Local parts ... not!

[DADoES]

 
Went to the local Western Auto / Whirlpool dealer to fetch a basket drive block and referenced the current part number.  Girlie says skeptically ... I've never heard of that, I'm sure we don't have it.  I explain it's a common part on Whirlpool washers back to the 1950s.  Girlie takes me to the "stock wall" to see what they have (which isn't much).  Calls a fellow over, he doesn't know anything about it, asks if maybe I mean a motor coupler.  Seriously??  So, I go home.

 

[pierreandreply4]

the only way you would have that part would be ebay

the only way you could have the part you need would be to order it on ebay un;ess a member on the site have that part as an extra

 

[yogitunes]

not just there.....its all over like that......

either go into some place like AutoZone....and all you want is a matching V belt for a washer......they ask what vehicle it belongs to?....its not for a vehicle, its for a washer....."Oh, we don't carry parts for washers!"....

or theres the places that can't find parts for say like a lawn mower with out the model number.....for something simple as an "O" ring.....pull out your box of assorted ones and find one that matches what I have.......they can't do that......

to me, this all boiled down to the sales girl, who doesn't even know what an oven is, is basically the girl who got her job by banging the boss, and that's the only reason he keeps her around....

personally, did anyone who hired these people ask for any sort of experience or background in something like appliances?

 

[Chetlaham]

This is why

I deal with mom and pop stores on a first name bases. Anything outside of that is met with much disappointment. These people can not even fathom how much the average washer collector knows, let alone I do not always have a model number because 90% of my appliance rebuilds are "Frankensteins" where I take different parts and make my own custom models.

 

[kb0nes]

I stopped into my local dedicated appliance parts dealer a month ago for a common part for my Whirlpool Belt drive. The guy off the cuff said they don't stock 'anything' for a machine that old, but didn't bother to look at all. I'd bet there were some in a bin back there unless they just trashed everything.

I can understand getting to the point where they don't stock parts, but one could at least check. I was the only customer in the place too.

 

[DADoES]

 
This technically is a mom/pop (well, pop) store.  Independently-owned Western Auto.  Been there for nearly 40 years.  I mentioned in the past they had (may be gone by now) a Whirlpool Polara range on the floor for years after they were discontinued.  I know the owner as a passing acquaintance.  He's also a kind-of "slum lord" with a bunch of rental houses.

 

[goatfarmer]

Well, think about it. You're asking for a part for a machine that hasn't been made in over 25 years. They can't be expected to keep every part, or even a few parts in stock, on the chance that 1 person will walk in, and need it.

 

As for belts, I won't go to an Autozone, Advance, etc. Go to a NAPA, or similar, and ask for a belt in whatever size you need.

 

[wayupnorth]

My service guy just goes on his computer with me right there asks me a question for a something whatever and I say this is blah blah part, turns the computer around to me and asks if this is it, Yup. Usually he says couple of days and I get it. With so many complex parts in todays appliances nobody but a big warehouse could stock them all.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>Well, think about it. You're asking for a part for a machine that hasn't been made in over 25 years.</blockquote> It's not an outdated item.  I need it for a 2003 direct-drive machine.  Belt-drive machines take the same part and it's also used on some current VMW models.

 

[swestoyz]

I've had good luck asking for an item via the most recent part number - nothing else, and possibly throw out "FSP/Whitlpool" as the MFG if I'm looking for anything Maytag/Whirlpool. If they ask for a machine model, I never mention the age, just the model number. Also, I try to use a reference model number of a newer machine that has the part I'm looking for on an older one. But most places don't blink when I say "A806" for Maytag items, but they would look at me funny if I said "110.59....." for belt drive stuff.

As for automotive parts stores, or your FLAPS, best to do your research first online before you walk in the door. Know your belt size or RMA number. It will save you a ton of time.

Ben

 

[kb0nes]

In my case I wasn't bitching because they didn't stock the old part, I was miffed that the guy didn't at least check.

I full well underget that at some point everything will no longer be supported. But as far as this part would go, unless they purged their stock, I'd bet they would have still had one...

I had a similar issue with my 1991 Suzuki GSX-R a few years ago. I needed a timing cover gasket to replace one I tore. I told the parts guy what I needed and he asked the year, immediately he said they wouldn't have a part for a bike that old. Again didn't bother to look. It is the same part that is on the late model Katana engines. Not a lot of helpful imagination in play here.

 

[DADoES]

 
I asked for the item by the current Whirlpool FSP number (and item name).  I didn't mention the "since the 1950s" aspect until she said that she never heard of the part "and I've been here 30 years" (which is questionable being that the store has a notably high employee turnover per the newspaper classifieds I see).  The fellow that she called over asked how old of a machine is involved, I didn't notice his reaction when I said 2003.  There is a VMW agipeller machine on the floor, I pointed out that the part of question is used on it.  Several packages hanging in the "washer" section on the parts wall were (console) end caps, but they don't have a basket drive block.

I should add, there's no other "full-line" appliance store here.  A couple rent-to-own outfits, a regional home improvement chain that has a limited selection of Frigidaire, and a locally-owned furniture store that had an even more-limited Frigidaire selection last time I was in there more than 10 years ago.

There's another family-owned Whirlpool dealer (not Western Auto) in a town 30 miles away.  Odds are much more favorable they'd have the part.  But ... shop local, right?

 

[DADoES]

 
I was at Western Auto this afternoon on another mission ... which isn't of consequence.

The Polara range is still there, marked $799.  It's 14 years old per the serial number.

I spoke briefly with the owner about it.  He insisted it still has full one-year warranty coverage.  I said that many parts are probably NLA.  Oh, no.  He's sure everything is available.

What would be Whirlpool's take on sale of an 14-years-old "NIB" appliance?

 

[ilovewindex]

LOL he's full of crap

I just looked at sears parts and appliance parts pros.. ONLY 25 parts are available for the Polara