3 Dryer Makers and 6 Service Kits

A clothes dryer is probably the simplest of the major appliances. There are a limited number of moving parts, they are easy for the lay person to understand, and for the most part the same designs have stayed in place for years. Since a clothes dryer is so simple it can also be one of the easier things to service. As a pro repair person, its probably a job you love. The easy diagnostics and and easy servicing make it appealing, it also makes it the kind of project a do-it-yourselfer might try to tackle.

If you are looking to do one of these repairs, or if you are helping out a DIY person with parts, it makes sense to change out all the parts that are also likely to be wearing out when you do the repair. Luckily, most manufacturers offer kits that include all the parts that have a tendency to wear out. Usually, the kits cost less than buying the individual parts.

Here are maintenance kits for the three largest American appliance makers.

Whirlpool

• 4392065-Used on most 27" dryers. Contains  multi-rib belt (part 341241), drum support roller kit (part 349241T), idler pulley (part 691366), and installation instructions.
• 4392067-Used on some 27" dryers (frequently commercial machines). Contains multi-rib belt (part 661570), 4 support rollers (part 3396802), idler assembly (part 3388672), and installation instructions. 
• 4392068-Used on 24" dryers. Contains multi-rib belt (part 3394652) drum support roller kit (part 349241), idler pulley (part 691366) and installation instructions.

Electrolux

• 5304457724-"New Style" for machine from 2002-Present. Contains drive belt (part 134503600), rear bearing kit (part 5303281153), idler pulley/bracket assembly (part 131863000), upper front felt seal (part 5303937182), lower front felt seal (part 5303937183)
• 5304461262-"Old Style" for machine prior to 2002.  Contains 88" drum belt (part 134503600), bearing kit (part 5303281153), idler pulley (part 131863007), upper front felt seal (part 5303937139), and lower front felt seal (part 5303283286), needed adhesive and grease.

General Electric

• WE49X20697-Contains belt (part WE12M29), top bearing (part WE3M26), two white glides (part WE1M504), two green glides (part WE1M1067), and lower felt seal (part WE9M30)

The next time you are servicing a dryer, remember these kits. They can frequently save time by preventing further problems before they occur and by simplifying the parts ordering process. They can also save you money over the cost of buying the parts individually. Consider adding at least one of each kit to your inventory and remember to offer the kit to people doing their own service. Odds are that when they open the machine they will realize other areas that need maintenance as well and you will be the hero with foresight. Have a great day and happy repairing!

6 Top Selling Electrolux Dryer Parts

One of our more common questions we get asked at W.L. May Company is "what items are popular sellers?" When clients ask that question it is because they would like to stock those items to be ready for any eventuality. It can be difficult to recommend a standard stock list that would be the same for every client. Many factors can change the needed stock for a given company. Such things as the climate, gas and electrical infrastructure in the community, energy rates, and income levels and local dealers all can have a bearing on what is needed to fill a well stocked service vehicle or parts department. Because of all the different things that can change stocking needs, I can't exactly offer you a complete list that would work for every company. Some parts, however are universally common and generally our best sellers. Today we crack open the books and share with you six of our top Electrolux dryer parts. In the future we will revisit this subject for some other top sellers in other categories. These parts are not "must stock" items (after all it IS a free country, you can stock what you want), but they are "strongly encouraged" items that should help increase your first call completes, add-on sales, and ultimately make you more efficient and profitable as a service or parts company.

• 5303281153-Rear Bearing Kit-Often called the "Trailer Hitch" bearing, because it looks like the ball and socket you might see on a boat trailer hitch. It is a long running part that was a bread-and-butter stockable part when I entered the appliance trade 22 years ago.

5303281153

• 5303937139-Front Felt/Glide Assembly-Commonly used upper felt seal for dryer drum. Comes with glides mounted to the felt and adhesive needed for install.

5303937139

• 5300622032-Dryer Element Restring Coil-This is a coil that is used to restring the element on Frigidaire dryers prior to 1996 that use the large heater that mounts behind the drum. It has 1/4" terminals and is 18 inches long. This coil is sent without a terminal block or insulators. If those are needed, you would need to replace the entire element assembly. 

5300622032

• 131825900-Rear Bearing-This is the receiver part of the 5303281153 rear bearing assembly described above.

131825900

• 134503600-Drum Belt-This is  87 3/4 inch belt used on many newer Frigidaire made dryers.

134503600

• 5300622034-Dryer Element Restring Coil-Very similar to 5300622032, this is a coil that is used to restring the element on Frigidaire dryers after 1996 that use the large heater that mounts behind the drum. It has 5/16" terminals and is 18 inches long. This coil is sent without a terminal block or insulators. If those are needed, you would need to replace the entire element assembly

5300622034

We hope you find this list helpful in determining your stock needs, Watch for future posts when we discuss other brands and product types. Happy Servicing!

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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!

Kelly's Korner - Superhero Book Add-ons

Hey, All,

Was going through my book and thought I'd list some more random part numbers that may help:

Electrolux:
Garage heater kit:  5304458930
Diode for primary water valve in SxS refrigerators:  5303918287
Corner gaskets for dishwashers:  154701001

GE:
5/16" tubing for waterlines:  WR17X2891
5/16" push on waterline connectors (John Guest):  WR02X10471
Heater for fill tube in dispenser:  WR49X10173
Fill tube heater for icemaker:  WR51X369

Whirlpool/Maytag:
Heater for icemaker tube:  4389174
60" x 5/16" waterline:  2256126
Dishwasher coupler repair kit:  285170
Dispenser ice door repair kit for SxS refrigerators:  8201756
Shelf support kit for refrigerators:  4388540

It is never too late to start your own Superhero Book!

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 Learning More

Many of the service techs we talk to find it a challenge to keep up with new developments in the appliance repair trade. To help address that problem, W.L. May Co & the United Servicers Association (USA) have partnered to announce the fall round of Regional Service Meetings (RSM). At all RSM’s technical training will be provided on Whirlpool front load laundry and Bosch dishwashers, and both Sacramento and Portland will offer Electrolux front load laundry training, while Boise will offer a session on GE products. This is in addition to a business concepts class being taught at each meeting. This is a valuable opportunity, which attracts repeat attendees each year. Dues to the popularity of the program, seats fill up fast. If you would like to attend, don't delay and register now. If you have questions, you're friendly W.L.May representative will be happy to help.

Dates and locations are as follows:

Sept. 19 - 20
Portland, OR
Monarch Hotel & Conference Center                                                                  
12566 S.E. Ninety-Third Avenue                                                      
Clackamas, OR  97015                                                                        
503-652-1515                                                                                                                                      
RSM Registration: $149.00
Room rate  $99.00  Cut Off Sept. 1, 2013

  United Servicers Association Portland Regional Servicers Meeting Fall 2013

Oct. 31-  Nov 1
Sacramento, CA
Courtyard Sacramento Airport Natomas                            
2101 River Plaza Dr.                                                      
Sacramento, CA95833                                                            
916-561-3282
RSM Registration: $149.00                                                            
Room rate $129.00 Cut off  Wed Oct 9.

  United Servicers Association Sacramento Regional Servicers Meeting Fall 2013

Nov. 7- 8
Boise, ID
Holiday Inn Boise Airport                                                
2970 Elder Street                                                                        
Boise City, ID 83705
208/344-7444                                                                                        
RSM Registration: $149.00
Room Rate $90/All Suites   Cut-off Date  October 16

  United Servicers Association Boise Regional Servicers Meeting Fall 2013

Kelly's Korner - Accessory Items

Hey, All!

Did you know that the major manufacturer's - GE, Whirlpool and Electolux - have accessory items available for your appliances?  Such things as dryer racks, small item holders for laundry and dishwashers, cleaners, touch-up paint, and more?

You can either go onto the respective websites and look under the Accessory headings and look for what you need.  Or contact your friendly parts distributor - W L May, of course - and we can find it for you.  Also, some accessory items for specific models are listed in the owner's manual for that appliance.

Some of my favorites are:

W10180464RP - this is a zippered mesh laundry bag and it is great for all those baby sock and other little unmentionables.

PM14X10056 - this is a cleaning brush set for dryer vents, refrigerator coils and other hard to reach spots

Dishwasher rack repair kits:  Blue is 5303310272 and white is 5303310273 - this is a kit of "goop" - quick drying plastic coating for those spots on the rack that the coating has come off and 25 tine tips for the points of the upright tines.

And, as always, W L May is here to help you look for whatever your customer needs.

Have a great week!


  

Kelly's Korner - Superhero Book

Hey, All!

So how are you all doing on your Superhero Book?  Are you adding to it when you find something that you've never seen before?  It is real easy to think that you'll do it later, but I find that if I don't write it down or print it out now, it doesn't get done, then I kick myself when I need it later.  Don't procrastinate!

This came to mind the other day when I was looking for a kit that I KNOW Whirlpool puts out for refrigerator shelf support repair (4388540) and I couldn't find it because I HAD NOT WRITTEN IT DOWN!!!  I only like doing things twice if they are fun - finding information twice because of my laziness is not fun.

Of course, on the opposite side, a tech called me looking for a dispenser heater kit for a GE refrigerator, and before he could even finish explaining what he needed, I had the part number (WR49X10173) because I HAD WRITTEN IT DOWN!!!  Blew him away and I sat here and giggled.

There are sooo many things that the manufacturers come up with AFTER the appliances are in a consumer's home to fix issues that come up.  And they are usually not on whatever research material you are looking at.  We here at W L May are really good at ferreting out this information, so don't hesitate to give us a holler to find what you need.

Have a great week!  (Happy Birthday, Mom!)

PS:  As I'm sitting here writing this the ol' Book came in handy again - splash shield kit for Frigidaire Dishwashers (corner gaskets at bottom of door gasket)  154701001.  Three more part number for your Book!  K

KELLY'S KORNER - MANUALS

Hey, All,

Did you know that you can usually get copies of  owner's manual on-line and download them to your computer or copy/email them for your customers?

Just go to the manufacturer's website (I'll have some listed below) and look for the tab for Customer Service or Support.  There should be a tab under that for manuals.  You will need to have the model number of the appliance.  Then just download the PDF file to your computer. 

Consumers:  This would also be a good time to make a file for each of your appliances and load the necessary information for each appliance (Brand, model number, serial number, date of purchase and scan in the warranty info, receipts, service calls, repair company, etc).  Wow!  Don't you feel organized now? 

Servicers:  You can also add these to your computer files for your customers.

Also, sometimes accessory items (stack kits, conversion kits, dryer racks, etc.) are listed in the owner's manual;  some of these are not listed in the parts lists.

Whirlpool:  http://www.whirlpool.com/manuals
Frigidaire:  http://www.frigidaire.com/Owner-Center/Product-Support-Manuals/
GE:  http://www.geappliances.com/service_and_support/literature/
Electrolux: http://www.electroluxappliances.com/Owner-Support/Product-Support/
Maytag:   http://www.maytag.com/manuals

Have a great week!

Truck Stock Thursday: Frigidaire Dryer Maintenance Kits

Did you know that for Kenmore dryers with model number starting with "417", Frigidaire, Westinghouse, Gibson, or Tappan dryers made from 2002 to present there's a repair kit from Electrolux that is worth stocking? There is also a kit for older machines in those brands as well. Not only do these kits provide a convenient assortment of parts needed for maintenance service on these dryers, but they offer an exceptional value. The kits shave about a third of the cost off of what you would pay buying the parts individually.

For the newer models, your part number is 5304457724, this kit includes a new drive belt (134503600), rear drum bearing kit (5303281153), idler pulley/bracket assy (131863007), front drum support/seal (5303937182), lower front felt seal (5303937183), the special high temp adhesive to install the front parts, the high temp grease for the rear bearing assy, and really nice photo instructions that'll walk a do-it-yourselfer through the whole job.

On Models from 1992-2002 the kit is part number 5304461262. It includes a new drive belt (134503600), rear bearing kit (5303281153), idler arm & pulley (131863000), upper drum glide (5303937139), lower drum glide (5303283286) and instructions.

Thoughtful Thursday: Facebook Roundup

As many of you are aware, W.L. May Company has made a commitment to helping to keep you informed about the appliance industry, with an emphasis on parts and repairs. We also are committed to the success of your company during these changing times that is the information revolution. This blog is one way we have been trying to share our knowledge and experience with you. Facebook is another way.
Here is a quick roundup of articles that have been shared on Facebook in the last month. For more of this kind of information make sure to "like" us on Facebook and visit us there often.

We told you about some new products in development.

• Whirlpool announced a new line of wi-fi smart appliances. Link
• GE Announced a refrigerator with a built in hot water dispenser. Link
• The web site Gizmodo told us about a device that uses ultraviolet light to disenfect your dishwashers interior. Link
• Consumer Reports gave good grades to Whirlpool & Maytag for the operating times on their front loaders. Link

We shared information about the business side of the appliance industry and the major manufacturers.

• GE announced the production of front load washers in the U.S. ,which they have never done before. Link
• Electrolux shares hope that an improving housing market in the US will offset sluuggish growth in Europe. Link
• A letter to USA Today talked about changes at Whirlpool and a growth of their bottom line. Link

Sometimes we share tips for home owners and the DIY crowd.

• We found some tips for cleaning refrigerators. Link

Information about running your business can be helpful. Here are tips for managing people and also technology.

• Great Leadership explained the importance of satisfied employees and how being penny-wise can sometimes be pound-foolish. Link
• We found an article that gave some practical advice about computer passwords. How to create very safe passwords for a variety of web sites and even more importantly, how to remember them! Link

Since it is Facebook, we also found some information to help your business use social media in its marketing mix.

• PostRocket talks about Facebook's EdgeRank. How it can limit who sees your Facebook posts, and how to maximise your exposure on Facebook. Link
• While, W.L. May encourages the use of social media in your marketing mix. It is not without some risk. This article from Dashburst examines a few things to be careful of if your are "going social". Link

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!