I got a lovely KDS-60 (KDS-20 convertible) from an older couple up in Kirksville, MO, thanks to one of Phil's posts in Shoppers Square a bit over a week ago. Thanks, Phil.

I called last Monday evening around 5:00 and asked if the machine was still available. The lady said yes and she had been wanting to clear some stuff out and they hadn't used the machine much for a long time; mostly just to set things on. In my mind that was sounding good already. I asked if she was busy that evening. She said no and I told her I could be there by 7:00. She said that would be fine. She explained to me over the phone that she had to slam the machine door pretty hard to get it to work sometimes. I told her that wouldn't be a problem and I would most likely be able to figure it out.

I've been working on the machine all week and all seems well. There's a couple of issues I thought maybe someone might be able to advise. Stevet, maybe? The pics are from when I got the machine last Monday until tonight.

The item in picture 9 has a problem. Picture 10 reveals the problem the lady had with the machine not wanting to run. I spotted it right away. Should anything be done about the broken piece in picture 11? Picture 15 shows how I'm using it now. Picture 16 shows the hoses and they are way too long. They didn't want to go in the cabinet and were kinking, so I shortened them. Picture 18 shows a burned spade connector that went to the detergent cup. I replace it.

Someone had broke off the grounding prong on the cord in picture 4, so I replaced it. Turned out they were skimpy on the amount of cord they installed in the machine, so I had to replace it later with another one. Since I had to replace it I picked black the next time. Going back together and looking better in picture 6. Picture 9 shows the shorter water lines. They made it really easy. They had installed couplers for extensions, so I disconnected them and the connectors just happened to fit the water and drain valves. Every once in awhile you get a break. Picture 10 shows the coupler leaking where it fits on the faucet. I'm hoping this stops after a while. There is some hard water build up inside the connector that should go away after it's used with softened water for awhile. In picture 11 I used old stock Cascade with plenty of phosphate. It really cleaned things up, as you will see. Picture 12 and 13 -  just a test load and to clean the machine. Picture 14 shows the water fill to be about right I believe. Picture 15 - locked and loaded. Picture 16 - lots of foam. Residue coming out of the machine. Picture 17 and 18 - pretty level for a portable. Picture 19 and 20 - wash cycle over.

Picture 1 is out of sequence, but it shows the foam build up during the first wash cycle. Yeah, I know those black things on the back of the racks are for packing. They're off now. Picture 2 shows the rinse aid dispenser cleaned and reinstalled. Picture 3 shows rinse aid dispenser before activation and 4 shows it during activation. Notice the little rod protruding from the hole on the top of the RAD in picture 4? The bi-metal is lifting it up to show that it's active. Much less foam in picture 5. I wonder why the camera took this photo in b/w? Sorry for the old rusty sink grate thing. It needs to be replaced. Looking better in picture 7. In picture 8 I was having trouble keeping the little chrome channel fastened on the front of the steal cover. I got tired of messing with it and in picture 9 I riveted the bitch on there. It won't be causing trouble anymore. Picture 11 - something has to be done about this. It will suck unfiltered water into the pump. Picture 12 - there she is in all her glory. You probably won't believe it but this machine sounds more quite than the '93 Kenmore. I wanted an 18 or 58, I guess I should say, but I certainly wasn't going to turn my nose up at this one. I believe someone decided to get fancy and put polyurethane on the butcher block top. It doesn't look factory to me. And it's not the greatest job in the world, but I can live with it. Picture 13 and 14 are where I changed the cord again. 15, 16, 17 and 18 are picture of the Kenmore I bought new in '93. If anyone wants it they can have it. You'll have to let me know. Otherwise it will either go to someone in my family or to Habitat for Humanity. Oh, I almost forgot. This machine only has one color panel in it. Almond on one side and Harvest on the other. They didn't put the black and white one in there. ???

If so you're welcome to it.  E-mail me and I will send it to you.   It may not match the other one but maybe you'll find a chrome one for that side someday too!!