RCD was right - the replacement bezel has more meat under the mounting points. Good deal!
The Maytag Neptune is washing again!
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mark_wpduet
Well-known member
Im impressed. Looks great! I've always wanted one of these machines but never went for it. I like the paddles are bigger than in FL's now.
As I said before I'm pretty happy with the washer. A few adjustments to the cabinet are in order, but other than that - I really think that Maytag had a good washer, but left out some obvious quality issues that were addressed with the fixes I performed to the machine. The washer already had the door/vent/control board upgrade kit completed previously, so the only thing this machine hasn't had yet are new bearings installed.
Someone asked me why I brought this washer home. My folks bought an MAH4000 set when I was still in High School, and I always wondered what would have happened if I would have fixed her machine originally. Her wax motor burnt out the control board and wouldn't complete the final spin. With this being Maytag's last attempt of a new washer design, it finishes off the collection nicely.
Check out the YouTube video I shot with some wash and spin action!
Enjoy -
Ben
Someone asked me why I brought this washer home. My folks bought an MAH4000 set when I was still in High School, and I always wondered what would have happened if I would have fixed her machine originally. Her wax motor burnt out the control board and wouldn't complete the final spin. With this being Maytag's last attempt of a new washer design, it finishes off the collection nicely.
Check out the YouTube video I shot with some wash and spin action!
Enjoy -
Ben
But you are wrong Ben! This is not Maytag's last design, one could argue that the Neptune TL is the last Maytag design... 
Beautiful machine btw! I love my Neptune!
Beautiful machine btw! I love my Neptune!
Great job Ben
Hey Ben,
Well done! You make it look so easy!
I have to admit, i've always had a soft spot for this Neptune in particular and always watch out for 2nd hand ones on Aussie Ebay from time to time.
At least if i do end up getting one as a play machine, i'll know what to look for. Going to save this thread as a favourite for future reference!!
Cheers
Leon
Hey Ben,
Well done! You make it look so easy!
I have to admit, i've always had a soft spot for this Neptune in particular and always watch out for 2nd hand ones on Aussie Ebay from time to time.
At least if i do end up getting one as a play machine, i'll know what to look for. Going to save this thread as a favourite for future reference!!
Cheers
Leon
Awesome, Ben-
just awesome.
I am glad you were able to bring this machine back to life.
I thought about getting this pair, but I am glad I went with the Dependable Cares.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
just awesome.
I am glad you were able to bring this machine back to life.
I thought about getting this pair, but I am glad I went with the Dependable Cares.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
redcarpetdrew
Well-known member
Ben, the Neptune slayer!
Nice job! I'm the lead Neptune tech here at the shop and watching you put up the pictures of the wonderful work you did makes me happy! My daily driver is a MAH4000AWW set and I've never regretted it. You'll find the clothes come out cleaner and less beat up. A couple of things:
1) I agree that the coin brushes can get really nasty and some of that mildew you had in the boot is a direct result of those brushes not getting clean. Most Neptune owners don't remember to check them. If you want, I will look up the part number of the newer tub cover that the later model MAH55's had which removed the brushes and replaced them with a molded lip. BIG improvement and the cover will cross to the older Neptunes.
2) I saw that your machine has had the PHA rework done on it so that will help also. The machine control board that came with that has routines worked into the programming that will help it keep itself cleaner too.
3) You don't plan to use the bleach dispenser much, huh? Well, you will need to run some chlorine bleach thru the machine every so often which will help sanitize the machine and keep the mold/mildew at bay. The easiest way to do that is to just run a hot washed, bleachy load of whites, sheets or towels. It will help. Making sure you use a HE soap will also help. Powder is usually preferred to liquid as liquids tend to have animal fats and perfumes in them.
4) Did we use a new belt? The older belts were sourced by Dayco and could be problem children. The new Hutchinson mfd belts are an improvement.
You really made that Neptune shine and I hope you enjoy years of happy washing. The out of balance compensation routines in the Newton built Neptunes is, in my honored opinion, a far cry better than whats out on the market today. Enjoy!
RCD
Nice job! I'm the lead Neptune tech here at the shop and watching you put up the pictures of the wonderful work you did makes me happy! My daily driver is a MAH4000AWW set and I've never regretted it. You'll find the clothes come out cleaner and less beat up. A couple of things:
1) I agree that the coin brushes can get really nasty and some of that mildew you had in the boot is a direct result of those brushes not getting clean. Most Neptune owners don't remember to check them. If you want, I will look up the part number of the newer tub cover that the later model MAH55's had which removed the brushes and replaced them with a molded lip. BIG improvement and the cover will cross to the older Neptunes.
2) I saw that your machine has had the PHA rework done on it so that will help also. The machine control board that came with that has routines worked into the programming that will help it keep itself cleaner too.
3) You don't plan to use the bleach dispenser much, huh? Well, you will need to run some chlorine bleach thru the machine every so often which will help sanitize the machine and keep the mold/mildew at bay. The easiest way to do that is to just run a hot washed, bleachy load of whites, sheets or towels. It will help. Making sure you use a HE soap will also help. Powder is usually preferred to liquid as liquids tend to have animal fats and perfumes in them.
4) Did we use a new belt? The older belts were sourced by Dayco and could be problem children. The new Hutchinson mfd belts are an improvement.
You really made that Neptune shine and I hope you enjoy years of happy washing. The out of balance compensation routines in the Newton built Neptunes is, in my honored opinion, a far cry better than whats out on the market today. Enjoy!
RCD
neptunebob
Well-known member
Ben, when you cleaned the detergent dispenser, did you remove the cover where the water enters? It can get disgusting in there and will need to be cleaned with bleach, otherwise, the mold inside will spread again.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with the Neptune being easy to service - sharp metal edges, have to remove the front to lift up the top, clips that you can easily lose - I hope I never have to work on ours again.
As for the "brushes" around the opening that are supposed to keep coins out, when ours got disgusting I just removed it. So far, I have never had problems with coins getting jammed in the Neptune washer, they just tend to stay in the back of the drum. The dryer and coins is a different story.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with the Neptune being easy to service - sharp metal edges, have to remove the front to lift up the top, clips that you can easily lose - I hope I never have to work on ours again.
As for the "brushes" around the opening that are supposed to keep coins out, when ours got disgusting I just removed it. So far, I have never had problems with coins getting jammed in the Neptune washer, they just tend to stay in the back of the drum. The dryer and coins is a different story.
Ben
That was awesome. Thank you so much for that detailed explaination and video.
I have the original Neptunes(purchased new in 1997) paired with my recent 806 in Harvest Gold.
Yes, I had that control board problem where the washer would not spin. It was a $350 repair(happened after the lawsuit ended)
Love all the Maytags.
That was awesome. Thank you so much for that detailed explaination and video.
I have the original Neptunes(purchased new in 1997) paired with my recent 806 in Harvest Gold.
Yes, I had that control board problem where the washer would not spin. It was a $350 repair(happened after the lawsuit ended)
Love all the Maytags.
This is not Maytag's last design, one could argue that the Neptune TL is the last Maytag design...
Good argument Jamie! I've always felt that the early patent of Smith's 'other AMP' from 1948 is what drove the later Neptune TL, therefore the design work of the Neptune FL in the 90's would be Maytag's last gasp of design. I did want to say thanks to you for mentioning a few years back that you could open the door on the Neptune and watch it wash. I would have been afraid that water would have spilled all over the place!
...and always watch out for 2nd hand ones on Aussie Ebay from time to time.
Leon, I guess I never knew that Maytag sold these down there! Were they pretty much the same machine, or were there any differences?
I thought about getting this pair, but I am glad I went with the Dependable Cares.
Lawrence, I don't blame you ;-)
...sharp metal edges, have to remove the front to lift up the top, clips that you can easily lose
Bob - sounds like any washing machine, let alone a Neptune! Taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the physical environment is something of habit when you've cut your hands working on cars for years. I did take the top cover off the detergent dispenser and took care of the nastiness hiding underneath. Amazing what happens over time!
Andrew - thanks for the kind words! I was thinking about you while working on the machine and I'm glad you enjoy the photos. The belt was indeed a Hutchinson belt. I'm sure you can imagine the sigh of relief when I saw that. I didn't realize that the PHA rework boards had a different program to keep the container clean - good to know. For those few occasions when I need to use bleach I'll throw the secondary dispenser in the machine. I wanted to leave it out for everyday use to keep as much air exposed in the main dispenser as possible. This machine will never see a drop of liquid detergent, and always a low sudsing powder or HE equivalent. I think back 10 years to the full cups of All my family poured into the MAH4000. Surprised the machine lasted as long as it did! Of the handful of loads I ran I recall a fairly bulky load and the machine going through a re-distribution to get it to spin on balance. Certainly before it's time.
Ben
Good argument Jamie! I've always felt that the early patent of Smith's 'other AMP' from 1948 is what drove the later Neptune TL, therefore the design work of the Neptune FL in the 90's would be Maytag's last gasp of design. I did want to say thanks to you for mentioning a few years back that you could open the door on the Neptune and watch it wash. I would have been afraid that water would have spilled all over the place!
...and always watch out for 2nd hand ones on Aussie Ebay from time to time.
Leon, I guess I never knew that Maytag sold these down there! Were they pretty much the same machine, or were there any differences?
I thought about getting this pair, but I am glad I went with the Dependable Cares.
Lawrence, I don't blame you ;-)
...sharp metal edges, have to remove the front to lift up the top, clips that you can easily lose
Bob - sounds like any washing machine, let alone a Neptune! Taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the physical environment is something of habit when you've cut your hands working on cars for years. I did take the top cover off the detergent dispenser and took care of the nastiness hiding underneath. Amazing what happens over time!
Andrew - thanks for the kind words! I was thinking about you while working on the machine and I'm glad you enjoy the photos. The belt was indeed a Hutchinson belt. I'm sure you can imagine the sigh of relief when I saw that. I didn't realize that the PHA rework boards had a different program to keep the container clean - good to know. For those few occasions when I need to use bleach I'll throw the secondary dispenser in the machine. I wanted to leave it out for everyday use to keep as much air exposed in the main dispenser as possible. This machine will never see a drop of liquid detergent, and always a low sudsing powder or HE equivalent. I think back 10 years to the full cups of All my family poured into the MAH4000. Surprised the machine lasted as long as it did! Of the handful of loads I ran I recall a fairly bulky load and the machine going through a re-distribution to get it to spin on balance. Certainly before it's time.
Ben
Defintely Sold Here
Hey Ben,
These were definitely sold here and in pretty decent numbers as well.
They are almost exactly the same as the models that you have including the later full electronic versions. I actually remember going to a home show here in Brisbane when they were about to be released and they did cause quite a stir.
They were pretty expensive when they were introduced. If memory serves, the Washer itself was close to AU$3000.00 (US$2100 approx on current exchange rates)brand new, not sure how much the dryer was.
They pop up on ebay every now and then and in most cases, in decent condition. Not sure of the parts availability here though.
Leon
Hey Ben,
These were definitely sold here and in pretty decent numbers as well.
They are almost exactly the same as the models that you have including the later full electronic versions. I actually remember going to a home show here in Brisbane when they were about to be released and they did cause quite a stir.
They were pretty expensive when they were introduced. If memory serves, the Washer itself was close to AU$3000.00 (US$2100 approx on current exchange rates)brand new, not sure how much the dryer was.
They pop up on ebay every now and then and in most cases, in decent condition. Not sure of the parts availability here though.
Leon
Might still have an Aussie Brochure
I might even still have an Aussie brochure for them. Will look tonight and scan if i do.
Leon
I might even still have an Aussie brochure for them. Will look tonight and scan if i do.
Leon
Ben what a fantastic job you did on the rebuild!! I have always liked the Neptunes and I think that you will get a lot of use out of this machine. If Maytag had just put a window in the door I think I would have bought one of these. My nephew bought a set over ten years ago and they are still working today. They did have to have the washer serviced when Maytag came out and did the work for free. Not sure what was done but it has worked great ever since.
They were pretty expensive when they were introduced.
The washer was $999
The dryer was $599
You could actually reserve a pair from Maytag when they first came out.
The washer was $999
The dryer was $599
You could actually reserve a pair from Maytag when they first came out.
Reserve Program
Brochure
Brochure
More
Reserve
Reserve
Gary - the prices sound about right from what I remember my folks paying for their set. Love the reservation brochure. "Demand for the new Maytag Neptune washer is expected to far exceed initial supply."
I've had the owner's video on hand for years too - but never watched it until tonight! Love that in the video you can hear the groan of the original DC motor. The AC Motor Conversion kit and new belt completely eliminate the noise. If I ever get a chance to import the video, I'll have to get it loaded up to YouTube. I also have the US brochure around too, I'll dig that out this weekend.
Ben
I've had the owner's video on hand for years too - but never watched it until tonight! Love that in the video you can hear the groan of the original DC motor. The AC Motor Conversion kit and new belt completely eliminate the noise. If I ever get a chance to import the video, I'll have to get it loaded up to YouTube. I also have the US brochure around too, I'll dig that out this weekend.
Ben
Aussie brochure pics
Here are some pages from a 2001 Aussie brochure on the Neptune
Here are some pages from a 2001 Aussie brochure on the Neptune
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