March Madness: The Sweet 16
Appliance Parts Tournament

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament takes a backseat to the Sweet 16 Appliance Parts Tourney

As the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament begins its second weekend with the “Sweet 16 teams” playing each other, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. has its own “Sweet 16” tournament.

This one does not involve college teams, but rather appliance parts.

During the next three weeks, McCombs’ top selling parts will square off to see which items consumers purchase more during a seven-day period (From Wednesday to Wednesday each week).

The top-selling model each week in this head-to-head competition will advance in the tourney.

Exact sales numbers will not be published and purchase totals will be referenced in general terms for McCombs, a reliable, family-owned appliance parts retailer since 1953.

The following is a preview of the “Sweet 16” matches. Two pieces of equipment will face off in each region of the bracket. Some of the commentary, for the purposes of mimicking the NCAA tourney, is fictional, but the description and the usage of the part are real.

The Preview

No. 1 seed R403 Oven Igniter VS. No.16 seed 0696b000 Geniune Nutone OEM Vent Bath Fan Motor Wheel

Site: Scottsdale (West Region)

The R403 oven igniter emerges as a championship contender by rattling off 25 consecutive days as McCombs top seller, earning the top overall spot from the committee.

Designed to fit specific gas range models including Whirlpool, Roper, Kirkland, General Electric, Hotpoint, RCA and others, this oven igniter flies off the shelves at McCombs, selling nearly a thousand units during a seven-day period. It is a popular brand with a reasonable price of $17.95.

This is a fragile item, we pack it carefully. This is a replacement for numbers 4342528, AP3104565, PS360921, WB00X6640, WB2X9154, AP2014008, PS243425.

The 0696b000 Geniune Nutone Oem Vent Bath Fan Motor Wheel is coming on strong, winning its conference title to gain the automatic bid to tourney.

This motor and blower wheel is a replacement for Nutone Bathroom Exhaust Fans with specifications that include single speed, CW rotation, 120 volt, 1400 RPM’s, 1.00 AMPS, and 2 Prong Plug.

A scouting report on the 0696b000: Michael Bond, a satisfied customer, said the fan was a perfect fit at a great price. I searched everywhere to find a replacement part for our bathroom fan. McCombs was the only place I could find it. Service was great (bought the wrong part the first time, they returned it without question). This new part fits perfectly. Installed in 10 minutes, and we're back in business.”

Predicition: R403 Oven Igniter wins, as a No.1 seed has never lost to a 16th seed in the tourney.

No. 2 Seed AR5066 New Electrolux Frigidaire Replacement Oven Range Flat Igniter vs. No. Seed 15 279816 Whirpool Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse 

Site: Scottsdale (West Region)

The AR5066 started the year strong, but has faded in the last seven days. This after market part keeps its high seed based on its high volume of sales earlier in the year.

This is the replacement for part No. 5303935066 for the Norton Gas Valves 3.4, 3.6 Amps.

It is a Flat Style Ignitor with a 1.5" Ceramic Base.

With a cost of $9.95, the AR5066 will be a tough out in the tourney.

Scouting report on the AR5066: Ralph Firley, a satisfied McCombs customer, said his order arrived in just two business days and for a fraction of the cost of the competition. “I was able to repair my oven/range in an hour and easily saved over $100!!”

The 279816 Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse is making its first appearance in the tourney. One of the reasons why it sells such a high volume is its price – just $4.30.

The 279816 Thermal Fuse and Thermostat Kit is designed to fit specific Whirlpool manufactured dryer models including Amana, Jenn Air, Kenmore, Magic Chef, and Maytag.

The 3390291 thermostat is included in 2 kits offered, the other kit is number 279769 and in that kit it includes a 352*F thermal fuse, when replacing both pieces at the same time, it is important  to replace a 309/325 w/ a 309/325 (279816) or a 352 w/ a 352 (279769).

Replaces numbers 2651, 3399848, 3977393, AH334299, AP3094244, EA334299, and PS334299.

Scouting Report on the 279816 From Linda Rivera, a satisfied customer:

“Why call a repair person when you can order a complete kit and install yourself for the price of the kit. Just a few screws to remove and replace the new pieces and voila job completed in a few minutes and your dryer is back in business.”

No. 3 Seed ERWT049 For Kitchenaid Hand Mixer Beaters vs. No.14 Seed LP 116 Wash Machine Drain Pump for Whirlpool

Site: Nashville (South Region)

This is a battle of replacement parts. ERWT049 is no stranger to the tournament, making it ninth straight appearance.

This Kitchenaid Hand Mixer Turbo Beaters 2 Per Package replacement for W10490648 and AP5644233.

 It sells for $3.80.

Scouting report from Kelly McCann, a satisfied customer: “RIGHT PRODUCT, RIGHT PRICE, FAST SHIPPING, HAPPY CUSTOMER! THANK YOU McCombs.”

LP 116 Wash Machine Drain Pump for WP3363394 Whirlpool Kenmore Roper AP6008107 and PS11741239. It has a price of $5.60.

No. 4 Seed IM597 2198597 Refrigerator Icemaker For Whirlpool Kitchenaid vs. No.13 Seed IM 943 Refrigerat

or Icemaker for Whirlpool Kenmore Kitchenaid (new)

Site: Nashville (South Region)

This is a battle for state bragging rights, as these two ice makers battle it out for top sales.

The IM943 is a replacement ice-maker kit for Whirlpool; part number 2198597. It sells for $36.50.

This has a special ice stripper on it that helps to deflect the ice into the bin. The model refrigerators that this fits uses a PC board emitter sensing unit to determine when the ice bucket is full to turn off the ice-maker.

The cubes dump directly into the Ice Bin on the Freezer Door.

This ice-maker is for side by side refrigerators with Ice Bin in Door and it includes one flat rectangle 4 pin connection that measures 10.5" long. The cord is fuse protected.

This ice-maker is designed for replacement only and does not include water valve or bucket. Replacement for numbers 2198598, 626663, PS869316 and AP3182733.

The WP4317943 gains an at-large bid the tourney. It is the replacement moduler ice-maker; part number IM943. It sells for $34.50.

The cord plugs into the head of the ice-maker then into the refrigerator. Both cords are fuse protected. In some cases you may have to use your old cord. The cord removes from the ice-maker by pushing on the spring clip and pulling it out from the socket.

The thickness of the ice is controlled by turning a plastic screw on the side of the head. This ice-maker is designed for replacement only and does not include ice-maker valve or bucket.

If you are looking for an upset, this could be it. The IM943 is priced better than the IM597 and has strong reviews.

Scouting report from a customer who spoke under the condition of anonymity: “Arrived in mail promptly and worked like a champ! Nuff' said.”

No. 5 Seed WB44T10010 Bake Element vs. No.12 Seed DE 838 for Dryer Heating Element Coil Assembly

Site: Philadelphia (East Region)

The DE 838 normally starts slow out of the gate, but its sales pick up as the day goes and it can certainly pull off an upset, in the dreaded No. 5-N0. 12 seed matchup.

This is replacement Dryer Heating Element; part number 279838.

This element is rated at 5400 Watts 240 Volts and has 2- 5/16" male terminals.

Scouting report from Rick, a satisfied customer: “Easy to install, exact fit, well made replacement part.”

An upset will not be easy, though as this bake element usually gets off to a fast start and has steady sales. Some bracket analytics have the WB44T10010 under-seed, based on how well it sold during the regular season. One of the reasons for its popularity is the price: $9.40.

This is a replacement Oven Bake Heating Element for GE part number CH44T10010.

The dimensions of this item are: 18" From Side to side 16-3/4" From Mounting Bracket to back.

This bottom unit fits specific General Electric manufactured range models.

No. 6 Seed W10120998 Dryer Lint Screen Filter Catcher vs. No.11 Seed IG1411 Igniter

Site: Philadelphia (East Region)

W10120998 is a replacement Dryer Lint Screen for Whirlpool; part number W10120998.

The filter screen on is thicker and appears to be more durable then part number 8066170. It has a reinforcement bar and also replaces old part number W10049370.

This part will be tough to beat because of repeat sales.

Here is the scouting report from Suzy Watkins:“The vent fit well and the vent mesh itself was of good quality. Would buy again.”

That does not bode well for the IG 411, but the igniter has pulled the upset before and this product has a proven track record.

This igniter is a replacement for White Rodgers number 767A-383, Rheem number 62-22868-82, Robertshaw number 41-411 and Trane number IGN0054. It has a sale price of $18.95.

No. 7 Seed IM900 Icemaker vs. No.10 Seed WB44T10011 For GE Range Oven Bake Element Lower Bake Unit

Site: Kansas (Midwest Region)

After an early exit last year, the IM900 will guard against a letdown against the upset-minded WB44T10010

The IM900 is the refrigerator icemaker for Maytag Amana Jenn Air Whirlpool D7824706Q and 61005508. Cost: $31.95.

With favorable reviews, this will be a difficult product to beat.

Scouting report from B.K.M., a satisfied customer: “This product is a an excellent replacement for the OEM part. Much cheaper. Easy install and works fine. Would recommend this part.”

The WB44T10011 is the exact replacement oven bake element for GE part number CH44T10011.

It is rated at 240 Volts, 3410 Watts and has 3 mounting legs.

As ESPN announcer Dick Vitale would say, “this is a Diaper Dandy,” a young part with a lot of upside. It sells for $10.75.

This bottom unit fits specific General Electric manufactured range models.

No. 8 Seed 9704230-2 Coupler Coupling for Kitchenaid Blender Vs. No.9 Seed 4389102 for Whirlpool Icemaker Emitter Sensor Control Board

Site: Kansas (Midwest Region)

An 8-9 seed matchup is always a tossup, and these two items are very close in weekly sales.

Part number 9704230 has Rubber Couplers for Kitchenaid Blenders. Cost: $8.40.

Fits many 5 speed blender models including 4SKB* series, 5KSB52* series, KSB3-3, KSB3-4, KSB5-3, KSB5-4, KSB5* series.

The 0438912 refrigerator ice maker emitter receiver control board part number 4389102. Cost: $25.

This shines a beam of light to allow the Icemaker to turn on and off. Fits Refrigerators that ice cubes dump directly into ice bin in Freezer door.

About Us

McCombs Supply Company, Inc.

In business since 1953!

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. offers replacement repair parts for dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, range-ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, commercial cooking, and more. 

Some of our manufacturers we distribute for include – Backer-Chromolox, Broan-Nutone, Exact Replacement Parts (ERP), EZ Flo, Fasco, Jason Manufacturing, ICM, JW Harris, Packard, Robertshaw, Sealed Unit Parts Company (SUPCO) and White Rodgers. 

We supply contractors, service technicians, housing developments, institutions, and do-it-yourselfers.

Today, we have nearly one million SKUs in our system. We are constantly upgrading our cutting-edge technology to serve our customers better.

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McCombs Supply Co., Inc. (717) 299-3866 or  800-732-0499