How to Replace 3363394 Drain Pump on Whirlpool Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool LSQ9659LW0 finishes the wash cycle, but the drum's still full of water. You hear the motor humming, but nothing's draining. That's your drain pump failing, and replacing it yourself saves $150-200 in service calls. The 3363394 direct drive drain pump is the workhorse component that evacuates water from your washer tub, and when it fails, you're stuck with a tub full of dirty water and soaked laundry.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 45 minutes if you've got basic tool skills. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Bucket and towels (there will be water)
• Work gloves (sharp metal edges on cabinet)

Difficulty: Moderate — You'll need to tip the washer, but no electrical work required.

Time: 45-60 minutes

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting. Don't just turn off the circuit breaker — physically disconnect the power cord. If your model has water still in the tub, bail it out first or you'll have a flood when you access the pump. The pump housing on models like the LSR7233EQ sits low in the cabinet, so expect 1-2 cups of residual water even after draining.

Step 1: Access the Pump from the Bottom

Disconnect the water supply hoses and drain hose from the back. Slide the washer away from the wall — you need about 3 feet of clearance. Carefully tip the washer back against the wall so it rests at a 45-degree angle. The drain pump is mounted on the bottom of the tub on most Whirlpool direct drive models like the TAWS850PQ2 and LSQ8543JQ1. You'll see it immediately — it's the black component with two hoses attached.

Step 2: Disconnect the Pump Hoses

Use needle-nose pliers to squeeze and slide the spring clamps back on both hoses. Have your bucket ready — the outlet hose will drain residual water. Pull the hoses straight off the pump fittings. Check inside the hoses for debris or small socks while they're disconnected. I've found everything from bobby pins to underwire in these drain lines.

Step 3: Remove the Old Pump

The pump is held by three 1/4" screws through the mounting bracket. Remove these screws and carefully work the pump out of its housing. On some models like the LSR8244EQ1, there's a wire harness connector on the pump motor — disconnect this by pressing the tab and pulling straight out. The pump should come free now. Notice how the pump inlet aligns with the tub outlet — you'll need to match this when installing the new one.

Step 4: Install the New 3363394 Pump

Position the new pump so the inlet lines up perfectly with the tub drain opening. This is critical — if it's misaligned even slightly, you'll get leaks. Thread in the three mounting screws finger-tight first, then snug them down with your nut driver. Don't overtighten — you're threading into plastic housing. Reconnect the wire harness if your model has one, listening for the click.

Step 5: Reconnect Hoses and Test

Push both hoses firmly onto the pump fittings until they bottom out. Slide the spring clamps back into position about 1/2" from the end of each hose. Lower the washer back to its normal position and slide it back into place. Reconnect water supply lines and the drain hose. Plug it in and run a drain and spin cycle with no clothes. Watch the pump area carefully during the first cycle — any leaks will show up in the first 60 seconds of draining.

Testing After Installation

Run an empty cycle on the smallest load setting. Listen for the pump to engage — you should hear it kick on about 8 minutes into the cycle. The water should drain completely in 2-3 minutes. Check underneath the washer with a flashlight after the cycle completes. Bone dry? You nailed it. See any moisture around the hose connections? Tighten those clamps another quarter-turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this pump work on my Kenmore washer?

If your Kenmore model starts with 110, it's a Whirlpool-manufactured machine and yes, this pump fits. The 3363394 replaces WP3363394, 3352492, and 3348015, which were used across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid direct drive washers from 1990-2010. Check your model number against the compatibility list to be certain.

Why is my washer humming but not draining even with a new pump?

Check for a clogged pump inlet or debris stuck in the drain hose. I've seen new pumps fail to drain because a sock was wedged in the tub-to-pump connection. Also verify the pump is spinning — disconnect one hose and look into the pump inlet while running a drain cycle. If nothing's spinning, you've got an electrical issue or the pump is DOA.

Can I test the old pump to confirm it's bad?

Absolutely. Use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms). Touch the probes to the pump motor terminals — you should read 5-10 ohms. Infinite resistance means the motor winding is open and the pump's dead. Also spin the pump impeller by hand — it should turn freely. If it's seized or gritty feeling, that's your problem right there.