Whirlpool probe kit 819043; for ET1MTKXKT02

[landlady]

Bought the Whirlpool probe kit 819043 for ET1MTKXKT02 refrigerator.  But I'm not so sure about it.  Here are some questions:

1. Is this correct to use with my model?

2. The kit now includes some insulation to put on the sides of the evaporator cover, but my cover looks very different, and already has some narrower insulation strips.  Should I use them?

3. The instructions say under "Remove the Drain Pan: NOTE: on plastic liner design, remove nylon drain insert and discard."  My pan is all metal, and also is pretty much impossible to completely remove, as it is attached up behind the evaporator - very little wiggle room, even with mounting screws removed, due to evaporator being attached to copper at top corner.  So:
 a. the pan is metal, and has only a cut out hole in it, no insert attached.
 b. under the cut out hole is a black part that feels  like hard plastic.  Should this be removed?  Any tips if so, as there is very little wiggle room here.  I also doubt that the aluminum tube as it is can be worked into the hole due to space constraints.

I did see on another forum that if the heater wire is low and close to the drain hole (like on mine), one should cut off some of the probe until it just sits flush with the drain hole and does not touch the surrounding material, rather than going down further into the drain and possibly damaging the drain tube with the heat.  Is that a good plan?  Should I see if I can get that black liner(?) out, and possibly reduce the length of the aluminum tube insert to get it into the drain hole at the top to prevent any possibility of heating vulnerable plastic/rubber?  Many thanks for any help you can give!

[MajorApp]

Hi Landlady, In response to your questions I'll tell you what I do. I don't use the insulation but keep it because the day will come when you'll need it for a home project. I don't use the alluminum insert. I only use the probe. Attach it to the heater and bend it so it goes down the drain hole. You don't want to cut it off and make it flush or it won't do what it was designed to do. I've always done it this way and never had a problem. When the heater comes on, the melting ice will prevent any overheating of the probe. If you try to remove the drain pan you run the risk of damaging the evaporator coil. It's up to you to decide how you want to do it, Im just explaining the way I do it.

[Bailey]

I agree with Major.

[landlady]

I feel better, as I did only what was recommended by you two.  Now I can plug that fridge back in when my rental gets occupied again.    A grateful Landlady!