Can't find Kohler Tub Part...

Backglass · Jun 29, 2007

Hey all,

We just moved into a fixer-upper house that has an older Kohler whirlpool tub. The button to turn the whirlpool on/off has rusted out (pics below) and I can't seem to find a replacement anywhere. In fact I cant even find any info about this tub in general. It still works great if you stick a small screwdriver/chopstick/etc into the hole. I am assuming it's an airswitch.

Do any of you pros know where I could find a replacement?

I have zero access to that part of the tub which will be a whole new thread...assuming I can find a new switch!

Thanks!

Peanut9199 · Jun 29, 2007

What material is the tub made of Cast iron, Acrylic...?

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Backglass · Jun 29, 2007

Peanut9199 said:
What material is the tub made of Cast iron, Acrylic...?

It is cast iron.

Peanut9199 · Jun 30, 2007

I think this is your tub

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=7736702&section=2&category=9&subcategory=90&ssm=1

I looked at the parts breakdown but i don't see that part.
It shows a control pad but it doesn't look like yours.

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/1019456_5.pdf

Backglass · Jul 1, 2007

Yes exactly.

I have looked at every tub on the Kohler site, and can't find it. I believe it's an very early model.

I don't know where to go to get this part.

GrumpyPlumber · Jul 1, 2007

A thought...have you tried calling the MFG?

Lancaster · Jul 1, 2007

I think you are going to have to do whatever is necessary to get at the frame of the unit and locate the model number.Problem is,it may be so old that even when you find out what part is needed,it may well be unavailable.

Master Plumber Mark · Jul 2, 2007

air switch??

if that is an air switch , you are probably out
of luck finding the exact match....

call someone that does whirlpool repairs in your area...

they will have something that can replace that switch...

as long as you can get to the back side to do it,

or usualy they will leave the old switch alone and simply
drill another hole somewhere and run a new suction line to the pump....

those fellows have a great time trying to change out
parts on the back side of those jets...

Backglass · Jul 2, 2007

Lancaster said:
I think you are going to have to do whatever is necessary to get at the frame of the unit and locate the model number.

Any idea where on the frame the model number is usually located? I have very good access from the faucet side...but haven't seen anything yet.

master plumber mark said:
or usualy they will leave the old switch alone and simply
drill another hole somewhere and run a new suction line to the pump....

I thought about that...knocking it down inside, finding a plug for the hole and then re-wiring to a wall switch or something. I may not have a choice.

Backglass · Jul 2, 2007

GrumpyPlumber said:
A thought...have you tried calling the MFG?

You know...I hadnt thought of such an obvious answer and just got off the phone with them. Evidently the model number on Kohler whirlpools in on the pump housing, which might as well be miles away from my access panel. They asked that I send them an email with the photo's above and they will research the tub and call me in a few days with a part number!

So far...top notch customer service from Kohler!

GrumpyPlumber · Jul 2, 2007

Backglass said:
You know...I hadnt thought of such an obvious answer and just got off the phone with them. Evidently the model number on Kohler whirlpools in on the pump housing, which might as well be miles away from my access panel. They asked that I send them an email with the photo's above and they will research the tub and call me in a few days with a part number!

So far...top notch customer service from Kohler!

Chuckling here...thought I was the only one to often miss the completely obvious! (the lil' lady's getting a copy of this one...hehehe)
I usually go to the source...even plumbing suppliers often have no clue about the products they sell.

Backglass · Jul 5, 2007

Backglass said:
They asked that I send them an email with the photo's above and they will research the tub and call me in a few days with a part number!

So far...top notch customer service from Kohler!

Update: I got a response from Kohler today:

Kohler said:
Mr. Backglass, Thank you for contacting Kohler. I did receive your photos, however we will need the model number of the tub. It is located on a label on the pump. Once we have this information, we can correctly identify the part that you need. Thank you for choosing the Bold Look of Kohler. Becky O.

AGGHHH. I cant GET to the pump & model number and told them that. That is why instead, they suggested I send pictures.

Hello Right hand! Meet Left Hand!

This is a one piece tub with no access panel on the pump end. What are my options? Cut a hole in the side of the tub with a Sawzall to get to the pump and put in a plastic access panel?

GrumpyPlumber · Jul 5, 2007

Note to self: Don't buy cast iron spa's with no access panel.

Backglass · Jul 6, 2007

Update: I tapped around and realized that the end panel wasn't as permanent as I thought. Thanks to a little help from my friend "Wonder Bar" I was able to pry away the end panel and (drum roll) exposed the pump and found the model number. K-513 (not the current K-513-H2)

Thats the good news. The bad is the Kohler site states it is a discontinued product with no service info available. I will have to wait until Monday to ring them back and find out for sure.

If they no longer have parts, can I get an air switch from a 3rd party? Or should I just hardwire in a timer switch on an opposing wall somewhere and plug the hole where the air-switch was somehow?

K-513

Can't find Kohler Tub Part...

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