Wednesday Weekly Stock: Ice Maker Parts.

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we chill out with some refrigerator icemaker parts.

During the summertime the demand for icemakers jumps as everyone wants to get on on having ice for summer beverages ready to go at a moments notice. Many of the refrigerators sold these days come with an icemaker as a standard feature. Others are sold with the icemaker as and add on accessory.

IM6D

GE has traditionally been a pretty easy company to work with, as their various refrigerators generally will use the same kit. Prior to 2001, that kit was part IM6. Starting in 2001, GE began transitioning to a new kit, part IM6D. The new icemaker will fit all top and bottom mount GE refrigerators produced since 2001. Sorry, this unit is not designed for side by side refrigerators.

W10715708

Many of the newer Whirlpool refrigerators can get an icemaker added by using kit W10715708. Like the other icemaker kits we are featuring today, it comes with ann of the parts needed for installation as well as an ice bucket to catch the ice it produces.

IM116600

Of course, Electrolux has their own kits to add an icemaker to one of their machines, In my experience, these can be the trickiest for a service technician to track down. If you are working on a top mount refrigertaor made since 2003, then you can use the IM116600 kit.

If you need some help figuring out which kit to use, give us a call. We would be happy to help determine the right icemaker kit for your refrigerator.

60461N

We get a lot of calls here at W.L. May Company asking for water filters for refrigerators. On newer models with built in icemakers, that filter is often a cartridge type or screws in like an automotive oil filter. It is sometimes funny when a parts counter (yes, we get calls from parts counters!) will call and say that the customer is asking for a filter for their refrigerator, but it is nowhere to be seen on the illustrated parts breakdown. By now you may have figured out that what  they need is a filter that fits "in line" with the incoming copper tubing for water. When they remember that for many years, the ONLY kind of filters out here were the inline type. A popular choice is part 60461N. It is a 10" filter that works to improve taste and odor. it has a 1500 gallon capacity and uses 1/4" brass compression fittings. Those brass fittings make this filter popular with those who do not like press on water fittings.

11-298

Speaking of water lines into a refrigerator, there are a few different hook up kits for ice makers. A popular choice for years has been kit number 11-298. It features 25 feet of vinyl tubing and the compression fittings for installation.

48388

A lot of folks, for a lot of good reasons don't like using straight vinyl hose to hook up their icemaker. The reason is that vinyl hosing has been known to burst under certain conditions. This can cause flooding and can be significantly prevented by using a hose that incorporates a stainless mesh wrap. Part 48388 is a 6 foot fill hose with stainless wrap that comes prefitted with fittings on each end making installation simpler.

4396808

When the ice maker is being installed, the refrigerator might well be in a position where it is easier than usual to access the condenser coils. If so, this is a great time to give those coils a cleaning. That will make the refrigerator run more efficiently. This will save money in operating expenses and can help extend the life of the appliance. Whirlpool offers a reasonably priced cleaning brush for that job. It is stocked under part number 4396808

W10190935

Many times a failure to the icemaker is most quickly and easily solved by replacing the whole unit. Frequently this is even the less expensive option for the consumer depending on labor rates. Still, sometimes a tech might want to repair the existing icemaker. If you are working on an refrigerator that uses Whirlpools D7824706Q icemaker, then you can service the icemaker. One of the most frequently requested parts for servicing that icemaker is the motor module. We do keep it in stock and your part number is W10190935.

4396808

Finally we have an item that is not designed for home usage. As many of you know, Whirlpool has a line of free standing ice machines, like those you might find in a restaurant or bar. These need periodic cleaning to remove hard water deposits and other microbes that can develop. Many products for cleaning are either not food safe. Other solutions may not be safe for the nickle plating used in these machines. Naturally, Whirlpool offers a nickle safe ice machine cleaner specifically designed for the job. Ask your parts representative for the 16 oz bottle, part 4396808.
   
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Twitter Tweets: Icemaker Edition

While looking through our Twitter feed we found these icemaker related tweets to share with you.

We start with a common enough situation that prompts calls to us every day. Generally, we provide a different solution than this tweeter...

My icemaker is broken, so I am probably going to switch to just drinking beer until it's fixed. That's reasonable, right?
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) July 12, 2011

This problem, however is a little less common. Still, beer is involved.

my water has tasted like beer for a week thanks to the moron that casually poured budlight into my icemaker #beercubes
— abby rinker (@abbyyrinker) June 19, 2014

Sometimes the problem is that the icemaker is giving too much ice!

"An ice cube? Just one? No, I don't... ... let me check. Hang on, I'm gonna make a grinding noise. OH HERE HAVE NINE." -my fridge icemaker
— ʝυՐρի (@jurph) July 28, 2014

Sometime problems in the ice bin can cause the dispensing mechanism to "back up" a bit.

Not sure if there’s a technical term for this, but our icemaker was, for all intents and purposes, constipated. pic.twitter.com/51EZXeMOmi
— Todd Kerpelman (@ToddKerpelman) June 29, 2014

This is a less common scenario that can cause some blockage.

Oh, THIS is why the ice maker hasn't worked in months? Husband denies his role. #beer #icemaker pic.twitter.com/F4W5e2vB
— Dana Fowle Fox 5 (@danafowlefox5) November 14, 2012

Another common problem we might be able to help with, or maybe not. I guess it depends on how many people need ice. Seems like a lot of trouble getting it from Sonic though!

Our icemaker is too slow so we get ice from sonic and put it in our freezer
— Jessica•Skellie (@LilSkelz) July 24, 2014

Here is another solution that we find questionable for a few reasons...

@Brutus_Buckeye - When the icemaker in our freezer cracked, at least we had the right duct tape to fix it! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/zeuNoEB3mg
— Kristine McDonough (@kristinemcd1209) June 29, 2014

OK, so I know that duct tape is the handyman secret weapon. But it's not food grade. Even if it was, Ohio, that tape is not suitable. This is Pac 12 country not Big 10 land.

If you need an icemaker to accesorize your refrigerator, install items, or parts to make it all better, give us a call. We are well stocked in icemakers and related pieces to help you stay cool and hydrated during these summer months. Now get out there, and enjoy the summer!

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Kelly's Korner - Ice, Ice, Baby

Hey, All!

Well, summer has arrived here with temperatures in the high 80's and 90's - I was raised on the Oregon coast where even if the sun has broken through the fog, temps don't get that high, so I don't do well when it's hot.

So I was at the store buying yet another bag or two of ice and thought, "Ya know, my refrigerator has a hook-up for an icemaker, why don't I have one?  It's not like I don't know where to get one!"  Then gave myself the V8 head slap.

Creative Commons license on image.

If your refrigerator does not have an icemaker, many of them are equipped to have one added on.  If so, there are kits available that have what you need to get it hooked up.

First, give W L May a call with your model number and we can let you know if there is a kit available for your fridge.  These kits come with the icemaker, water valve and tubing, ice bucket, the fittings necessary to install it, AND instructions.  You may have to purchase an additional kit (which we have, also!) to run a waterline from your nearest water source to the refrigerator.  Or, if you are not at all mechanically inclined, call your favorite appliance technician to install it for you.

If you already have an icemaker in your refrigerator now may be a good time to change your water filter so those cubes are perfect your needs.  Periodic dumping of the ice (especially if the cubes have been in there awhile) and cleaning of the icebucket are recommended, too.  And if there are any issues with your icemaker, give your tech a call.

When you think of the time and money spent on getting bags of ice, the room taken up in your freezer and the agony of running out just as you are making your favorite cool beverage, it will be well worth your time.  I know I will be getting mine real soon!!!!

Have a great week and stay cool!

Kelly's Korner - Two more items for your Superhero Book

Hey, All,

Hope all you moms out there had a great Mother's Day!  I sure did!


My sister, Barbara, and her kids, Samantha and James - it's not only Mother's Day for her but her birthday!  Super mom and sister!



Not much happening on the appliance front at the moment so I thought I would go through my Super Hero Book and share a couple more things.

First one, Electrolux/Frigidaire has an icemaker in some of their refrigerators that are decidedly different than any others I've every seen.  I've had several calls looking for complete replacements on them and there is no such beast.  BUT, they have come out with a repair kit - 5303918495 - that replaces the main control board, bail arm and motor, ice mold and a bunch of other little parts that seem to be the main culprits in the breakdown of this icemaker.

Sometimes, when looking for the  control "jazz" board on some Whirlpool/Maytag/Amana refrigerators, the research will give you a part number of 12002756.  This is not only the board but a bunch of insulation and a new evaporator fan motor and blade.  Now if all you need is the board, the current number for that is 12784415, although there is even a newer version of this board - W10503278.

I hope you are keeping up on your Superhero Book - mine has been a lifesaver more times than I can count and every one of my customer has benefitted from it.  Be a Superhero to your customers, too!

Have a great week!

Truck Stock Tuesday-Icemakers

Creative Commons license on image.

During these hot summer months, we get a lot of calls about icemakers. Often parts are available to repair an icemaker. Due to the labor costs involved, and cost of the individual pieces it is frequently more sensible to replace the entire unit. We stock a wide variety of replacement icemakers and are happy to help you find out which one belongs in your refrigerator. A few of the more common replacement assemblies include:

• D7824706Q This is a very popular icemaker. Originally an Amana style unit it is used as a replacement across many brands in the Whirlpool and Maytag families. Being a replacement icemaker it lacks a installation hardware. Also the cover and wiring harness wiring harness do not come with the unit, the expectation being that those pieces will be transferred over from the old icemaker you are replacing.
• 4317943 This popular 8 cube icemaker is a common replacement for Whirlpool and some other models. Shut off arm is not included and must be transferred from old icemaker.
• W10190961 This is a good number to know. If you are following Kelly's advice, you might want to add this to your book. Newer style Kitchenaid refrigerators that have the ice bucket in the door are often lacking a part number for the assembly on the parts breakdown. There are 2 icemakers that are used on this style of machine. This is 5 cube assembly you will generally see it used on 22CF models. I comes with no cover, also from the old machine you will need to transfer the bracket.
• 2198597 Another often unlisted assmbly used in new style Kitchenaids with the ice bucket in the door. Also worth noting in your book. It is used on 25-27CF models and makes 12 cubes at a time. Like the 5 cube model this one requires transfer of your old cover and brackets. 
• WR30X10093 A lot of General Electric refrigerators use this icemaker. It is a replacement for several older style icemakers. It comes with a harness that is adaptable for both 4 pin and 6 post connections. It also comes with the fill tube & fill cup.
• 5303918277 This is common Electrolux (Frigidaire) icemaker. It is used as a replacement for all refers from 2001-present. Has four round female connectors as well as an adapter to convert harness to 3 round female connectors and 1 male. 
• W10190965 Yet another common Whirlpool icemaker. Again with no cover or harness included.
• 5303918344 This is a rear mount icemaker used on some Electrolux (Frigidaire) side x side models. 

As you can see, there are a lot of  icemakers out there. If you find this list to be "clear as mud", give us a call with a model number. We would be happy to help your find the right assembly for your refrigerator. 

Wednesday Worth Considering: Are You Ready For A Heat Wave?

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Summer brings to mind thoughts of vacations, picnics, beaches, and ball parks. If you are in the appliance repair business summer also brings some predictable service calls. For those of you in the trade, you want to be ready BEFORE the first heat wave hits your community. Once things get hot and start breaking, your preparation will pay off. When the temperature rises so tempers can rise and patience often goes down. If you are not ready to complete the job in one day, your potential customer may well try to find someone who can. This is definitely one of the times you want to make sure your truck is well stocked. I'd recommend paying particular attention to your refrigerator parts. Are you ready to install an icemaker when your customer requests it? Not on the next day, but on the same day. Do you have the defrost components and motors for the types of refrigerators that are common to your area? If you do sealed system work are you ready with fittings, freon and start devices? Or maybe a universal compressor or one of the more common boards? I'm sure that I have probably forgotten at least one common warm weather request, so I ask you: are there other items that you stock to prepare for heat-wave business? If so, please share them in the comments section. Have a great summer and don't forget to drink plenty of water!

Kelly's Korner - Reflections and Addendums

Hey, All,

So, last week when I was training a new employee, she asked me how long it took before you knew everything.  I had to laugh and tell her that when I found out I'd let her know.  I've been here for almost 12 years and am still considered a rookie by some who have been here for way longer - and I'm talking over 30 years!  The industry is constantly changing - and just when you think you have a handle on most of it - things change!  That is one of the reasons I've stayed here for so long - not to mention that W L May is the best place in the world to work.  I love to learn and I learn something new every day (or am reminded of things I forgot).

So when the Icemaker blog came out, I was reminded by one of our veterans (thanks, Chuck!) of a couple of icemakers I left out.

For the older Amana refrigerators and even some of the newer ones there is the D7824706Q.

Also, the W10190965 is a bare icemaker - no cover, no harness - to replace the 4317943.

So don't get discouraged when new (or even old) things pop up.  This business is a constant learning process, and that's why building a Superhero Book is a very good thing to do.  That way you don't always have to know what is needed, you just need to remember where to look for the information because that is in your Book!  And we here at W L May are here for you, too!

Kelly's Korner - Replacement Icemakers

Happy Spring, Everyone!

With the advent of warmer weather on the horizon (and, hopefully it shows up soon!), those icemakers are going to be working overtime.  And, unfortunately, some will give up the ghost and have to be replaced.  I know I have a problem sometimes figuring out which icemaker goes in which refrigerator when it is not on the normal parts breakdown, so we have developed a cheat sheet for them so we don't have to call constantly.  (Just a little hint - when they are listed they are usually at the very bottom of the parts list under non-illustrated parts).





Whirlpool/Maytag:

If the icemaker is in the freezer section and the module part number is W10190935 then the replacement icemaker is 4317943.

If the icemaker is in the door and takes module 8201515 then the icemaker is 2198597.  This is for the 25 or 27 cubic foot models.  If it is a 22 cubic model then the icemaker is W10190961.

And if you have one of those 5 cube icemakers the latest number subs to the W10190961.

Electrolux:

Most popular replacement is 5303918277 although check first - there are a few odd ones out there.

                                                             Creative Commons license on image.

GE:

Most popular is WR30X10093 - again, check your look-ups or call your W L May account manager.

Next week:  Vocabulary (Doesn't it bug you that there are 3 different names for one part?)

If anyone has a subject that they'd like me to address, please let me know - have a great week!