Whirlpool Catalyst Washer Diverter Valve

I recently acquired a Whirlpool Catalyst washer. It seems to be in pretty great shape except for the diverter valve. It cleaned up beautifully... or rather is in the process of being cleaned up. The clean up process is going more smoothly than I've ever seen with a Leap washer before! I'll be sure to post more pictures once I get it up and running! It was used by a woman who bought it new and then donated it and a non-matching dryer to a theater group who were going to use them to wash costumes until they got a quote for putting in plumbing to hook them up. ($$$$) So they sat in storage for 8 years until the owner of the theater decided to sell them. The machine was a little dirty on the outside but is otherwise immaculate. The electronic membrane pad on the console looks brand new!

Anyway, the diverter valve. It works, doesn't make any weird noises, and shows no signs of corrosion or anything anywhere. However, when in drain mode, there is a trickle of water that comes through the recirc port on the tub ring. (It trickles throughout the entire spin, makes for a very damp load at the end of the spin cycle!) I've taken the valve off and cleaned it with a toothbrush, Q-tips, and hot soapy water but it doesn't seem to have helped at all. Is there a trick stopping the leak? Can the rubber seal be easily replaced? I've already scoured the internet and it seems like this part is nowhere to be found (part# 3358559).

P.S. I should note, these pictures are BEFORE I cleaned the machine. There's a little bit of crud, but I'm used to seeing the tub and outside of the basket dark brown/black with nasties! I couldn't believe how clean this machine wash inside!

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size


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Post# 1042629 8/24/2019 at 10:08 (1,705 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I recently acquired a Whirlpool Catalyst washer. It seems to be in pretty great shape except for the diverter valve. It cleaned up beautifully... or rather is in the process of being cleaned up. The clean up process is going more smoothly than I've ever seen with a Leap washer before! I'll be sure to post more pictures once I get it up and running! It was used by a woman who bought it new and then donated it and a non-matching dryer to a theater group who were going to use them to wash costumes until they got a quote for putting in plumbing to hook them up. ($$$$) So they sat in storage for 8 years until the owner of the theater decided to sell them. The machine was a little dirty on the outside but is otherwise immaculate. The electronic membrane pad on the console looks brand new! Anyway, the diverter valve. It works, doesn't make any weird noises, and shows no signs of corrosion or anything anywhere. However, when in drain mode, there is a trickle of water that comes through the recirc port on the tub ring. (It trickles throughout the entire spin, makes for a very damp load at the end of the spin cycle!) I've taken the valve off and cleaned it with a toothbrush, Q-tips, and hot soapy water but it doesn't seem to have helped at all. Is there a trick stopping the leak? Can the rubber seal be easily replaced? I've already scoured the internet and it seems like this part is nowhere to be found (part# 3358559). P.S. I should note, these pictures are BEFORE I cleaned the machine. There's a little bit of crud, but I'm used to seeing the tub and outside of the basket dark brown/black with nasties! I couldn't believe how clean this machine wash inside! Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size

Post# 1042633 , Reply# 1 8/24/2019 at 11:09 (1,705 days old) by Revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)
Checkrate/Likes *Common problem?* I have a Kenmore Elite version that does the same thing. Sometimes it dribbles more, sometimes it dribbles less. Looking forward hearing if you find a way to resolve this. Kevin

Post# 1042640 , Reply# 2 8/24/2019 at 13:09 (1,705 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes 1 � Sweet find! I have a spare/used valve (not for sale!!!) found via eBay last year.� Had searched several times for nada then it appeared one day.� I'd bet John Lefever has a few. I doubt the rubber flapper can be replaced very easily if at all being that the bakelite housing can't be opened for access.

Post# 1042708 , Reply# 3 8/25/2019 at 10:54 (1,704 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)
Checkrate/Likes 1 curious....don't the ResourceSaver machines use the same valve?.... most likely under a different model/part number..... worth a shot....

Post# 1042710 , Reply# 4 8/25/2019 at 12:09 (1,704 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I managed to find a used one on eBay, we'll see if it works. Thank for the tip Glenn! Alas, the resource saver machine used exactly the same valve, same part number. A great thought though Martin! I'll cross my fingers that the eBay valve works. Otherwise, I'll just have to play the waiting game until one that works pops up.

Post# 1042712 , Reply# 5 8/25/2019 at 12:40 (1,704 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes 1 � IIRC a remark from Tom[Turbomatic], the vintage WP combo with recirculation spray used the same valve.

Post# 1043968 , Reply# 6 9/6/2019 at 06:55 (1,693 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes *Two-Way Valves For WP Washers* These newer TWVs do work in the older WP built Combos and we have saved several for that purpose. We also have both a Resource-Saver and a catalyst washers in the perment collections that we are keeping going. I have never tried looking for a substitute but I bet something could be found that might work from another application. John L.