[iainbelcher]

I have just purchased and received a overload switch (4344040). The new part is slightly different to the old part. The old part had 2 full length brass spade connectors. One is for the overload switch and one connects to the condenser fan motor. On the new overload one of the spade connectors has been trimmed short. I can still connect to the spade connector but the connection is not as secure as it would be with a full length connector. See attached photo.

Will I be OK to use the overload as is ?

[richappy]

Check my article in the general talk section (replacing compressor start devices). Your overload is a critical part and saves the compressor from failure from hard start conditions. Using a substitute part will not give you the original protection and will void your warranty.
Your overload trips out at some very specific temperature or current. If you can get the supplier to PROOVE this one has the SAME specs as the old one, then maybe you can use it, but it will void your warranty and be harder to wire in.

[iainbelcher]

richappy,

Your reply does not really answer my question. The overload I purchased was the approved part on the appliance parts pro website. It looks exactly like the original except for the difference in the spade connector. Can it be used with a short spade connector ?

[richappy]

IF you have to change the fridg's wiring to use the part, it will void your compressor warranty.

[iainbelcher]

richappy,

You are missing the point of my question. I am not concerned about a warranty, the fridge is over 7 years old.

All I am trying to do is to get the fridge & freezer working again so I can get a little more life out of the appliance before I scrap it.

Now the question is "will the short spade connector on the overload allow it to function properly ?" If you don't know the answer to the question please pass it on to someone who does.

Thanks,

[gearhead1218]

That short stub shouldn't make a difference.
The two old spades were actually tied in together.
Pick up a spade connector with a flag on it to be able use the single connection for both wires.
But, a point to ponder. Why did the old overload fail? If it was due to a high amount of heat on the compressor, then the compressor could be on it's way out. If the overload connection on the compressor was loose, then you may be alright, as the loose connection would have caused resistance and therefore heat.
Good luck.

[iainbelcher]

gearhead1218,

Thanks for the reply. I've now connected to the short stub and it seems to be working fine.

The overload failed because the plastic housing had cracked and then when I tried to disconnect the leads from it, it fell apart. It has obviously got really hot at some point.

Now it's all working again I'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks for answering my question.

[Admin / APP Team]

Just to clarify, the overload you ordered from us (Whirlpool 4344040) is the right and direct replacement. The reason why it is slightly different is because Amana has changed ownership twice in the recent years. First it was bought out by Maytag, then Maytag was bought out by Whirlpool. In the process, both Maytag and Whirlpool were/are trying to adapt similar (often exact) parts they already manufacture to work on these brands that they have purchased. Using these parts will not void product warranty, because they are in fact original replacement parts.

Glad to hear the fridge is back in working order.