Kitchenaid KD21 - no water from upper washer

[stevebass]

I have an ancient, built-in KitchenAid Model KDI21AD (installed in 1987).

Water doesn't come out of the tube of the upper washer, the main one on the back panel.

Water pressure is fine. No leaks under washer.

I'm guessing the tube from lower impeller is blocked, but no way to check.

Any ideas?

--Steve

[Al Capone]

Hello,

What is the full model number that is on the model/serial number plate inside the dishwasher?

[stevebass]

Inside there's a plate with KDI21AD. There's also a serial number and "ML-42120".

That help?

[RegUS_PatOff]

KDI21AD Parts List & Diagrams

[stevebass]

Thanks for the diagram and other notes -- they're helpful.

The tech question I'm still struggling with is with the "why." Could the hose be clogged? It there an actuator or solenoid that exclusively for the upper rinse?

[theoldstoveguy]

Filter under the wash arm may be plugged up, won't get enough pressure to the upper wash arm. Also check to make sure both ends of the rubber tube are connected on the upper wash arm. They can be loose & water will spray out around edges. 99% of the time the filter is plugged. Remove lower rack. Make an x & lift the wash arm off, you will know what I mean when you look at it. Then check the filter under the arm. I use vinegar to help keep the pump clean. Calcium build up is most common.

[stevebass]

Oldstoveguy:

I attached 3 images of what I think you're talking about. Hope you can clarify.

CloggedFilter: Shows the fine mesh.
CloggedFilters-bottom: Show the bottom of the part. There's no obvious access to the filters.
Inside_dishwasher: Where the "filter" part fits.

What I did:

1. Removed lower x-shaped rotating spray.
2. Remove round device that has about 8 filters -- very, very fine mesh.
3. soaked the fine mesh in weak vinegar solution for four hours; the fine mesh is still clogged.

[stevebass]

>>Also check to make sure both ends of the rubber tube are connected on the upper wash arm.

To clarify: It's not the rubber tube that's blocked.

I removed the upper rack and rubber tube assembly. Then I jury-rigged the dishwasher to come on with the door slightly ajar. The water flow from the outlet on the inside (lower left) is strong. But when the dishwasher begins operating, there's no water output from the upper outlet.

[stevebass]

Oldstoveguy was right on target.

After soaking the part with the filters, I took it outside, stuck a high pressure nozzle on the garden hose, and sprayed the filters. I finally got the gunk out.

I just reassembled everything (left out one part -- either a "Plate - air inlet cover" or "Gasket - cover plate") and our 22-year old dishwasher's working again.

Thanks to all for the help. And where can I send a donation to support this forum?

--Steve

[Al Capone]

Glad to hear you got it repaired. 

And where can I send a donation to support this forum?

http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?action=treasury