Shopping Neptune Dryer Parts

DADoES · Nov 5, 2006

I got hold of a Neptune dryer MDE5500AYW for free a couple weeks ago. The front drum support is shredded, along with the front edge of the drum itself. In shopping several online sources for parts (Sears, RepairClinic, MaytagStore) I find the prices vary widely, *particularly* the drum.

Drum/Tumbler
RepairClinic, $167.80
MaytagStore, $99.99
SearsParts, $69.99

Drum/Tumbler Front Support
Sears, $55.99
RepairClinic, $39.75
Maytag, $26.73

The description at all sources indicates the drum front includes the light socket assembly, sensor bar, and felt seal. Can anybody tell me if the two (riveted) drum glides are also included? RepairClinic has a picture of the drum front but I can't tell from the angle if the glides are on it.

Sears also indicates the rear support rollers and shafts are packaged in pairs, and the other sources do not say that. Sears prices for those items are close to double the others (but reasonable) so I'm guessing the other sources are single items?

DADoES · Nov 7, 2006

Tried three times, Sears won't process my order online. Have to call it in I suppose.

BTW, I'm sure everyone here will be thrilled to know that RepairClinic says the glides are included on the drum front assembly!

DADoES · Nov 7, 2006

Sears got their glitch cleared up and accepted the order this afternoon. Shipping is quite reasonable considering a big ol' dryer drum is among the items. Refurbished Neptune dryer, coming soon!

gansky1 · Nov 8, 2006

Good job, Glenn!

Someone must have ignored the warning signs of the drum supports/bearings going bad for a long time if it shredded the drum support!

westytoploader · Nov 8, 2006

...And considering how many vintage Maytag dryers are still in operation, there's really NO excuse for these to go bad in the first place! YAY for cheap-@$$ quality.

On another note, the drum glides in our 1996 plastic GE dryer started going bad in 2002, to the point of the drum going through the door opening!

DADoES · Nov 17, 2006

Refurbishment mostly finished

Cleaned up, lint blown out, necessary parts replaced, lubrication, finger cut, etc., etc.

Runs, heats, dryness sensor functions, etc., etc.

However, the heating element started rattling when it heated up (surely not a normal condition), and there's a bunch of what apparently is soot blowing into the drum (gotta get that settled before drying clothes in it). The one thing I didn't do is pull the element for examination and cleaning, which obviously I need to do now. When it was running and I tapped lightly on the element housing with a screwdriver, I could see little sparkles coming off the element. I set a timed cycle at high temp and the element did not cycle off in a good 10 mins of run time, which I'd think it should reach operating temp by then. (Note that it did cycle off at ex low temp.) Diagnostic indicates a 02 fault code, which is related to no temperature rise detected for 3 mins during a call for heat, which *could* also be related to a low ambient (50°F or less). The garage was maybe in the low 60s°F.

Perhaps the element is broken or shorted to the frame, not running at full output, needs replacement ...... ?

DADoES · Nov 17, 2006

All done!

Took the element out and apart. Washed the whole thing, scrubbed the element wire (gently!) with a toothbrush to clean off the dust/residue. Back together. Washed a doggie blanket in the Calypso, dried in the Neppy.

Pic of the finished unit shortly/later.

appnut · Nov 17, 2006

YAY GLENN!!!! woo hoo!!

westytoploader · Nov 17, 2006

YAY!!! How was the drying speed compared to the F&P?

DADoES · Nov 18, 2006

Seems fast, strong exhaust airflow. But the doggie blanket in question is an old electric blanket, so it's pretty lightweight. The cycle started at something like 50 mins, but quickly toggled down to 49, 36, 34, etc. Last readings were 24, 23 mins, then it jumped to 05 for cooldown. *IF* I have time on Sat, I may wash a huge towel/socks/cottons load in the Calypso and dry it in the Neppy. But being as I have to leave @ 10 AM Sun for an out-of-town function, I have to do theater work twice on Sat and may not get to do the washing.