I'm trying to sort through the various different Whirlpool OEM part numbers that ultimately all contain a 2262181 start relay - or a kit with the 2262181 relay with overload combo.

If I select the 2262181 (AP3608944) part number directly, this seems to be the most expensive choice. But the photos for 4318083 (AP2979571) show a 2262181 relay in the photo, for much less.

Similarly, the 4387913 (AP3108669) also shows a 2262181 relay plus it also includes the overload for less than any of the above part numbers that only include the relay.

So, my question is, are all these 2262181 relays in these various part numbers created equally? It seems with any of the above different part numbers, I still get a Whirlpool OEM 2262181 relay. So, is there any reason I shouldn't choose the cheapest choice?

Thanks for the link to your article, richappy.

I have confirmed that the start device is bad. I took the start device apart, and found the 'ceramic' disc inside the device is broken into a couple of pieces. I took the biggest of the broken pieces, and slid it between the contacts inside the start device, and then re-installed and the compressor then worked fine (I just did this temporarily to test, not as a fix!).

So, the overload is probably ok, but I thought I would replace it anyway. The original overload is the 2214067 (which seems to be priced way too high at some sources; $100+).

I notice that the 4387913 kit comes with an overload, but it is the 2154759. I don't think the 2154759 is a suitable replacement for the original 2214067. I have to check the model of the embraco to see if the 2154759 is suitable. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to order the original 2214067 part separately.

Also, thanks for the tips about the inexpensive GE devices.

The start devices are really not that critical. If you have a meter, the device should have a cold resistance of around 5 ohms for a compressor current draw of over 1.5 amp and around 10 ohms for below 1.5 amps. These resistances are about the same for the GE devices I use.
The important device is the klixon overload, a thin item attached to the common compressor pin. It must protect the compressor windings during overload conditions.
A lot of the packaged start devices burn out easily as there is poor thermal mounting for the semiconductor wafer inside. The GE units rarely fail as they are mounted well in a package that can dissipate the heat generated. These devices draw about 1000 watts peak at start up!
If you retain the old klixon and use the GE start device, you will not have a blowout problem, never seen these units blow out, never!
As far as pricing, you are paying for a custom assembly that is really a plug and chug box that is very easy to install.

In my search to reveal the ultimate specifications and/or OEM of the start device relay, it seems that it is the Klixon 8EA series. I'm still not sure if this is the ultimate manufacturer.

For exmaple, the GE WR07X10051 mentioned by richappy often bears the number 8EA4B3, or 8EA14C3 (which replaced the 8EA4B3, see Texas Instruments (T.I.) PTC type 8EA4B3 will be modified/replaced
by type 8EA14C3).

Interestingly, the Whirlpool 2262181 that I'm replacing also bears the number 8EA14C3, which I guess means that the Whirlpool 2262181 is the same as the GE WR07X10051.

So, now I'm wondering, are all 8EA14C3 start device relays the same? Can they have different specs? Can they be made by different OEMs and still bear the 8EA14C3 part number? Is Klixon the ultimate designer of these 8EA series relays, but others manufacturers make them? It seems some are made in Mexico, some in the UK, some in other countries. Hmm...

Ok, so I've determined that my Whirlpool 2214067 klixon overload is a 319NFBYY-53. I'm not sure why the prices between these two part numbers is so different.

The 319NFBYY-53 is available under many under part numbers, including T.I. 4TM319NFBYY-53, LG 6750JJ8004B, GE WR08X10025, and many others.

So, the klixon overload in the Whirlpool 4387913 Kit (AP3108669) is not compatible with my model, only the start device from that kit is compatible with my model. The klixon overload in the 4387913 kit is the Whirlpool 2154759 (factory i.d. #283ULBYY-53), not the same as the 319NFBYY-53.