time commitment in getting another board/timer for it, but I hope the emery boarding will help it go for awhile and buy me more time to get it fixed.

Matt:

The model number on the outside of the cabinet is "KDW-5", but the wiring diagram on the inside is "KDA-5" - hence my subject line.

This is a toploader, and that's one reason I want to keep it working - I think it takes up less space (versus another front loading rollaway).


If I do decide to replace it I will certainly post it to this list for sale. I can put it on a pallet and have it trucked shipped anywhere in the US and probably Canada...

Thanks all,

Frank

Post# 335501 , Reply# 5   3/14/2009 at 22:43 (5,514 days old) by soberleaf ()        
let's see here

 concerning that appliance site, i am leery of them because i find it hard to believe they have all these old parts for kitchenaids that go back that far. but i could be wrong. actually if they do, 168 bucks is not out of line for a timer i feel. i paid about that for a motor for my kd-17 from a local appliance store here in cinti. recently. motors and timers seem to be the priciest parts.

another reason i am leery is that i punched in parts for my kd-12 that don't even exist on that machine to see what the site would say and they popped up parts supposedly for that model! hmmmmmm??? maybe i missed a part on it, or two.

anyway one way to solve that problem is to call them, i intend to do that this week. i will post the results of that call.

i ran my kd-12 last nite manually and gave it a nice long wash and 3 rinses and it was great fun! altho i do want to get a timer on it again. but it will work that way, i do that to all my dishwashers, install external switches to turn off timer motor, turn on and off the drain and fill valves so i can create my own cycles!

all you need is a switch for the motor, drain solonoid, and fill solonoid, and dryer if you use that. i don't. if you turn motor off while it is filling it will fill to proper level and stop due to it's pressure switch design. if motor runs while it is filling all extra water will overflow into drain and be pumped away and machine will just keep on filling. i found a one minute fill was fine if i leave motor running.

low voltage relays is a great project and one i have done in the past on dishwashers. a bit of work but hey, like you said it's a fun project! radio shack has relays that will work. just bought a couple last week.

actually any of the older g.e. or hotpoint machines will have a timer that operates in a similiar fashion and you could use it. the g.e.'s ran the motor continuously and turned on and off the fill and drain solonoids with the pump running. i have an extra you could have if you decide to go that route. any dishwasher that uses a drain solonoid and does not reverse the motor to drain it will have a timer you could use. i see old g.e.'s and hotpoints in the trash all the time, they are quite common. again i have one for you if you like.

actually i have a kd-5 in michigan i bought a month ago waiting for me to pick up, i intend to get it this month. it is a top loader and i am excited, i've never had a top loader in my life! it must be fun to use! can't wait.

good luck, keep posting questions here, that's what the site is here for and if you want that g.e. timer let me know.

you can e mail me direct at soberleaf@yahoo.com

pete


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