Washer Water Inlet Valve w/Bimetal Thermistor WP8578341

It was surprisingly easy to get the machine apart:

- unplug power
- undo hot/cold water hoses
- remove two screws holding the control panel (box on top with the knobs) to the machine top
- unhook two brass colored clips holding control panel to machine top
- unplug the wiring harness secured to the top
- remove two bolts on top of back, and two on bottom

Very easy once you get started. The inside of the machine was very accessible and everything is very modular and easy to replace.

The problem for me was that after diagnosing the problem online and receiving the part, I found the *real* reason the machine did not stop filling. Inside the control panel was a large mouse nest (made mostly with a chewed wiring schematic) and mouse. It had chewed completely through the rubber hose connecting the water level switch to the tub. So when the tub filled, the switch never got the signal to shut off. Got rid of the mouse and replaced the hose. Wound up installing water mixing value anyway since I had the part and the machine apart. The old valve had a lot of crud built up in it. With the new value the water pressure was much better.

So the moral might be to take your machine apart and have a look around before ordering the part...it may not be what you think...

Unplug electrical power from wall socket.
Remove drain hose from plumbing
Turn off water valves to washer hot & cold, (may need pliers if tight).
Remove hoses from washer water inlet valve, use small bucket to catch any water draining from hoses.
Loosened two Phillips head screws one located in each corner behind control panel, then tilt panel back exposing two large clips.
Using a flat blade screwdriver carefully pry clips up and remove.
Grab cabinet and carefully tilt back and slide out of the way.
Remove electrical connectors from hot and cold solenoids (Note their location). Remove other electrical connector (if equipped).
Remove small sheetmetal screw from back of washer holding valve in place.
Remove valve and discard.
Install new valve in reverse order of removal.
NOTE: With cabinet removed inspect other items for wear and or damage, clean all crud from the cabinet and spray WD-40 on sliding parts of adjustable feet (trust me, save yourself some headache here).
Warning: Inspect your water hoses if they are rubber replace them as the are prone to failure; install nylon re-enforced ones.

When hose are all installed turn on water and check for leaks.

Watched a YouTube video on how to take the cabinet apart. Learned there were only a couple of screws that held the thing in place. Once cabinet was free, simple job to replace the part.

removed the cover from around the tub to be able to reach the valve. Used a digital camera to record the steps of removing parts, also made alist of the screws and there length and where they where used.

turn off power (unplug) turn off water, drain all lines,
remove back of washer. remove old inlet valve, replace with new one, check all conection ( electronic and water ) replace back check operations after hook ups are made

fixed

Harrison