The Neptunes & Me

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

In March of this year, the next thing on my collection list was a Maytag Neptune set. Specifically, the 4000 series, MAH and MDE. I like the 4000s as I feel it’s the best iteration of the Neptunes before going fully digital like in the 5, 6, and 7000 machines. I also prefer the styling of these over the newer models. Naturally, the washer I would pick up needed a bearing job in the worst way possible which is included on this thread. So, here is how my time with the Neptunes has been for the last few months as daily drivers.

Removing a Neptune bearing the hard way

AFTER countless hours reading through Neptune related threads on this forum, I decided to go ahead and add a Neptune to the collection. I found a MAH4000 and MDE4000 for sale on Kijiji. The owner disclosed the bearings were bad in the machine hence the replacement. I watched a few YouTube videos...

www.automaticwasher.org

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

Capacity

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

The washer is just over 3.3 cubic feet in capacity which means its only marginally bigger than its top load cousin. But, this doesn’t have an agitator in it, and although this is small by todays cavernous machines, it still holds its own. Which is a lot. I had a 4.2 cubic foot GE front loader in my previous life when I lived in Calgary, and I find the Neptune holds just as much. Either way, his machine will hold a queen duvet without issue. It will also hold a pile of denim and towels without issue. Its big enough it feels like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a waste when youre only washing one or two items. And, it has a lighted drum. What more do you want?

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

Programming

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

The programming on these machines is simple. But to assist in the programming is the Automatic Temperature Control feature which adjusts the water temp based off the fabric you select. A warm water wash will be on the warmer side if you select whites, where as itll be on the cooler side if you select colors. The selection of white is the most aggressive wash with a longer tumble pattern and highest spin speed. Colours is a reduced tumble pattern and a slower spin speed. Delicates is even more reduced tumble pattern with more soak periods, and slower spin speed. Hand wash, well, you can guess where that goes.

As for options, max extract is a handy way to ensure a spin speed is always in the 800 rpm range, and will override the fabrics pre programmed spin speed to max. Stain cycle is a nice option, it automatically selects extra rinse, but it will also amp up the tumble pattern and increase soaking time between tumbles. A nice nice, nice feature is the prewash option, which as the manual asks you to do is put 1.5 times the detergent in, and drains the prewash water before adding wash water.

The delay feature is also handy and I like the fact it will go In to a normal wash.

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

Spinning

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

Spinning and balancing is this machines forte. Although slower by todays standards, it will get up to 800 rpm without a fuss. The most challenging load for this machine is towels, which I have experienced it trying at least twice to balance it. But that only takes about an extra minute. Unlike the competition from Frigidaire at the time, this machine wont spin between rinses, but only spins between wash and rinse. The final rinse is a real spin.

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

The quality of the wash is perfect. Ive put things in here that were very dirty only to have them come out clean. Its also very gentle, and with the addition of a recirculation pump on the MAH4000 models, it only adds to how well this machine will clean. If you use the stain cycle, you will be completely impressed at its abilities. This machine can handle loads as delicate as knit sweaters to tough stains on white chair covers. Results are always the same. Clean.

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: times new roman, times;">The styling of these machines is perfect. Theyre handsome with gold trimmed buttons and knobs, the 45 degree snub nose, and the old Maytag crest really adds to the timeless look.</span>

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, times; font-size: 12pt;">The dryer is the typical stream of heat Maytag set up which I believe is the best design for a dryer as the clothes and the air stream have a perpendicular counter flow set up maximizing heat transfer. There is no chance of the heat steam short circuiting here. The Neptune dryer does have one nice feature known as Ultra Care which enables a second thermostat to allow for ultra low temperature drying. This can come in handy for duvets or shoes. Although not much different than the TOL dryer thats mated with the TL cousin, its still nice none the less. The chime is, strangely, better than the classic bell. </span>
</span>

potatochips · Sep 17, 2018

<!-- [if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w

unctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w

oNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w

ontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All in all, I have spent a few weeks with these machines since completely restoring them from the ground <span style="font-family: times new roman, times;">up. The washer is very efficient, using about half as much water as its top load LAT9806 cousin, yet washing MORE in one load. Stain removal, rinsing, general overall cleanliness is tops. For a high efficiency washer this machine washes as fast as a top load. Its, by some, considered basic as it doesn’t have fancy features like a wash for bulky items, or linens, etc... But ive never believed that to be a necessary option anyway.</span></span>

<span style="font-family: times new roman, times; font-size: 12pt;">I would gladly race this machine against a brand new top of the line front load machine from today, and </span>

<span style="font-family: times new roman, times; font-size: 12pt;">I would expect the Neptune to hold its own and win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>

<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, times;">It’s a damn shame these machines started the demise of Maytag, if only they worked out the issues sooner before releasing it to market, they may still be making the best front load machines.</span> </span>

spacedogb · Sep 17, 2018

5500

I agree with you on the Neptunes!!!! I had a 5500 series which i recently sold due to the fact that they were scratched and dented, plus I wanted to use my Asko set Ive had in storage. The Neptunes were great machines, I never had anything come out dirty and trouble free for me. I hope you have many years of great service out of them.

ea56 · Sep 17, 2018

Bravo Kevin!

I thoroughly enjoyed your posts in this thread about your Maytag Neptunes. I recall when they first came out I lusted after a set, but thought them too rich for my budget. Maybe one of these days I may latch onto a nice used set. Your description of their operation and features is excellent and I envy your ownership. They do everything that I would want a well performing FL washer to do. I wish you continued good luck and satisfaction with these beautiful Maytag Neptunes.

Eddie

rp2813 · Sep 17, 2018

I've been spoiled by the stacking Neptune set that came with our new house. Laundry is done much quicker than with our 2008 Affinity set.

Our washer doesn't have the stain or delay options, but it's fine for our needs. The pump is far quieter than the three the Affinity went through, and spin is also much quieter.

I really hope nothing major goes wrong. Like I said, I'm spoiled now.

yogitunes · Sep 18, 2018

congrats.....welcome to the Neptune Family.....

note one thing, these never had a 'clean washer' cycle....never needed it, never will...proof that a machine can take care of itself, as intended!

keep an eye on that recirc sprinkler, as it can clog with lint....

I liked the 3000 series for that jet revving sound during spin wind up......

launderess · Sep 18, 2018

Maytag Neptune - The Washer Which Brought Down A Company

Well not exactly, but surely pushed the knife in a bit deeper.

If only Maytag had put more R&D into those washers, and went back to make refinements early on as complaints began pouring in......, then perhaps things would have been different.

It wasn't easy being the first to reintroduce front loaders to the American domestic market in a big way.

iowabear · Sep 18, 2018

I've always wondered who the first waves of Neptune buyers were.

They were pushed as "green" energy and water savers so I figured a lot of the people who bought them were also the types to use cold water, green detergents and eschew the use of liquid bleach...thus compounding the existing problems with the machine, such as the large door boot that collected water (a drain in the boot was added later.)

For what these cost at introduction ($1000 in 1998, would be $1500 inflation adjusted today) they should have been engineered better from the beginning. So many improvements by the time I bought mine in 2006...but too late.

foraloysius · Sep 18, 2018

This was the first commercial I saw on the internet in 1997. "A washer that removes stains"! lol

launderess · Sep 18, 2018

First and foremost

Maytag should have realized that Mrs. Average American Housewife (or anyone else doing laundry) wasn't going to leave Neptune washer doors open. That as we all know is cardinal rule #1 for owing an H-axis washer; the things need to air out between uses.

What many predicted would happen, did; huge complaints about mold growth.

Number two, Maytag should have easily known from some front loaders of old about the issues concerning titled drums. It had been done before, and those washers (I'm not naming any names) soon became known as "rope makers".

In any event what should and could have possibly have been the washer that put Maytag back on the map; became a legal, liability and PR nightmare. Yes, steps were taken to address issues, and kinks worked out, but it was all a bit too little and far too late. Many by then wouldn't touch a Maytag Neptune with a barge pole.

If being honest Maytag never would be told; and the Neptune disaster simply confirmed what many had already figured out, company had taken it's eye off the ball. Old man Maytag must have been spinning in his grave that his company was snapped up by Whirlpool.

lakewebsterkid · Sep 18, 2018

Neptunes

What a good looking pair. I am very glad you are enjoying them, and taking care of them as well. They are a true dream set of mine. Please keep us updated.

foraloysius · Sep 19, 2018

The tilted drums aren't really a problem for tangling. Maytag must have foreseen the problems and made the machine reverse rather intensively. The drum changes directions more often than many European front loaders. The real rope makers were the Westinghouse, tilted drums and no reverse action made it a real issue.

potatochips · Sep 19, 2018

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I have experienced some rope action in this machine as well as a true, non tilted, H axis GE. It was rare on both machines but it happened maybe once a month.

The Neptunes & Me

Help Support :

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads