Whirlpool Calypso - The Old Gal -Not Dead but "gone away"

[ovrphil]

I posted this in, of all places, Shopper's Square! I have been away myself! ha!

Anyway - I hope you are all doing something more spring like...though in the south, it hasn't been much of a winter. I am just recovering from...and I'll skip the details..but I have a much better internet to enjoy some of my favorite websites, like aw.org.

Around 2015-16 I bought a Whirlpool Calypso set from a couple..KQ2 Washer and KQ3 Dryer Today the washer decided to turn on itself when we weren't looking; choosing to wash clothes later today, it was preset and frozen at the Wool setting. The only way to de-select it was to unplug the washer. I expected the panel to fail. Why? Because the dryer panel failed the end of last year and I had a donor with a good panel to revive it...working again. But, I have no washer donor for the panel and I know WELL about the cost of replacement. I'm not going there! I think this washer had a good life; we only got four years of its total life, that's all.

So it has been fun using these. I replaced the dryer panel from a donor unit, it's up and running fine. But with the washer Ka-PUTT, I thought, "now what?" If I find a donor washer...but meanwhile...without dredging through the archives, does anyone like the newer machines? I fear a black hole...they're so huge...not a fan of the bloated electronic behemoths.

I still thank DaDoes for initially having me look at the doomed Calypso's and Martin(YogiTunes)for his feedback on my units. Is there anything recently made, used, worth considering? I had a front loader long ago, Frigidaire set that were excellent, but alot changed since 1998. Thanks for any ideas ...or not. A video I just made tonight on youtube:

https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH86OxJg8Pk

 

[yogitunes]

oddly enough, I got to play with an LG TL HE machine at John's warehouse...I have wanted to for a while to see what they were like....

and if given a choice, or if I come across one, I wanted to add one to the collection...

all in all, it did a nice job for an impellor machine....

Kudos to Eugene for the vids....





ps, your link didn't work for me.....

 

[gansky1]

Sorry about your Calypso, those are fun washers to use. I had a client with one that had a drain pump die about six months ago, she elected to not repair given it's age and it was gone before I could grab it.

I had a LG top-load washer here for six months or so and thought it was a fine washer. I found that for very large loads, dumping a couple of pitchers of water on the load before starting fooled the machine into a full-to-the-brim fill for lots of sloshing drama. Left to it's own devices, it did a fine job, though. I've recommended them to several people that are set on buying top-load machines.

 

[ovrphil]

Update and comment

Hi Martin -

On my Calypso- I just plugged it in, and I was able to select "Quick Wash". I tossed in some clothes and just as I was ready to press START, the selection reverted to "Wool" again and it won't respond to ANY button pressed, lid up, down or any combo of buttons. I have a tech manual for the dryer, but not the washer and I'm not going there. Just thought this information would be "fun" to relay. Haha.heehee.boohoo.

That's just what I need - a top-loader, as there isn't much room for me/us to have a front loader.

On that video...the comment of throwing away the sox...LOL . My grandmother used to say, "throw them in a bowl/sink and give them good hand scrubbing with Ivory soap!". Anyway- was there extra water thrown in there beforehand as gansky1 mentioned? It looked like more water was there than what our Calypso used. Also, this LG seems to have long cycles for washing - but I'll research it more. Do you guys/anyone(?)....temper your buying decisions by considering washing cycles? I personally don't mind, but I'm just asking - why 1:40 minutes to go through a wash cycle. Also, no model numbers were mentioned. Also -it's a direct drive you're referring to, right?

Thank you Gan/Martin....

[this post was last edited: 3/31/2019-12:43]

 

[pinkpower4]

@ovrphil,

Most people here would agree that the older, used washers are the way to go. If you prefer to buy new, take a look at Maytag mvwp575gw. It seems to be an overall favorite. I have had mine for about 8 months now. It has worked well in my pet and kid-friendly home.

Bulky, Delicates, Mixed, and Powerwash with a full tub wash full tub rinse only take 45 minutes. The Normal Eco cycle with a half tub wash and spray rinse only takes about 30 minutes and is great for small loads. There is also a rinse/spin and drain/spin. Presoak, rinse, or both are options. I do not know of any new washer that still has mechanical controls. This one has simple knob selection and only one control board that I know about. It also has plenty of water, and a great wash action. Not only can the tub and agitator move separately, but the bottom and top half of the agitator can move independently too--dual agitator.

This is model is based off of their commercial models sold at local appliance stores and should not be confused with models labelled "commercial technology" and sold at the big box stores. Parts including the belt, capacitor, bearings, seal, motor, etc. have been upgraded. However, it is a vertical modular washer. They are easy for someone like me to fix and to get parts for. However, this washer or any washer sold today will not be a durable as the ones made even ten years ago. Whereas I replaced only a set of dogs on a Whirlpool TL set used between 1994 to 2009, I expect that I will probably end up having to replace the belt, splutch, mode shifter, and maybe more on this in that same time period for this one. At least the Maytag I have has a five year parts AND labor warranty.

Most new washers today, including the Maytag mvwp575gw, have Automatic Temperature Control. I had to find a way around that since I wanted hot tap only wash a true warm wash. It also makes the Normal Eco cycle useful for quick washes and smaller loads--the spray rinse works well or I go back and run another tub of water for the rinse (no more steps than to run a presoak for an older mechanical washer). I am always looking for ways to save money (washing in lower temps when possible) and use less water. However, this should be options and not the only settings available that cripple a washer's performance.

The other one to look at would be the Speed Queen LWN432. There is no load selector switch, but there is a post on here that will tell you how to install it. I am not a fan or ordering online. It has a three year parts only warranty.

The Speed Queen 2018 and newer have an agitub design (tub and agitator) move in the same direction. This does not work well for the type of loads I do, but can be an option for others. They do have a nice auto fill feature and no Automatic Temperature Control.

 

[yogitunes]

I get you.....my Calypso was acting up, coming on by itself, but turned out it was the touch pad that needed replaced....problem solved....

hold on to yours, as you may come across a touch pad in time....

as with any electronic/digital machine, I am a firm believer in unplugging when not in use...even my Neptunes…

I don't see a need to add water to the machine before starting....as for the cycle times, 50 minutes, give or take is what I experienced

going back a few years...I had a Whirlpool Cabrio, both the "X"(belt drive) and the "XL" (direct drive)…..2010 year models

on the X, you had to add water to 'trick' the machine into thinking it was a larger/heavier load....another down side to the 'X', no sprinkler to help saturate the load....

on the XL, it had a floating tub setup....when enough water was added to cause the tub to float, there was plenty of water to saturate the load....a sprinkler would come on to saturate the load even more, though not really needed on this machine...

the trick to the XL was setting the cycle according to the load size.....Normal=small/mini, Casual=medium, Sheets=large.....

the newer ones have some improvements, and have actually gotten better....I got really good results from the XL version....

I pulled out the restrictor on the HOT side....for a better mix of temps, and a faster fill....

the most the temps would dub down was 10 degrees...…

but note....not everyones definition of HOT is the same....my water heater is set at 160.....a 10 degree drop is not much, as the water is still steaming....

many people have their set at 120.....which is only a warm bath temp to start with....your not going to get a HOT wash if your not starting with what I consider true hot water....

I have thought of machines with an internal heater.....I had a Neptune 6500, with internal heater, which never came on.....only because it would only raise the temp to 140 and hold it there....pros and cons with certain applications….

a good soaking of those socks would have probably given better results, even without bleach...

 

[pinkpower4]

I am being honest in saying I am not sure how to read this.

I looked at the technical sheet on the Maytag mvwp575gw that I have. The thermistor resistance can be tested at anywhere between 32 and 149 degrees F. However, when I look at the information by the hot water inlet valve that says, "water temperature thermistor", it states 104 (Hot?), 77 (Warm?), and 50 (Cool?) degrees F. There is also a Cold and Tap Cold. It looks like 104 is the max temp for hot. At the most, I think it is only 115 based on something I read somewhere else.

I do know one cannot simply reverse the hot and cold hoses. Any temperature coming in on the cold inlet valve over => 105 degrees Farenheit would cause an error code.

I did not realize this thing had ATC until I started washing loads that I had been doing in my front load (that has an internal heater). They were not coming out clean or fresh smelling like the other stuff.

Although other washers may not have ATC, they may restrictors or something else that affects the ratio of hot to cold water. The Maytag washer does not seem to have physical restrictors. Instead if seems to control the hot/cold ratio by alternating hot and cold water into the washer.

It made me turn red. This is ridiculous. Pretty soon the government will be limiting our heat to the 60s and A/C to 80.

I now use more hot water than I would have if they would have just left well enough alone. I also had to turn up the hot water heater a bit since this does not have an internal heater like my frontload did (something I knew up front, so it's OK). I do plan on adding a lever so I can have cold only for washes and rinses when needed. I just have not found one yet that I felt was sturdy enough.

 

[DADoES]

 
The range of values is for service testing that the thermistor reads accurate across a range of temperatures.

The control board reads the resistance of the thermistor to control the mix of hot and cold water to attain an average of whatever value is programmed into it for a given selected temperature.

Some (most?) of ATC machines don't vary the mix of hot and cold by volume to attain the target.  They turn the hot and/or cold full-on or full-off.

Cold is typically tap-cold with some bits of warm (hot+cold).

Warm is typically warm and cold, with an occasional switch to either full-hot or full-cold.

Hot may be tap-hot with some occasional warm (hot+cold) ... or maybe hot with some switching to cold .... or depending on how restricted maybe warm (hot+cold) with some occasional tap-hot.

The whole thing depends on how the engineers decided to program the mix to attain the targets.

Some machines aren't programmed very well and may switch briefly to straight-hot to warm up a cold fill selection.  That can be a problem if full-hot water is spraying on temperate-sensitive items.

Some Fisher & Paykel models actually vary the volume of hot and cold in the mix by controlling the flow-rate of the valves to directly attain the target temperature, instead of just turning them full-on or full-off.  Maybe some other brands/models do that of which I'm unaware.

 

[yogitunes]

my 1964 Whirlpool belt drive had a restrictor on the cold water side...

1985 GE Filter flow had a restrictor(pictured)

2007 Speed Queen had a built in restrictor on the hot side, nothing a drill bit couldn't fix in seconds...turning a 70/30 into a 50/50

2010 Cabrio's had restrictors on both sides....just removed the hot side only

Avanti portable had a restrictor...

even Speed Solid tubs had restrictors...…

my Neptunes may have restrictors, I never checked because these were from a time frame when ATC boosted temps, not dubbed down...

pretty safe to say, most likely Maytag has a restrictor of some sort in them as well...others may too!

there is no way to know for sure, unless you remove the hoses, and pull the screens, and/or check the entire water path...

 

[ovrphil]

Reply #1 and 4

I'm sure if I had unplugged the washer after use, it would still be working. We've had some intermittent power outages - on/off - some longer. I was unplugging that washer previously and forgot (duh)to do it here at this new place.

I went to Home Depot and found 2 TL Maytag washers that looked like they'd fit in our space(need 28"x28' MAX).

MVWX655DW -4.3ft3/ BRAVOS HE TL - $569/free delivery (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-...s:{0:1}+tgr:{No+stage+info}+qu:{mvwx655dw}:qu)

MVWC565/FW - 4.2ft3/ with Deep water wash and Power wash(whatever that is)https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-...s:{0:1}+tgr:{No+stage+info}+qu:{mvwc565fw}:qu

Pinkpower4 - Lowe's and HomeDepot do not have that Maytag mvwp575gw and worse,it's only 3.5ft3...too small. Otherwise, I understand why you recommended it. Perhaps the mvwc565/FW is the next closest, as it has the agitator.

Martin - I looked for the WT1501CW LG HE TL, but it's discontinued. I'm looking for the replacement now if LG did have a replacement?

Anyone familiar with the Maytags that I found at H.Depot? I'd like to check out something like the machine you suggested Martin,but typically that model is replaced with a newer model with refinements. Don't laugh, I don't work in advertising, but I'm being optimistic. LOL.

 

[pinkpower4]

@ovrphil,

I still think the Maytag mvwp575gw is the best overall new choice that is available to consumers, BUT I would have gone with a 2017 and older Speed Queen if they were still available in my area or the LWN432 if I had known about it when I made my decision. I am still thinking about getting one (it is the last of the reliable, durable no nonsense washer out there). I have no plans to get rid of my Maytag. It has worked like a champ for me so far...

You can get the LWN from an online retailer, appliancesconnection.com . They do not have the best reputation, but people from here who have ordered from them say all went well. It looks like it may take about two weeks to get it? It has a 3-year parts only warranty. The models with transmissions and timers have been/will be discontinued. Parts availability in the future may be a concern, but I think it will last at least ten to fifteen years without major repairs other than a belt. The Maytag mvwp575gw is not available at the big box stores. I had to buy from a locally owned and independent appliance store for about $750. Delivery was free, and they even installed it. In the same ten to fifteen years, I do expect to have to replace a belt, mode shifter, and possibly a splutch. A quick Google will help you locate some in your area.

I almost bought the mvwc565 from a big box store, but then I happened to come across some reviews by Kirk Rivas, Eugene Pallas, and a video by Sharkie (why not to buy the 2018 Speed Queen). All very good and informative reviews and information. If you haven't had a chance to look at some reviews, they are well worth your time (and money).

The new washer just are not built like the older ones were. The one I have does have upgraded parts including the motor, belt, capacitor, premium bearings, and more compared to the mvwc565 at Lowes. It also has a five year parts AND labor warranty vs. a one year parts and labor warranty. However, some people are reporting the transmission is also failing in the Maytag mvwp575gw (I believe this is also the same or similar gearcase (transmission) used in the "commercial technology" models too.

I do not think the new belt drives would hold up well for commercial use considering how people abuse them, but they do seem durable and sturdy for residential use. The one you picked out at Lowes is still one of the better ones , but...I think they have more issues than the model I have. Most of the issues I see are related to spin or just stopping in the middle of a cycle. Also, the model I have has the dual agitator (not only does the tub and agitator move in a different direction but the top and bottom move independently too). It really does move the clothes better than the Powerwash agitator (whole agitator moves in one direction). Also, the cycles on the Maytag I have are 30 (Normal) to 45 minutes (Powerwash) long. The one at Lowes takes longer because it does more sensing. My washer fills up very quickly.

Your biggest concern seems to be the 3.5 capacity number. I would load not the 4.2 with any more clothes than I do my 3.5. It would place too much wear/tear on the machine. With the Maytag I have, I loosely fill the basket about 3/4 full with clothes. A load for me would be 6 adult jeans OR 8 kid jeans OR 5 lightweight business casual slacks, 5 polos, and 5 camisoles OR 30 T-shirts, OR a queen-size quilt designed to be used with a bedskirt. I use a point system to help me. A full load is usually about 24 to 30 points. Adult jeans = 4 points, T-Shirts = 1 point, Slacks = 3 points, kid-size jeans = 3 points. These are the same size loads I did with my 4.2 cu ft front load.

I use a surge protector and I also unplug the machine when not in use. All new machines have some type of control board.

I hope that helps you make the best choice that works for you. You may want to look around for a good used washer or one that has been rebuilt from a reputable appliance store.

 

[ovrphil]

Reply #10

Yes,you did help PinkPower4...!!

This thread became a discussion of hot and cold temperatures, restrictors, and how Maytag and other washers use or may use restrictors. I wouldn't have looked as closely at the Maytags if hadn't 1) prior experience with a 1983/4 set, and 2) your input to consider looking at Maytag mvwp575gw. Your suggested model would be ok, but I found a larger Maytag model on sale, took the $30(approx)/year extra warranty(on top of the 10 year manufacturer that is limited) for a few years, and delivery and setup is free. It's arriving this Wednesday.

We have a king bed and bedding(comforter, etc). Looking at the 4.3 ft3 units, I decided to go to a Maytag Model # MVWB765FW

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-...hine-with-PowerWash-Cycle-MVWB765FW/300255072

Your thoughtful, helpful replies.....so appreciated...thank you thank you.

 

[pinkpower4]

@ovrphil. Thanks!

@ovrphil

Thank you for the update. This Maytag model looks nice! I hope you will post how it continues to work. It looks like it may be direct drive too? That is the one thing along with a water level selector I think my "commercial" model should have but does not. I wonder how the sani cycle works? Does one get hot tap with that cycle? Unlike other agitators, I do think the Powerwash agitator does a good job too.

Side note: I was looking for a portable washer for my college-age kid, but looks like the new regulations apply to them too except for the two tub ones that have a separate wash and spin basket. I was hoping they did not since it was a different market that would be using them. I had a set in my apartment many years ago that was just simple and worked. No need for all the electronics and gadgets on these.

 

[yogitunes]

what do you mean exactly with regulations to portable machines?....

 

[pinkpower4]

@yogitunes - Portable Washers like Magic Chef, RCA, etc.

@yogitunes

In particular I was looking at the ones you can buy from discount chain stores that include Magic Chef, RCA, etc. that can be hooked up to the sink or use permanent connections that are under $300. My child will have her own apartment, and just needs something to last for a few years. Surprisingly, they get pretty good reviews. Some like Magic Chef 2.0 or larger even had a drain filter that can be cleaned out. Interesting, they spin at 800 rpm. Line drying is pretty easy to do for apartment dwellers when it's just one or two people.

Then, I notice in the YouTube reviews, people were saying the newer Magic Chefs (and probably RCA--they seem to the same thing) were not filling up like the ones reviewed.

I had an old portable Whirlpool (miniature standard-size) with mechanical controls and agitator many years ago. Worked great! However, these cost the same as a standard size washer.

The only ones now have electronic controls, which are not necessary and only add to the expense and increase chance of having to repair or replace sooner. I notice some have those familiar lights under the knobs too.

Too bad. I was hoping the portable washer (like commercials) maybe were excluded or not under the same strict requirements. I think some who could would gladly pay for durable and reliable even though the capacity is less for smaller households where capacity is not as much of an issue.

Laundromats are expensive, can be unsanitary, and inconvenient. A portable washer would be nice to have when these "new and improved energy efficient washers" break down until they can get repaired or to use for smaller loads since many washers do not have a load selector now.

I probably should have started a new thread for that. Sorry.

 

[yogitunes]

your right on track with the portables....

I have an Avanti 1.6, which is equal in capacity to a GE V12 FilterFlo….this one allows me the selection between HE or regular Full fills....

also a MagicChef 1.7 and a Whirlpool belt drive portable...

I am all game for people who have only one daily driver machine to have one of these as an extra, or a backup....

I would like to try out the 2.5 or 3.0 size ones as well.....

I have not seen any vids of them with restricting water levels...and there aren't many good vids showing how these machines function....

you can buy new ones...but I found all of mine on CL for way under 100.00....

the dryers are getting bigger in matching capacity as well...…

if your not going to use a dryer, I suggest the machines with the "AirDry' function...up to 90 minute spin @ 800rpm....

this vid is one of an Avanti versions, courtesy of our own Ultramatic….

 

[ovrphil]

Reply #12

The Maytag Model # MVWB765FW was delivered, installed,and working. I bought a surge protector that plugs into the wall socket. New steel wash hoses were installed(they won't honor the warranty unless new ones were purchased). Since we've only owned it about a week as of this Wednesday, I haven't tried running it through all its paces. It's a quiet machine, to me, other than the sing-song action of the agitation. It cleans well- happy so far. But until I try all the different wash selections, but it cleans well, for the clothes, towels, and sheets washed so far.

It has a smoked-glass top, so it's not clear enough for videos. I don't think there's an easy dis-engagement of the lid, as it electronically sets a lock after pushing START. But I'll give more of my impressions later.

I haven't ever used a portable washer, but the Avanti looks fun to use. I saw an RCA in Craigslist,but it's far out of state. I agree, a backup washer like these are a good idea. There's a GE that reminds me of the Avanti - wonder where they make that one?

Thanks again-that's it from your Maytag MVWB765FW washer reporter for now.