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 than 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 a 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.

 

[combo52]

Maytag Neptune stack laundry problems

Hi Ralph, hopefully the machine will behave, the inlet valve in this machine has four solenoids. It delivers hot cold or a combination with the first two valves. The second two valves one is for the bleach exclusively, and one is for the fabric softener dispenser.

Have you opened up this panel and taken out the instruction sheet there’s a huge instruction sheet in this machine. You’ll need most of your dining room table to fold it out but it’s quite interesting. You can diagnose some problems yourself it’s behind the slanted panel directly under the control panel. Just two little Philip screws. Remove that panel to access the instructions.

Years ago, I gave my older brother Jerry and his partner one of these in gas in Minnesota. My brother Jerry is a quality control engineer in the electronics industry and we had several problems with his the first thing that went bad. Was the motor had to be replaced and updated with the newer motor and motor board and then the main Computer above the dryer which controls just the washer had to be replaced other than that the machine ran without problems until the bearings went bad in the washer three or four years ago. They continued to let it sit there and use the dryer as they had a separate Speed Queen front load washer And it Maytag stream of heat gas dryer in addition to the . Stack Neptune.

I remember when my brother Jerry and I worked on that machine. He was absolutely blown away with how crude and old-fashioned. The electrical system was the way Maytag linked together a mechanical timer with the electronics. It was way behind the technology curve, even when it was introduced nobody else ever tried to make such a crazy system. It was almost like the fuel injection system on my 1981 imperial.

Needless to say, Maytag should’ve paid outside engineers to design this electrical system. This is why the whirlpool duet and every other front loader for that matter was far more successful and trouble free.

I only know of a handful of customers that still have one of these and they’re all in homes where they get very light use with just water maybe two people other than that It’s an interesting piece of history, which is why we have a gas one in the museum, which we will keep running to show people what was made.

John L

 

[rp2813]

Thanks John for that interesting story and information about the instruction sheet. This will come in handy if there are more issues down the road. You managed to shatter my no-nonsense design perception of Newton Maytags, and Neptunes in particular! I hope the oddball circuitry of motor, control board and computer continues to hold up for a while longer.

I don't think this pair has ever seen a lot of use. Even with an additional person in the household for almost a year now, the machines can often go for as long as a week without any use, so maybe they'll last me for at least a few more years.

The dryer uses gas, which I prefer from a cost perspective. I suspect the infamous wax motor was replaced long ago. Meanwhile, today I'll continue using both the Neptune and the 712 today to finish the backed up laundry with the peace of mind knowing they're operating at their best once again.