Maytage Neptune FL

[real1]

I have a Maytag set from 1998 (according to the date code). The FL washer yes, fell into the serial # category of the infamous class-action lawsuit against Maytag. I bought the set from a woman out in the country with five boys. When I got the set home the FL had nothing but cold water and when it spun, it sounded like a jet taking off.

I ordered that solenoid gang for the water inlet....was like $85 back then. That was not the problem. So....I got on the ol' Internet and trolled for problems with this machine. Found the story on the class-action lawsuit and the problems associated with this machine.

Sent the top circuit board out for repair
Bought the seal kit for the drum
Found both drum bearings at an auto supply
Cleaned out the water pump
Cleaned around that 'brush' that the drum spins against
Unplugged the little drain in the front door seal
Bought new belt
Bought new 'wax' switch

That was 13yrs ago and the machine has performed flawlessly since. Except the little drain plug needs to be cleaned out rather often-poor design. And every yr or so I clean the lint buildup around that 'brush'.

My question is whether or not to buy a spare motor/circuit board or just let sleeping dawgs lie?

The dryer is just meh, a typical dryer and will buy parts for that as I need them. Replaced the rollers and the belt some time ago.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Parts will be around a long time for these machines

I would save your money and let sleeping dogs lay.

 

[real1]

Thanks, wondered about that. But I have seen the motor and boards parts go down a bit which usually indicates the Asians are making the parts. Maybe they always made the parts...dunno.

Sure love this FL....although I had to put a plug box above the machine with a switch, so I could kill the power and open the door after use. If not, I get mold smell.....common complaint with this washer series.

Kevin

 

[DADoES]

 
Some parts may not be available as long as one hopes.  Some Calypso mechanical parts, for example, have gone NLA and/or have become very costly.  I read on another board that WP 3-speed direct-drive motors have gone NLA but I haven't checked sources to confirm it.

 

[real1]

I guess I have to make a decision then on how much I really like this old Neptune. I know I'm totally sold on FL's, but I would be open to another make that is less problem prone. The newer Samsungs and LG's are made to last about five yrs and they've convinced millennials that it's time to trade-in after that.

When Maytag released their ill-fated FL, GE released one at the same time. Shortly it was known that the Maytag was problematic and the GE not. I've never seen that GE in the flesh and don't remember the model #.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Neptune And GE FL Washers

The Neptune was released in late 97, GEs FL washer of the time was built by FD as was the Sears Kenmore, these FD built machines were much less troublesome than the MTs BUT had lots of broken spiders and bad bearings.

 

GEs next larger FL washer was built in China by Little Swan, these worked pretty well but were not long lived machines.

 

The most durable large FL washers sold in America were the German built WP and Kenmore's, and by far the most durable best built automatic washer EVER built anywhere in the world that are readily available for home use  are the Commercial Quality Speed Queen Front Load washers, these machines can last upwards of 50 years in home use at around 10 loads per week.

 

John L.

 

[johnrk]

Kenmore Front Loader

My first front loader was that Kenmore that was also GE and Frigidaire. I bought it in 2000 along with the matching dryer. That dryer was the one that I just replaced. It was the only dryer I ever owned with a stainless steel drum. These were the only Kenmore appliances I ever owned; I bought the pair as Kenmore because the features differed for the different brands and this was the combination I wanted.

I loved that washer. It was ultra-quiet, certainly enough capacity for me, and just got the job done. It died on Thanksgiving Day, 2011. We were eating and I had a load going in the utility room and all of a sudden heard a really loud 'bang' and that was it. Repairman said it was a bearing gone and out and would cost several hundred to repair. Had it been worth it, I'd happily be using that machine today. I can remember it came with a VHS tape explaining how to use it compared to a top loader!

 

[real1]

Interesting.....I know I used those commercial FL's that were always SQ's at laundromats when I was single. They were tanks that took unbelievable abuse. I always wondered what happened to those when they were replaced at a laundromat.

SQ is having some issues with their newer consumer FL's.....don't know what's going on there.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Current SQ FL Washers

As a SQ service agency I can say we are having NO serious or chronic issues with their FL washers produced in the last decade, the the newer larger models are the best ones yet.

 

Even though I have never had a single issue with my 12 YO SQ FL washer, I am tempted to get the new one.

 

Yes we have run a few warranty calls on SQ Laundry appliances, But we have had no recurring problems on any of their laundry appliances and we have never had to exchange any SQ appliance in the over ten years we have been selling and servicing them.

 

John L.

 

[real1]

AJ Madison has some unhappy customers; everything from not being able to switch the door orientation, to not enough water in the drum to clean clothes, to rusted drums and need for exchange. You can't write them all off as cranks. I'd be interested to see what percentage of product failure the SQ FL washers really have. And CR noted that there was an unusually high number of customer complaints about the SQ FL's versus their TL's.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

New SQ FL Washers

You can now order their FL machines with either a rt or Lt hinged doors.

SQ is the only FL washer sold today where you can adjust the main control for more water, you can go from 1/2" up to 2" in 1/2" increments.

The SQ service trainer said yesterday that they have never had a rusted tub in a FL washer, some people have claimed such but it was rust from water supplies.

The biggest problem we ever saw was vibration complaints before the redesigned the machine about two years ago.

John L.

 

[real1]

Interesting....well the guy that got the machine exchange because of a supposedly rusted drum, said all was well after that with the replacement machine. Rusty pipes could contribute to what could be perceived as a rusty drum. But in his case, it should have happened again if he had rust issues from plumbing pipes.

So if you can now switch the door orientation and adjust the water level, the complaints should dwindle.

Kevin

 

[yogitunes]

I would search for another Neptune, or even a Frigemore FL version......

 

[real1]

Why? You think I could get a better service life than 13yrs and counting? I'd be all for it if other FL's can do a better job of washing (especially another Neptune)....not sure that they can. It cleans FAR better with less water than any TL I ever had and made me sold on FL's forever....lol.

Kevin

 

[combo52]

Best Cleaning FL Washers

Hi Kevin, If you like your Neptune's [ and they are decent performing machines ] You would love the larger SQ FL machines.

 

The Neptune's washing action was always hampered by its smaller slanted tub which caused some tangling and reduced the nice falling action that a great FL washer should have.

 

If anyone really wants to see great FL washer action they should check out any of our old Combination Washer-Dryers with their huge tubs and great falling clothes action.

 

John L.

 

[yogitunes]

you can never have TOO MANY Neptunes!

 

[real1]

Wow....someone like Neptunes...lol!

John, I'm certainly not adverse to a SQ. You're right, the Neptune is a bit small. I don't know how the woman with five boys and a husband got by with this machine.

So specifically, what larger SQ FL models do I need to look at?

Kevin