Hi Joyce

I have a KA pro and have been using it to make bread for many years. The same thing happened to me! I quickly turned it off and waited a few minutes and when I re-started it --- it was "OK". And it has been "OK" for a few years now.

I just last night read in my owners book, that is what I was suppose to do.

I Hope yours works that way too. Try it again.

Cork

Hi Cork! (cute name)

Thanks for responding. It's been sitting for a couple hours now, and unfortunately it's still not working. I might call KA on Monday morning and see what they say.

Many of the newer KA's aren't very good for making bread. It's not uncommon to strip the plastic gears under heavy loads. Only a couple of their current models have the same all-metal construction as the old Hobart-built KA's.

My KA is probably 15-20 years old, but I've never used it for bread before. Don't know what it looks like inside. Something to keep in mind if I replace it. Thanks jkom!

What is the model number of your KA?

dcarch

The model is K5SS .

It seems to me that possibly:

The motor hall effect device (magnetic sensing solid state device) was not functioning from initial overloading, causing the motor to overspeed. Than the overspeed caused the plastic worm gear which drives the planetary rotator to strip.

If you have someone who is handy, you can replace the gear in about half and hour for, I think, $20.00.

Greasy job.

dcarch

dcarch, where does one go about purchasing parts(gear)? I remember reading about stripped plastic gears on their FB page a while back and the KA customer service rep trying to tell everyone that the plastic gear is superior to the metal ones....LMAO....sell that some other idiot! HA!

That's a joke, IMHO, that is intentional for the gear to break to protect the motor. There are so many other ways to protect the motor.

There are many machines which use some plastic gears to reduce noise.

There are many KA gears for sale on eBay for less than $10, shipping included.

Buy a couple just in case.

dcarch

Best bet is to do as dcarch advises...buy a couple of the replacement gears & learn how to replace them. AND, use a breadmaker (lots of them at garage sales for $5 and up) for mixing bread dough.

I have a Hobart era KA and I've gone to using the breadmaker to mix bread and noodle dough. It's easier than using the KA and does as good as or better job of it. That & it saves wear & tear on the KA. The breadmaker that I have is an old Regal brand & it does a great job so don't feel that you must have one of the expensive models. I actually use the breadmaker more than I do the KA...have gone to making all my hamburger & brat buns because the commercial product is so awful. And expensive. I can make a way better bun and for a fraction of the cost of the much inferior grocery store product.

Of course, the downside is having to find space for yet another bulky appliance but, if you can manage the room, it's the best solution.

I can also attest to using the bread machine for dough! I love it for mixing dough, baking...well not so much...HA! A bread machine would be much cheaper than a KA mixer. I think if I were to buy a KA mixer though, I'd go see what Sam's or Costco had to offer. I think Costco has a great return policy, so I've heard anyway. I do know that Macy's has pretty good sales and also has a good return policy, pretty sure it's 90 days, you can order on line(better selection) and return to the store if you don't like it.

You may even find a bread machine on freecycle, you could ask if someone has one.

Typical bread machines use a timing belt to drive the paddle, which makes it much easier to replace if the belt breaks. No gears are used. Also, the motors are protected by reset switches if they overheat.

Kitchenaid tries so hard to keep the vintage shape, they have to make some compromises to incorporate newer electronics and much more powerful motors.

dcarch

Sears parts direct (dot com) is where you can find parts.

Both of my passed down KA's had problems but my wizard DH fixed them and they are as good as when new. He also fixed his DD's and my DD's that had other problems so they are fixable and worth the effort to find someone who can repair them. Plus being a whole lot less expensive than replacing them. Sheesh - I saw the latest ones on sale for $499!

BTW - I remember waaay back that there were actual small appliance repair shops you could go to (as were there Sears parts & repair shops). Now I suppose we just live in a "toss it" era. So sad.

Nancy

I found a website that shows how to replace the motor, so DH will give it a try. Thanks so much everyone. I think you've saved me $$$.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to repair KA mixer

Just to let you all know, I ordered the $2 part for the mixer, and replaced it. Did it all myself, and it's working great! It was VERY messy, but pretty straight forward. DH is very impressed I was able to do it! :-)

Don't blame me. I told you it will be very messy. :-)

Very proud of you! Great job! You DH should be doing all the dishes for the next 6 months.

dcarch

Good for you! I'm proud of ya, too!

Congratulations and thank you for the link! I have the same model KA. I have always worried that it might die on me. Now I know there is hope of a second life!

Cheryl

Tips:

1. Part of the work is greasier than fixing a car engine. Get latex gloves.

2. Before work, rub vegetable oil on your hands first. Easier to wash the grease off afterwards.

3. If your mixer is old, go to an auto parts store and get some engine grease to re-pack the moving parts.

dcarch