Wednesday Weekly Stock:Cooling Products

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 look into the world of cooling products.

Summer has arrived and we have been hearing from folks all over the Western United States talking about high temperatures and general heat related misery. Fortunately, in our modern world, we have several  appliances that can help us to beat the heat. Trouble is, when it gets so hot the appliance has to work harder.

Harder working appliances are more prone to failure. This is great news for the service industry as lots of repairs are required. It's not so great news when it is YOUR appliance that fails, leaving you in the heat. We at W.L. May know how important it is to get those cooling products back online ASAP. That's why we stock a wide variety of parts for cooling products. When the mercury is rising we don't want to make you wait.

WP94X10041

In addition to cooling the air, an air conditioner is good for moving air. Air blown across cold evaporator coils cools the room while warm air is drawn from the condenser coils and out into the already warm outer air. In many GE window air conditioner the condenser fan that moves air across those condenser coils is part number WP94X10041, and we have it in stock.

WJ85X10041

With all of that air flowing across the coils, it only makes sense for there to be a filter to catch airborne particulates before they get caught up in the coils, reducing efficiency. Again we feature a common GE window air conditioner part, filter # WJ85x10041.

60461N

Another item that can generate calls when the weather gets hot is the icemaker. Most modern refrigerators that have icemakers also have a water filter inside the cabinet. Older refrigerators also need to use a water filter, but for those units, the filter is not usually built in. An in-line water filter is used for those models that fits directly into the inlet line. The filter we feature this week is a 10" filter that has a capacity of 1500 gallons, which should be about 6 months. This filter addresses taste and odor. Our part number is 60461N,

W10190935

Once the water gets past that filter and into the refrigerator, it's time to make some ice. Problems with the ice maker can mean no ice, and that can mean a service call. In my personal experience, most technicians prefer to replace the whole ice maker if possible. However, sometimes the choice is made to rebuild the icemaker. It can be a less expensive proposition from a "cost of parts" point of view, however unless you are quick, the time in labor involved may end up leaving the cost the same to the home owner. If you are going to rebuild an icemaker, the motor module that drives the ejection of ice is a common need. Whirlpool has a module that is used an a great number of their icemakers. We stock it under the Whirlpool part number W10190935.

W10503278

Even if you were to opt out of repairing or replacing a faulty icemaker, you could still make ice the old fashioned way by using an ice tray. That is, of course, if the refrigerator is cold enough to keep things frozen. If your refrigerator is not cold enough, then fixing the icemaker still wouldn't get you ice. Lack of cold can be caused by the refrigeration system or it could be caused by control problem. A large number of recent Whirlpool models use the same computer board, not only to control cool but also to control defrosting. It is definitely part worth stocking.

Whirlpool calls this board a "Jazz" board. I have never heard why they call it that, but I always picture an engineer designing this board wondering what to call it. I imagining him thinking, "it is a cold control, but it also controls defrosting and all that jazz-I know, I shall call it a jazz board!" Well, however they came up with the name, it is a popular piece, we stock it, and you can order it as part W10503278.

61005988

I mentioned that the Jazz board addresses the function of a defrost timer on machines that have a jazz board.  Not all refrigerators have a board that controls cooling temperature as well as defrost. Some refrigerators utilize aboard specifically dedicated to the defrost function. These are known as ADC (adaptive defrost control) or adaptive defrost boards. These are seen most often on Whirlpool products, including Maytag and Amana. Some Frigidaires also use the adaptive defrost board. A common Whirlpool ADC is part 61005988.

833697

Finally, week we feature an item that has been around seemingly forever. The Whirlpool 2 Watt condenser motor is fairly universal for most refrigerators needing a 2 watt condenser motor. Definitely worth stocking, Part number 833697.

We are also featuring a few thermostats and thermistors for refrigerators this week. For all of your refrigeration part needs call us here at W.L. May.

Kelly's Korner - Hot Town, Summer in the City

Hey, All,

It is only the end of June and we have been getting some really warm weather here in Portland.  While we didn't get the 103 degrees they were forecasting this weekend, it was still 90 something, overcast, with humidity at the sauna level.  And the rest of the summer is looking just as uncomfortable.

Creative Commons license on image.

Now, I may be weird but summer is my least favorite season of the year.  I don't do well in the heat and my poor pets aren't too happy either.  So what do I do to help alleviate some of the discomfort (I don't have central air)?  First of all, if I can't get to a pool, river or lake and stay home, I make sure I have lots of water (iced tea for me) around for my pets.  I set out extra bowls of water and drop ice cubes in it to keep it cool.  I also have a big box fan to blow air on me and move it around the living room.  I also have a spray bottle with water to spray both me and the furballs.

Once temps in the house reach about 80, I will put my ferrets in the big dog kennel with food, water and an old flannel sheet for them to curl up in and move them to the basement.  It stays blessedly cool down there - my boys practically live down there in the summer.  The cats and the grand-dog are either down there, too, or else the cats have found a cool hidey hole outside.

Once the sun goes down, I open up the house - doors and windows to catch any stray breeze, and leave them open all night.  When I get up in the morning, I close everything back up to keep the cool in and go through the same routine.  The two smaller bedrooms now have window A/C units but I just open up my windows at night and unplug the heater on my bed and sleep just fine.

Now, if you can't afford to install whole house air conditioning and all stores are sold out of window units (the windows in my front room don't open so I can't put window unit in - one more thing in the list of honey-dos on my house!) there have been some very innovating ideas out on the Web for do-it-yourself A/C units.  I am not recommending them, but some of them do look pretty interesting and if they work - hey, there's a plus for you.

If you have any other ways to keep cool, let me know - it's going to be a looooong summer!

Have a great week and a safe and sane 4th!

Whirlpool Training

Last week, W.L. May Company was happy to host a training session in the conference room of our "new" Vancouver warehouse. Whirlpool's trainer Randy Kruger brought his expertise to W.L. May Company, showing the mechanics of high efficiency top load washers and the radically new hybrid heat dryers.

Due to some scheduling difficulties this was announced with very short notice. For that we apologize. Despite the late announcement the turnout was impressive and shows us the demand for training opportunities. We thank  you all for attending and look forwarding to hosting more of this type of event in the future.

Mark Guzman, the manager of our Sacramento branch, was also on hand and snapped some pictures of the event that we are happy to share. Once again, thanks to all of you who made time in your busy schedules to attend and increase your product knowledge, we hope you found the experience helpful.

W.L. May Company sales manager, Trev Pelzer opened the program

Whirlpool trainer Randy Kruger provides his introduction

Technicians taking a closer look

Inside the Whirlpool Hybrid Heat Dryer

Randy Kruger provides a close up explanation

Looking at the "motor" area of the Whirlpool High Efficiency Top Load Washer

Training involves breaking down an appliance, here the rotor is being removed

A rarely seen overhead view of training in progress

We like seeing so many branded service vehicles visiting us. Thanks again!

Monday Motivation

There is nothing I like better at the end of a hot summer's day than taking a short walk around the garden. You can smell the heat coming up from the earth to meet the cooler night air.-Peter Mayle

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Wednesday Weekly Stock: Clothes Dryers

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 look into the world of clothes dryers.

Y055980

The first part from this week's featured parts isn't really a part at all. Instead it used to attach parts. Our first item is a high temperature adhesive from Maytag that is used to glue felt seals found on many dryers into place. We stock it under the manufacturers part number of Y055980.

LH4WXZ

Another item that isn't really a part in the machine is this outlet duct. Here are a few features of the 4 inch ProVent outlet duct that we stock. Recently the louvers on the outer wall faceplate have been re-engineered to prevent stocking. The faceplate also has a groove on the back to allow for cleaner caulking than older designs had. That same faceplate comes in white, but can also be painted to match existing decor. Ask for part #LH4WXZ.

W10169313

When the machine stops working, that's when the repairman gets called. A simple cause for a not working dryer could be a door switch. A switch stuck on open will not complete the circuit. Luckily that switch is usually readily available. Both 2 and 3 terminal switchs are frequently replaced by this one, part W10169313.

33001003

Another type of part we get regular calls for are dryer lint filters. They are relatively easy to damage and sometimes (especially in households with kids) they just disappear. For many years the Whirlpool style lint filter was accessed from the top of the machine where it inserted into a channel behind the drum. On newer models, the lint filter is usually found at the front of the drum just inside the door. On Whirlpools and their related brands (think Maytag), usually that filter is part 33001003.

Y54414

The next part we are looking at today has a bit of history to it. The part itself is the idler pulley found on  Speed Queen dryers. Speed Queen was a part of Amana at one time, Well, Amana became part of Maytag. Maytag decided to use some of those designs on Magic Chef products and Maytag became a part of Whirlpool. So that means that this idler pulley can be found on Speed Queen, Amana, Magic Chef, Maytag and Whirlpool dryers. Naturally we always keep on hand this part, number Y54414.

We have other dryer parts being featured this week in addition to those just mentioned. For more details just ask your account manager about this weeks special dryer parts.

Kelly's Korner - Moving Tips

Hey, All,

Springtime seems like the time when people are moving from one residence to another.  Whether it is kids moving home from college, out of home after graduation, or just packing the whole family to move to a bigger place, there are a lot of people on the move.

Creative Commons license on image.

Now this can be a stressful time for anyone.  All the little things can add up to one big headache if you let it.  Having moved many times myself, I have come up with some things that have helped me immensely.

• PLAN!!!!  As soon as you know you are moving, start bringing boxes home and start packing up the things you don't use everyday.  Books, knicknacks, seasonal clothes, etc.  Mark them well and designate an area to put them.
• Call your utilities.  Let them know your new address and when you want the utilities stopped or transferred well ahead of time.
• If children are able to help, have them pack up themselves so you don't have to.
• Reserve a moving van well in advance.  Weekends are especially busy for rental trucks so make sure you're not left out.  Make sure you have a hand truck to move the big stuff - washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc.
• If you have a front load washer, check with your favorite appliance repair person to see if you need a moving kit.  Some of the front loads have special moving bolts needed to keep your tub in place.  Do this sooner than later as they may need to be ordered.  Also, check your pigtail (power cord) on your dryer and stove between your old place and the new one.  You may have a three wire receptacle in one place and a 4 wire in another.  Have your tech check this out, also, and have him get you the correct pigtails.  
• Check the laundry hook-ups in the new place - you may need longer hoses and venting - your tech can help you with all of this.  Get him scheduled in advance.  Same if you have a gas range - get unhooking and hooking lined up - if you are going from natural gas to LP (liquid propane) you will need to change some things, like orifices for the fuel supply.  This is something that needs to be done as soon as you know your are moving as parts may need to be ordered.
• If at all possible, start moving small loads to your new residence ahead of actual moving day.  When I moved from our apartment into my newly purchased home, I made sure I had a month before I had to be out of the apartment.  That gave me time to paint before moving furniture in.  Every night on my way home, I'd drop off what boxes I had already packed.  Then I went home and packed a few more, taking things off walls, stuff stored in closets, etc.
• Moving is a major pain and all your friends will say, "Sure, I'll help!" and then be unreachable that day.  Make sure you line up some really reliable peope or hire some day help for things you can't manage yourself.
• Have your magic marker, Phillips head and flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers on you at all times!  They get lost easy and you'll need them.
• This is the most important tip I can give anyone:  If you have items that have parts and pieces that need to stay together - bed frames, bookshelves, etc, - take all the screws, brackets, whatever and put them in a ziplock bag and very securely DUCT TAPE them to the item they belong to.  I don't know how many phone calls I get from people that have moved and have had to take the doors and hinges off their refrigerator and have lost them.  Put those screws and hinges in a bag and tape it to the inside of the freezer.  Put the remotes in a bag and tape them to the back of the TV.  Put screws and brackets for bedframes and tape them to the rails.You will save yourself untold headaches and anxiety by doing this.
• As soon as you empty a room, clean it - wash windows, wipe down walls, sweep-mop-vacuum floors.  Fill in nail holes with spackle.  If you are in a rental, this will help getting your deposits back.  Plus, you don't want people thinking you're a total jerk by leaving a mess.  In the kitchen, pull out fridge and stove and clean behind and under them as well as inside.  Please don't take knobs, door bars, shelves or anything that belongs in or on the appliance.  One of the reasons rents go up is the maintenance and repair of turning a rental over.
• Be a good tenant and leave all the lightbulbs and a roll of toilet paper in the bathroom.  Nothing is worse than having to go and digging through piles of stuff to find the TP or not having light to see where you're going.  Have TP, soap and hand towels in the new place, too.
• If you have wood or tile floors, make sure you have them protected - large pieces of cardboard work well.
• Reward you, your family and anyone helping by providing food, drinks and snacks.  You'd be surprised at what people will do for free vittles lol

Make moving day less of a chore by getting all those ducks in a row before The Day and everyone will be a happy camper.

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation

       

                  Summertime is always the best of what might be. ― Charles Bowden

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