Washing Machine Pump Motor

Washer Repair
1

Brand: Kenmore
Model Number: 417.29042991
Main Symptom: pump and motor replaced, duty cycle question
What happens & when:

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: Just replaced the pump and motor on a washing machine. Original equip (2005 model) indicated a duty cycle of 10 mins On and 5 Mins Off. New pump indicates a duty cycle of 2 mins On and 10 Mins off. Is this going to be an issue?? So far, it is working.
Photos / video link:

2

If the replacement pump is the correct replacement part for model 417.29042991, then I would not be concerned about the duty cycle printed on the pump itself.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • The duty cycle listed on the motor is the manufacturer’s maximum continuous operating rating, not necessarily how the washer will use it.
  • During a normal wash cycle, the drain pump typically runs for 30 seconds to 2 minutes at a time, then shuts off until the next drain portion of the cycle. It is not designed to run continuously for long periods.
  • Even though your original pump was marked 10 minutes ON / 5 minutes OFF and the replacement is marked 2 minutes ON / 10 minutes OFF, the washer’s control board determines when the pump runs. Under normal operation, it should never exceed the replacement pump’s intended duty cycle.

Since you’ve already run the washer and it’s draining normally, that’s a good sign.

The only time I’d be concerned

If the replacement pump is not the exact part specified for your model (or a quality direct replacement), then the duty cycle difference could indicate it’s a lighter-duty motor that may have a shorter lifespan.

Could you provide the part number of the replacement drain pump you installed? That will let us verify whether it’s the correct replacement or if it’s a universal pump with different specifications.

3

Jeffrey, Thank you for the very quick reply and good information.

Upon looking at the original motor (2005 model) for the 5th time, I noticed that I did not read the duty cycle correctly. It is actually a duty cycle of 10 mins On and 50 Mins Off, the same On/Off ratio (1:5) of the new motor.

As you point out, the pump motor only runs intermittently. However, my pump run times vary from ~3 mins to ~10 mins (the entire spin cycle), depending on wash cycle. This makes me concerned that this new motor is not the correct one / may be headed to early failure.

The Original motor (Askoll) specs are Mod M65 / 1.2A, 50W CI.F and a part number of 294015 134051200. The new motor (also Askoll) is Mod M222-5 / 1.25A, 85W CI.F and a part number of 610021 137108000. (Purchased from RepairClinic). Physical size wise, the motor and pump are the same, but I did need to rotate the pump 180 deg to get the flow outlet to be on the right side.

What are your thoughts on this additional info?

4

I would still say you are ok. I’e changed lots of those pumps where they redesigned them and never had a problem

5

I also just chatted with RepairClinic and they said that the manufacturer updated the pump / motor part number and this is the correct unit. Cross my fingers that this lasts for 5+ years.

Thank you very much for your independent confirmation. Very helpful. Have a nice weekend.