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Repair Parts : Generic and Universal Parts

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Occasionally there may be a need for an after-market generic brand or universal replacement part should the manufacturer discontinue supplying originals. Ones that are likely to be available are replacements for parts referred to as 'functional' and/or 'fast moving'.

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Functional parts are those parts that do the work on the appliance. Switches, controls, elements, motors, belts and even hinges may be referred to as functional. Fast moving parts are those that are often the most common to fail like belts or electrical parts such as switches, controls, elements and motors.

Aftermarket or generic replacement parts may be made by the same company that supplies the originals to appliance manufacturer or they may be produced by a company not affiliated with the appliance manufacturer in any way. In most cases these will be the exact (or very close) fit as the original but their specifications may vary slightly from the original's.

Universal or adaptable replacement parts often contain several bits and pieces that have to be assembled to get a workable replacement. The most common are range thermostats and element switches which come with an extra long knob shaft which needs to be trimmed to the appropriate length. They may include several different mounting brackets that have to be installed to mount them.

Universal motors may have extra long shafts that must be cut to achieve the proper length and may require an additional mounting bracket. These are common for older air conditioners and furnaces but very rare for washers, dryers or dishwashers.

There are also OEM replacement kits which may work for other brands as well. One such item in particular are universal electric range and cooktop surface element infinite heat switch controls. In this case the actual part manufacturer (Robertshaw) supplies the same part to the various appliance manufacturers whom each then just label it with their own part number.

Common parts which may be able to be used universally

Range/Oven/Cooktop
      'Stretch to Fit' Oven Door Gasket (directions Adobe Acrobat .PDF file viewer required*)

  • 12-14" Oven Door Seal #
  • 14-16" Oven Door Seal #
  • 16-18" Oven Door Seal #
  • 18-20" Oven Door Seal #
  • 20-22" Oven Door Seal #
  • 22-24" Oven Door Seal #
  • 24-27" Oven Door Seal #

        # Not for self-clean models

  • Self Clean Oven Door Gasket (on wire support frame)
  • Self Clean Oven Door Gasket (on wire support frame)
  • Self Clean Oven Door Gasket
  • Self Clean Oven Door Gasket
  • Self Clean Oven Door Gasket

  • 14 Gauge Range and Stove Wire (to most range components)
  • 12 Gauge Range and Stove Wire (to bake/broil elements)

  • Electric Range Infinite Heat Switch, Robertshaw
  • Stove Element INF Switch - 'Push to Turn', Robertshaw +
  • Surface Element Switch - 'Push to Turn', Harper-Wyman +
  • GE Surface Element Switch - 'Push to Turn' +
  • Range/Cooktop Infinite Heat Switch, for Westinghouse
  • 'Dual' Surface Element Switch Kit (Whirlpool brands)
  • 'Dual' Surface Element Switch Kit (Frigidaire brands)

  • Electric Range Surface Element Knobs
  • Electric Oven Thermostat Knob #
  • Gas Range Surface Burner Knobs
  • Gas Oven Thermostat Knob #

  • GE manufactured Range/Oven Clock/Timer Motor
  • Mechanical Range Clock Conversion Kit * (with instructions)
  • Range Clock/Timer Conversion Kit * (for self-clean models)

  • Gas Oven (glow igniter type) Thermostat & Dial #

  • Gas Range/Cooktop Burner Grate Cleaner

  • Gas Oven Safety Valve by Robertshaw (pilot ignition models)
  • Gas Oven Safety Valve by Harper Wyman (pilot ignition)

  • Gas Oven Glow Ignitor (long)
  • Gas Oven Glow Ignitor (intermediate)
  • Gas Oven Glow Bar Ignitor (short)
  • Gas Oven Ignitor (short - dual mounting bracket)
  • Gas Oven ignitor (round)

  • Electronic Control Oven Sensor (short)
  • Electronic Control Oven Sensor (medium)
  • Electronic Control Oven Sensor (long)
  • GE Oven Sensor (non-electronic control)

        # Not for self-clean models
        + Interchangeable but have different terminal positions
        * Can replace many NLA mechanical stove clock/timers

    Refrigerator/Freezer
  • Evaporator (freezer compartment) Fan Motor Kit
  • Condenser (by compressor) Fan Motor Kit
  • Condenser Fan Motor Kit (with bottom mounting)
  • 'Cut to Fit' Magnetic Door Gasket (brown)
  • 'Cut to Fit' Magnetic Door Gasket (brown)
  • 'Cut to Fit' Magnetic Door Gasket (gray)
  • 'Cut to Fit' Magnetic Door Gasket (white)
  • 'Cut to Fit' Magnetic Door Gasket (white)
  • Universal Compressor Relay and Overload (1/12 - 1/5 HP)
  • Universal Compressor Relay and Overload (1/4 - 1/3 HP)
  • 'Hard Start' Kit w/Start Capacitor (1/12 - 1/5 HP)
  • 'Hard Start' Kit w/Start Capacitor (1/4 - 1/3 HP)
  • 'Hard Start' Kit w/RUN Capacitor (1/12 - 1/5 HP)
  • 'Hard Start' Kit w/Run Capacitor (1/4 - 1/3 HP)

        - Not for really old refrigerator models

    Laundry Products
  • Washing Machine Basin Drain Protector (installs into drain hose)
  • Washing Machine Drain Protector (tub drain hole mounting)
  • Adjustable Dryer Thermostat, 120-160°F
  • Adjustable Dryer Thermostat, 135-155°F
  • Adjustable Dryer Thermostat, 175-215°F
  • Adjustable Dryer Thermostat, 210-250°F


    Window/Wall Air Conditioner
  • Air Filter - 15"x 24" cut to size
  • Exterior Weather Cover
  • Temperature Thermostat
  • Thermostat (short sensor bulb)
    Also see our Air Conditioner 'Part Showcase' page

    It is very unlikely you will find any generic or universal replacement parts for non-functional items like trims, covers, panels or anything else that doesn't usually fail to function through normal wear and tear of appliance use.



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