Whirlpool Calypso -- does this look right to you?

[Marky_Mark]

Hi Guys

I've been eager to get my hands on a Calypso for a while now, and I'm excited to see one has just come up for sale. Before I commit to a 7-hour round trip, I was hoping some of our resident Calypso experts, such as @DADoES and @combo52, could share their thoughts on this one.

It might just be a camera angle, but I'm a bit concerned about the wash plate seal. It looks like it might be making uneven contact with the inner wash basket, perhaps too close on the right-hand side, and possibly a significant gap (or is it just a shadow?) on the left.

Does this look normal to you, or should I be cautious?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DADoES]

It's tricky to determine from the photo. Could be a shadow being that the lighting is primary at the opposite side. A slight gap is normal, else there'd be abrasion that'd wear it down and create a gap.

Signed: Goofy Glenn

 

[Chetlaham]

It almost looks like the disk is not centered post nutation- like it just shut off midway during nutation. Could be bad could be a coincidence.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks for your input, guys — I really appreciate it.

This Calypso is the only one I've seen for sale so far, so in the absence of other options, I guess I'll go for it and just hope for the best! I’m not sure which "KQ" version this is.

Mark

 

[combo52]

Hi Mark, it looks fine to me, there is always a slight gap, is this a whirlpool or a Kenmore model?

Hopefully it’s in good shape. We have lots of parts for these if it has any difficulties.

The calypso is one machine I am endeavoring to never be without. It’s a really fun machine for really dirty stuff that needs a thorough cleaning.

Do install a bypass lid switch so that you get to watch the fun.

John L

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thank you very much, John. This one is a Whirlpool version. I've read many of your posts regarding how you use your Calypso for really dirty white loads and how it cleans great and does a good job of rinsing away the detergent and bleach. And you've mentioned that it always completes the cycle on time and never fails to balance for spin. It sounds great! Your posts are what inspired me to look for one. Thank you for the heads up regarding your parts availability. I'll be back in the US on Friday and will hopefully be able to collect it this weekend. I'll keep you guys updated.

Mark
P.S. I'll definitely install a bypass reset switch for the lid.

 

[neptunebob]

I thought the Calypso was a "dud" and that is why it was discontinued.

 

[qsd-dan]

I thought the Calypso was a "dud" and that is why it was discontinued.

They were, having serious issues with control boards, pumps, motors, U-joints, and seals.

 

[Marky_Mark]

From what I can gather, the Calypso apparently performed very well but was unreliable and far too expensive to manufacture. So the plug was eventually pulled, despite many of the earlier problems being ironed out on later versions.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Oh dear. It’s just been sold

 

[Chetlaham]

Oh dear. It’s just been sold

Wasn't meant to be IMO. As they say, you're buying someone else's headache.

 

[combo52]

Hi Mark, sorry that got away from you.

There will be more we still have several good ones laying around.

We are still running into customers almost 25 years later with Calypso. It still work that I’ve only had minimal service, they certainly did have some problems just like the first Neptune front loaders, but they were extremely well built much better built than the Neptune that’s for sure.

I’m sure they pulled the plug on it because they just couldn’t get the cost down on it they never came out with a cheaper model because there was just no way that machine would ever sell for less than $1000 started out at 1300, the tub was really heavy and solid stainless steel for example.

The U joint was large enough for a bulldozer, the major problems we had with them were things caught in the water pump the membrane control panel, some of the early ones. They had trouble with the seals and moisture got into the U joint, never saw problems with the circuit boards.

And we had the usual problem. Every once in a while you see a bad inlet valve typical of any washing machine.

John L

 

[vacerator]

I have only seen one ever in use. It seemed to do a good job and the owner said he liked it's performance and soil/stain removal. A constant waterfall onto the load, and swashbuckling. Like doing laundry in a rapid flowing stream on a rock?