Calypso!!!!!!!!! questions and pics

[andrewinorlando]

Glenn -

Since he described the screws as "there are 4 indented hex screws. According to the Sears parts list they are "8-18 x 1/2"", I don't think it's the spanning nut. But I also remember that my machine has only 2 phillips screws that hold the front panel on. I'm guessing they changed the design slightly in future releases. Mine is the original Calypso, first model year.

 

[laundryshark]

If Pictures are Worth Thousands of Words...

My cravings for Calypso videos would increase all the more. Any wonder I am having fun killing bordom this fine Saturday evening? Many thanks.--Laundry Shark

 

[toggleswitch]

The Plug-Queen at play!

*WOW* (Faint)

Storage-type hot water heater=>
Plug and [flex] cord connected?

These don't require a neutral (as there are no 110v components) so at least the ground [earth] and neutral don't have to share a conductor, even if this dryer plug has only three prongs/conductors.

We now return to our regularly scheduled program...........

 

[jaxsunst]

Back from parental visit....

The tool looks like a screw driver. I am using the machine on slow spin cycles, I have been amazed at how well it cleans.

Laundryshark, I plan to video my first washer repair and a full cycle after it is done, so stay tuned.

Toggleswitch, If your referencing the water heater. It is new and was installed a week ago tomorrow. It replaced the 1968 original to the house cabinet type water heater. I didn't even know the plug was back there until the new one was installed. My dryer uses the same 3 prong plug.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Jax -

How does it clean compared to the old Kenmore DD? Any idea yet?

 

[jaxsunst]

On my shop towels it did a better job. They came out looking new, no oil stains at all. i will be doing my first real wash day with it tomorrow, I'll let you know.

 

[mayken4now]

Andrew and Glenn, and Jax too:

Was wondering if you all can shed some light as to when the last of the Calypso's were made? I cannot remember. A friend of ours just bought a "New" one at REX appliance center and I was shocked?????????????????

Steve

 

[andrewinorlando]

Steve -

They were discontinued in early 2006, so there are still some "new" ones around. The last year of manufacture saw a re-design of the control panel (and some of the cycle times, too) for both the washer and dryer. Every once in a while, one or two turn up at the Sears Outlet store...always new, with cosmetic damage, or new/returned for around $600.

Andrew

 

[jaxsunst]

First Washday results

I just finished my first all Calypso wash day. After sorting the laundry, it would have been a light week for the DD (about 9 loads). The Calypso did it in 6. I am very, very impressed with the cleaning. Especially the whites.

How I compensated for the cycles, If I would normally use a cycle that I can't use right now, I would press it's button, see what the options and settings were, then set "Bulky Items" to match it.

My only complaint was drying times. But, that will resolve itself when I am no longer limited to slow/med spin.

Overall, I love this machine. I can't wait to get it 100% operational.

 

[DADoES]

If you're using only Bulky Items, you're not yet getting the full cleaning potential! Bulky does more spin-spray wash action than nutation, and the nutation it does do is at a moderate speed.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Glenn is absolutely correct....just wait until you can use the machine the way it was designed to be used. I always said, the key to the Calypso is a)low to medium suds, and b) don't overload it. Other than that, the machine ain't too picky, and will wash all combinations of fabrics....just do your silks and fine washables separately to minimize wrinkling and you'll do fine with it. Oh, and if you're using the Delicates/Casual cycle, it works best if you load the machine about 3/4 full and use a liquid detergent....it's a very, very gentle wash cycle, as is silks/woolens.

 

[appnut]

Jackson congratulations. Magic Clean loved his Calypso when he had it. They really aren't bad machines. If you sort properly and don't overload, it does wonders according to Leslie. It's just not a mahcine intended for you to throw all sorts of things into a load at the same time that should be dealt with differently. I know you'll enjoy it. It's a fun machine. Enjoyed using Glenn's.

 

[jaxsunst]

Repair clinic agrees with everyone else that it needs a u-joint. I just ordered the u-joint kit which includes an inner wash plate and leveler. I also ordered the spanner wrench. Got both for $130 with shipping.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Jax -

That's a damned good price for all that stuff!! And it's not a difficult repair...just have to take your time and be patient. It will help if you have a torque wrench because you don't want to crack the wash plates when you're tightening down, as well as a heavy rubber mallet to use to hit the spanning wrench with, and you should be good to go.

 

[mayken4now]

Thanks for the date information Andrew. Ok, so I was off by a year or two. Thought they had quit in 2004 or so. No wonder I was so shocked when my friend bought this brand new last week.

Steve

 

[revvinkevin]

Question for you Jackson..........

You mentioned "it will be nice once the machine is 100% operational" AND that you are using the "bulky items" cycle. Is it that it won't operate on any other cycle other then "bulky", or that you are just avoiding the other cycles to limit the final spin speed and the knocking noise??

Thanks!

 

[jaxsunst]

I'm avoiding using any of the fast spin cycles. Whenever I use "Whitest Whites" or "Normal" (the only two I have tried). It will attempt to go to full speed spin, then when the knocking gets really loud, it will stop, nutate a little, spray some water in, and try again, after three times of this, it gives a "OB" or out of balance error. I tried three different times with the same result.

Got the email that my parts have been shipped. I plan to have it going by my next wash day (probably Sunday). If not, I will hook up DD and do it. I don't want to stress the poor dear out too much.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Jax -

Did you get it open and take a look at its suspension yet?

 

[jaxsunst]

the tool should arrive today or tomorrow.

 

[appnut]

There isn't an option on the panel allowing you to choose a different spin speed than what's default for a cycle?

 

[andrewinorlando]

Bob-

All the cycles are preset for wash and spin speed and aren't adjustable. Only thing you can adjust is the wash time and temperature for the cycle, and of course add options like extra rinse, soak, 2nd rinse, etc., etc......

 

[laundromat]

C O L A P S O

 

[jaxsunst]

Got the front off. Took video, of the spin and violent stop. Will try to post it tomorrow evening. My upstairs cooling system went out, and it is 90 degrees up here. Repair guy has been out twice, and got it working then it dies within 5 hours of him leaving. I'm glad Home Shield is paying him.

 

[appnut]

Jackson, I'm sorry about the cooling system. Been therre done that and it's HUMID there.

 

[DADoES]

Used my Calypso twice yesterday. As said before, wouldn't mind having a factory-fresh new specimen if I could find one at a reasonable price.

Jackson, you mention "violent stop." I wouldn't call mine violent, but the brake is pretty hefty!

 

[jaxsunst]

I saw that on yours on the video. Mine jerks around 90 degrees and jumps when stopping. I will try to post the vid tonight, if it drops below 90 degrees up there.

 

[accapp]

You were warned, this is just the beginning. Speaking as a former AHS contractor, oddball stuff that is difficult to work on gets completely back-burnered or even denied on principle. The other contractors in my area were not very sharp at all, I certainly wouldn't trust them to repair a Craplypso correctly ever.

 

[jaxsunst]

I have been with AHS for 9 years. So far, the only problem I have is with their a/c contractors not returning calls or not showing when they said they would. Yesterday, he came at 5:30pm when he said that he would come at 11am.

We'll see, I plan to mostly work on the Calypso myself as kind of a hobby, and I have kept the DD just in case

 

[andrewinorlando]

Accapp - they're hardly crap. Have had mine for years and it will clean as well as any front loader in less time using the same amount of energy and water. This thing has been a workhorse for 6 years now, and she shows no signs of slowing down. The matching dryer is equally capable. Hardly what I would call crap. Now a Norge-Tag, maybe that could be called crap......but I'm sure they have many happy owners too.

Jax- you may just have a defective spin brake on your machine. It's a little more involved to repair, just like a regular top loader's.

 

[jaxsunst]

the u-joint kit and spanner wrench came in today. Will work on it Saturday. A/C just showed up and it working (again) on the upstairs unit. It is 91 up there.

Spin Brake, is it in the book you sent? I'll look it up.