Whirlpool 1954 model 156 pump idler

[paulg]

Help requested!
The discharge pump idler for my 1954 Whirlpool washer model 156 has given up the ghost.
Sooo... what to do for a replacement? Any good substitutes?
I have service docs for the machine but oddly, not the parts list.
This is a suds-miser model but it is the main discharge pump that quit.
Thanks for any info!

 

[combo52]

53 and earlier WP AMW Pumps

Hi Paul there is no bolt in replacement for these pumps unless you want to replace the transmission with parts from a 1956 or newer machine.

 

I would try taking the pump off and carefully disassembling it, you can often fix one of these pumps without even using any new parts.

 

[paulg]

Thanks for info / More details follow.

Actually the pump itself is fine. I guess I didn't describe the issue well enough. I'll try describing the issue a little better....
As you know, the exhaust water pump is of a type where it really doesn't connect to a motor in any way when it is not pumping water out of the unit.
During washing, the main belt is in motion adjacent to the pump's pulley but doesn't touch the pulley much, if at all. However, when exhaust pumping is needed, a solenoid pulls a "tire-idler". By solenoid action, this idler is shoved forcefully into the moving belt causing the belt to be squeezed onto the pump's pulley causing the pump to turn and exhaust water. It is actually the solenoid-driven idler (the idler "tire" itself) that failed.
Thanks for responding and thanks for any additional info!