Thread Number: 86945  /  Tag: Vintage Dishwashers
Hobart Superba IV KDS19 burning smell from control panel 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 1115142   4/20/2021 at 14:26 (1,094 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        

Our Hobart Superba IV KDS19 has served my household for almost 40 years. In fact, when we moved 20 years ago, we brought it with us! This week, while running, I noticed a burning odor coming from the dishwasher's top gap. The dishwasher is functioning. The odor resembles that of spilled food burning off an electric cook stove element. The burning odor is not coming from the drum. I have identified that the smell is coming from near the control panel. At least, I smell that burnt odor when I sniff the top latch opening in the door. I am determined to keep this kitchen friend going. I am afraid to use it until I can identify the problem and make sure it does not catch on fire. My appliance repairman is rather hesitant to help me. Any advice or experiences similar to mine would be welcomed. Thank you.




Post# 1115143 , Reply# 1   4/20/2021 at 14:36 (1,094 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Remove the front panel on the door, check for burning on the wires at the detergent dispenser ... before you run it again.

Post# 1115264 , Reply# 2   4/21/2021 at 18:09 (1,093 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Pull off the panel

 And also check the wiring that connects to the door interlock switch on the top right side of the door. I have seen that cause issues as you describe. All you need is a loose connector and the terminal and wire can overheat and burn the insulation. Remember that your machine in its water heating delay and final rinse heating delay, can consume upwards of 10-12 amps which can cause a loose connection to melt the wiring and sometimes even the switch itself.
Ironically, I was in my garage a few minutes ago and was holding one of those very switches in my hand and remembered this post so I came right in to add my 2 cents!

Post# 1115281 , Reply# 3   4/21/2021 at 20:25 (1,092 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
found burned wire

 Thank you for your help. I have zero knowledge or skill in this area.
With your encouragement, I removed the front panels and the control panel.
The violet wire at the detergent dispenser has burned. As you can see by the 2 pictures it has burned a hole in the protective plastic cover too. This area is so corroded! Is that detergent from 40 years of use? What should I do next? Stay tuned....I will have more questions and need lots of guidance before this is over.

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 1115289 , Reply# 4   4/21/2021 at 22:33 (1,092 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
found burned wire at detergent dispenser

 Could this be a simple fix? There seems to be plenty of violet wire. Could I have someone replace the push on electrical connection at an area of clean (non-scorched) wire? What is the best way to clean up the detergent residue? Any advice welcomed.

Post# 1115312 , Reply# 5   4/22/2021 at 07:17 (1,092 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
It is an easy fix...

 Your best bet, based on the pictures you attached, would be to replace the whole dispenser. Some of the members on here should have a new old stock(NOS) to sell you and while you are at it, replace the bimetal heaters that the wires attach to.
You should MOST DEFINITELY, turn the dispenser 180 degrees around so that the wires are at the top of the dispenser and no on the bottom. That was a stupid design that Mother Hobart stuck with for years. Any leakage of water and chemicals would evewntually do what it did to your machine.

you wil most likely also need small terminals to attach to the original wires and you can get those at Ace Hardware. Crimp those to the wires and slide them on to the bimatal heaters on the dispenser. If you need the bi metal heaters, I have those available. Let me know.

Hope that helps.

Post# 1115337 , Reply# 6   4/22/2021 at 14:50 (1,092 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
detergent dispenser

 Here is a better picture of the detergent dispenser. What are the paper-like parts? As you can see the one on the left is scorched. I assume it is a protective insulator?
Should they be replaced?

  View Full Size
Post# 1115347 , Reply# 7   4/22/2021 at 16:58 (1,092 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Cardboard insulators

 combo52's profile picture

Were to keep someone from getting shocked because this DW did not come with panels installed from the factory.

 

They are not necessary to reinstall if you have the power off when working on the DW and after a quick test after repairs you reinstall the panel.

 

John L.
Post# 1115357 , Reply# 8   4/22/2021 at 18:13 (1,092 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
Parts list for KDS 19 repair

 Thank you for sticking with me on this. You have been a big help.

There is some metal damage on the tab on the left Bimetal heater
The plastic connector that was part of the violet wire connection is burned in half.
The plastic connector next to the violet wire has a scorched streak, but is intact.

Parts list for the "easy fix" of our family friend.
Bimetal heaters
New detergent dispenser with gasket (to mount upside down)
electrical connectors from hardware store.

What price did you have in mind for the bimetal heaters that you have?
Do I post a new thread for other parts?
I have never been part of a message forum.

I have to ask- the picture of the vintage appliances...Is that current? Beauties!!


Post# 1115410 , Reply# 9   4/23/2021 at 17:11 (1,091 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
Bimetal Heaters

 Stevet from Melbourne, Fl
If you have the bimetal heaters, what is the price?

Post# 1118306 , Reply# 10   5/25/2021 at 16:07 (1,059 days old) by Karma2021 (Rome, GA )        
Problem solved. Repair complete.

Thank you to everyone who helped me with service tips and parts. My dishwasher is repaired and operating again.

Post# 1118341 , Reply# 11   5/25/2021 at 21:08 (1,058 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        

combo52's profile picture

Yay, Glad you got the parts we sent installed, another successful vintage appliance save.

 

John L.

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