I need to replace my inlet valve but cannot get the red and white tabs off. I am afraid to be rough as I don’t want to break anything. Any suggestions on how to get it off without ruining anything.
I am not sure what tabs you mean, the valve assembly is one piece. If you mean the connectors then they should just pull off. If you need to you can grab them gently, very gently with pliers.
Here is the part and there is a video which may help you.
Whirlpool 3979346 Water Inlet Valve Assembly - AppliancePartsPros.com
[QUOTE=sidfink43;859362]I am not sure what tabs you mean, the valve assembly is one piece. If you mean the connectors then they should just pull off. If you need to you can grab them gently, very gently with pliers.
Here is the part and there is a video which may help you.
Whirlpool 3979346 Water Inlet Valve Assembly - AppliancePartsPros.com[/QUOTE]
Thank you! I already have the part to replace. Yes it is the red and white tabs for the hot and cold water valves. They simply will not come off. I am afraid if I am too rough I will snap or break something. Is there anything that you would reccomend to get them off?
It sounds like some leakage may have cause them to rust/weld themselves on.
Try some rust buster spray and go ahead and use whatever strength you need. If you break the tabs you can always just connect the wires directly to the connectors on the new valve assembly. If you harm the old valve assembly, well no foul as you are replacing it anyway.
Thank you! Would wd40 work as well?
Probably not, you need some good old fashioned rust busting spray. Let it soak in for a couple of hours then try it. If that doesn’t work just go after it. It is just connections, and new ones can be found in any store that sells electrical stuff.