The serial number is coded for the week and year of manufacture.

90 series, 80, 70, etc. are marketing terms and doesn't much matter. Majority of mechanical parts are the same across all series, other than those related to feature upgrades ... such as a 3-speed motor vs. 2-speed or 1-speed ... a water valve with an ATC sensor vs. one without ... different timers for cycle selections, and so forth. The model number is the key to proper replacement parts, of course.

Replace the water valve ... yes, of course.

You're waffling over $30? I replaced the transmission on an 11-years-old Whirlpool couple weeks ago, $127.75.

BTW, you can get the valve here for $12.99 (current sale price) + $6.99 shipping -- PartsDr.com

Not waffling over price...saw some posts about some other part that dies that allows the washer to overfill...thought that could lead to an overflow and a flood....does this ever happen?

If not, I am on my way to ge the part!

Of course overflows sometimes happen. There are several potential causes for any washing machine to overflow. A common fault in that regard is one of the water valves hanging open / failing to close ... but your replacement should minimize the possibility (other than the odds of a manufacturing defect in the new part or a bit of debris in the water supply getting past the protective screens).

Fix the problem at hand, don't worry so much about other things that could happen. :-)

However, do make sure the valve is the problem before ordering the part. Test the solenoids for continuity with a multimeter, and confirm 120v at the solenoids when they should be on. Could also be a broken/shorted wire, temp switch problem, or timer problem.

Well, I bought the part...probably should have done some testing but I wanted the part before the holiday! We will see what happens. Thanks!

It worked!