2004 Neptune Washer Issues

[rp2813]

Thanks Glenn. The water flow is a definite problem that has become worse today. Also, even after last night's successful flush-out of the fabric softener, today the reservoir was full of clear water after the one and only load of wash I was able to process through the Neptune.

I'm wondering now if water flow is the source of the assortment of strange behaviors, even though that seems counter-intuitive. Correcting that is the cheapest of all fixes, and it's clearly needed, so I'm going to attack from that angle first and see what happens. As you stated, there are sensors involved that may be responding to low water flow.

Everything else about this machine's performance and results is top notch and works flawlessly, presumably like when it was first purchased. The last place it belongs is the crusher.

 

[rp2813]

SIMPLE FIX!

As John suggested, checking the hoses (no flow issues with any of them) and screens was all that was necessary. The 712's inlet hot side was completely clogged with an impacted sandy deposit. The cold side didn't look as bad, but flow was still affected. I replaced the inlet valve when I bought the 712 ten or so years ago, and the screens are easily removable with a pair of pliers for cleaning. I ran a check and the water flowed into the tub like Niagra Falls. I worked on the 712 first so I'd have a functioning machine in case the Neptune's issues were more complicated.

Flow out of the Neptune's hoses was fine. Hot wasn't quite as forceful as cold, but that seems to be a common situation. I may check inlet and outlet flow on the tankless heater, but today I just wanted to get to the bottom of the Neptune's odd behavior. The inlet valve screens weren't anywhere near as bad as on the 712, but I did remove a decent amount of sandy crust from them. Flow definitely had improved with both hot and cold when I ran a check with the door open. I'm wondering if the Neptune may have some sort of governing mechanism that doesn't allow the cold side to to provide a stronger flow that the hot. Flow was almost identical for hot and cold on the Neptune, whereas the 712's cold side puts out noticeably more volume than the hot.

I did turn down the cold supply line valve a bit so the 712 will provide a reasonably warm mixture, and will keep an eye out for any fill issues with either machine.

I ran full load of medium weight colors in the Neptune and it worked as it should, proceeding into the first rinse without a hitch, and finishing the next two and final spin with no issues. After the load was done, I opened the door to find the FS dispenser empty. Back to normal in all respects on both machines.

Thanks John, for your expert advice. I decided that I shouldn't try to understand how the circuitry of the Neptune works and make a bigger deal out of the situation than was required. I chose the easiest possible remedy and kept Glenn's statements about the operational sensors in mind. I hope this machine continues for a lot more years to provide the quick and competent laundering that I've come to appreciate so much.

Thanks again to all who contributed!

Ralph

 

[ea56]

Yey Ralph! I’m happy that this turned out to be a simple fix. I remember when the Neptunes first came out. I really wanted one, but it was too expensive at that time so I opted for a Frigidaire FL which was also a great machine, electro mechanical controls and never failed to SPIN. I hope you can keep your Neptunes running for years to come.

Eddie

 

[mayken4now]

Maytag Neptune Mah4000 was one the best I have ever purchased new!!!! Did everything laundry! Quick, clean, and Quiet. Sorry it's gone. 19 years of service was good. Still had A608 and DE608 for back up. All retired now! Sadly.