Sunday, July 8, 2012

Color Changing Doorbell

Color Changing Doorbell



A few years ago I started a project where I was interested in modifying my doorbell button. It seemed to me that the light bulb in the lighted doorbell buttons burned out too often and I desired to utilize an RGB LED because they last much longer than a bulb. I played with a circuit board design that would fit into the standard rectangle shaped doorbell button. But I put the project aside due to the Maytag Neptune business that I was running was taking off. By the way, if you have a Maytag Neptune washer then see http://www.neptunehelp.com/ to see if you have the faulty door latch wax motor.

I dragged the project back out recently since surface mount technology is so popular in the electronics industry I decided to incorporate some into the new doorbell design. I also decided to make the color changing doorbell button a kit that anyone with a soldering iron can put together to learn about surface mount electronics. Lighted doorbells are a way to add a cool look to your home and the color changing ones are even cooler.

I now have the color changing LED incorporated into the doorbell as a kit and as a complete assembly.

See lighted doorbell button for more information.

I’m also working on developing lighted doorbell buttons that will have a solid color as well.In the future I'll create some new posts rergarding the requirements of the unique doorbell buttons. The general rule is... if you already have a lighted doorbell button then you can replace it with the color change doorbell. Another requirement is that it has to run on an electric doorbell... not a battery/wireless one because it would drain the battery rather quickly.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Neptune Washer Bearing – Special tool saves time and effort

Neptune Washer Bearing – Special tool saves time and effort




Maytag Neptune bearing noise

It is obvious that your Neptune’s bearings are failing because your Maytag Neptune sounds like jet taking off when entering the spin cycle. Where do you start? Should you get a quote to have the Neptune repaired? Can you complete the repair yourself and save money? Should you purchase a new washer and dryer? How long will the washer be down? Etc…


Maytag Neptune washer bearing replacement

Let’s start with what a technician will quote you and why you will experience sticker shock. The quote to repair the bearings will run from $800 to $1,000 and the reason is that 99.4% of the repair techs will replace the large outer tub which runs about $500 alone plus labor and maybe a new spinner support in case yours is damaged. The truth is that you cannot tell if the spinner support shaft is damaged until you get in there but from my experience in most cases the spinner support is reusable. You can just replace the bearings and seal and get many more years of life from your Neptune front loader. There are a number of technicians using the Tony Tool to save Neptuner’s money so they won’t suggest that you replace the $500 outer tub.

I do recommend if you’re reading this and your bearings are still functioning that you proactively replace your Neptune bearings if your machine is 10 years old or more.


Maytag Neptune bearing kit

If you’re handy with tools you can replace your Neptune bearings without the special tool kit rental. There are a few things you need to know about how the bearings are installed in the machine. The front bearing is slightly larger than the rear bearing and there is a 1 ¾” pipe (bearing spacer) that is sandwiched between the bearings. When you remove the front tub seal you will see the front bearing and when you look at the front bearing’s ID you will see a tunnel because of the bearing spacer. Then you will see the rear bearing’s inner race where you have about 1/8” lip to grab onto to push or pull it out. The tool kit has a machined round nut that glides through the front bearing and spacer and will catch the rear bearing’s inner race and uses the leverage from the t handle to draw it out. Once the rear bearing comes out the spacer falls out, too.

Upon installation you install the rear bearing first using the tool. Next you place the bearing spacer on the PVC spacer holder and then start to draw the front bearing in. The tool kit makes this a breeze since it keeps the spacer centered while the front bearing is being drawn in and finally clamps the bearing spacer. If you don’t have the tool kit you have to come up with a way to hold the spacer when you install the bearings. So the tool kit rental saves you time and effort.


How to replace your Neptune bearings

The Neptune bearing tool kit rental includes bearings, 12002022 seal kit, a pair of snap ring pliers, 2” wire wheel, emery cloth, step by step DVD and an extra bearing spacer in case yours is cracked or corroded. Note: The earlier Neptune’s have a snap ring that you need to remove before pulling it. The wire wheel is to clean out the bearing housing after bearings are removed and the emery cloth is to smooth the front bearing seat in case of any ridges or ripples that may have developed due to the failed front bearing. The kit is shipped Priority Mail to you so you will receive it within 2 – 3 days typically. The http://www.neptunebearing.com/ site displays the estimated to ship days based on when tool kits return.


The Neptune 12002022 Seal kit

The 12002022 seal kit includes 2 seals. The earlier lip seal and the revised lip seal. You need to use the same one that you removed since they require different shaft machining. I have had some Neptuner’s decide to replace the spinner support so they could install the revised lip seal when their machine originally had the earlier lip seal but it is not necessary.


Maytag Neptune Washer MAH5500BWW bearings

I personally replaced the bearings and seal on a MAH5500BWW washer in 1.5 hours and it was my 2nd time of using the tool kit. I would also recommend having an 8 – 10 pound sledge hammer available when changing the bearings.

If you decide to use the to neptune bearing tool or go it alone you can get everything you will need at Neptune Bearing.

Until next time...
















Saturday, June 30, 2012

Maytag Neptune Bearing Tool Rental FAQ

Maytag Neptune Bearing Tool Rental FAQ


1. Why is the Tony Tool Rental deposit so much?




1A: I have to request the large deposit since the Tony Tool costs $425 to purchase otherwise I may not get the tool kits back.





2. Does the Tony Tool Rental kit include the bearings and 12002022 seal kit?



2A: Yes, the bearings and 12002022 seal kit are included as well as a Neptune bearing spacer in case yours is cracked.





3. Will the Tony Tool work on my 2000 Stacker model?



3A: Yes, although the DVD will show the standalone Neptune disassembly process... I include a link so you can download the Stacker service manual and it will show you how to disassemble the Stacker. Once inside, they are the same parts where the bearings are concerned. The Neptune bearing and 12002022 seal kit (along with Tony Tool ) work on all solid door panel Neptune front loaders.





4. How long will it take to replace the bearings?



4A: I’ve personally used the Tony Tool and the first bearing job was on a MAH4000 and it took me about 3.5 hours but I was video taping the process. The 2nd bearing replacement was on an MAH5500BWW and it took me 1.5 hours from start to testing machine. One variable is the front bearing and how much rust is in there and that is why it is best to catch the bearing failure as early as possible.





5. Should I replace my door latch wax motor and belt?



5A: If you have a timer knob (non digital) Neptune and it has the original wax motor with brownish color actuator tip I would highly recommend you replace it before it fails. See Neptune Help Song. If you order it and find out you already have the newer black tipped wax motor then just send it back for a refund with the tool. Same with the belt. If you order it and find out your belt is still useable just send it back unopened for a refund.





6. Can I use the revised lip seal if my machine had the earlier lip seal installed?



6A: Not directly. The spinner support shafts are machined differently. If you really want the newer revised lip seal then you would have to order the new spinner support which includes the new revised lip seal then you can send back the 12002022 seal kit for a $40 refund to help offset the new spinner support purchase.


For more information on saving time and effort when replacing your Maytag Neptune bearings see Neptune Bearing.


Until next time...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

How to make the Maytag Neptune bearings easier to replace

How to make the Maytag Neptune bearings easier to replace...


I just improved the Maytag washer bearing tool kit rental by adding a piece of emery cloth to it. After using the included 2” wire wheel to clean the front bearing seat area I would recommend using the emery cloth to smooth and even take down the bearing seat a smidgen. It turns out that the Neptune bearing hub is aluminum and when the rusted front bearing comes out it can distort the aluminum and make it difficult for the replacement bearing to go in. This is just one of the reasons why I recommend that the bearings be replaced as a preventative measure after the machine has reached 10 years or so. See Neptune Bearing Tip For more reasons to proactively replace the bearings and 12002022 seal.


When was your Maytag Neptune born you ask? See Neptune Born on Date



There have been situations when performing the Maytag Neptune bearing replacement where there have been ripples or ridges in the aluminum bearing seat area and these will surely stop the new bearing from fully seating or perhaps even starting in the case of a ridge on the front edge of bearing seat. I would carefully inspect the bearing seat before attempting to insert the new bearings and use the emery cloth to take them down.

The Neptune rear bearing does not have this issue in most cases because it does not get wet like the front bearing does. I’ve had extreme cases where the washer was operated for a long period of time before the bearings were replaced and the rear bearing was rusted and actually fell apart when using the tony tool to pull them out. These Neptune washer repairs are more difficult but can be corrected by using a rotary cutting tool with cutting wheels to cut a slot in the bearing race and then use a drift or chisel to knock it out. Typically, the rear still bearing looks new but you should replace it anyway.

For more information on the Maytag washer repair see Neptune Bearing Repair


Until next time…



Sunday, June 10, 2012

Maytag Neptune Front Loader tub bearing replacement tip

Maytag Neptune Front Loader tub bearing replacement tip

If your Maytag Neptune front loader is at least 10 years old I am highly recommending that you replace your tub bearings and seal proactively and let me explain why.


Eliminate the #1 Tony Tool challenge which is getting the rusted front bearing out…
As you know… I rent the specially designed Tony Tool to Neptune owners to assist them when changing their bearings and seal and I will tell you the number one challenge when changing the bearings is getting the front bearing out. In the past, Neptuner’s only replaced their bearings after the machine sounds like a jet taking off because the seal has leaked water into the bearings. What happens next is that rust forms between the front bearing outer race and the aluminum bearing housing making the front bearing difficult to extract. If you replace the bearings before they rust… the front bearing will come much easier with less stress to the machine. The tool kit rental comes with a pair of snap ring pliers, 2" wire wheel, extra bearing spacer and emery cloth as well as the bearings and 12002022 seal kit. A DVD is included that shows you how to disassemble your Neptune, swap bearings and install the seal kit. You can order the tool kit rental at Neptune Bearing.  Go down about half way and click where is says " Click HERE to read the tool rental agreement & order. Once the tool rental agreement opens up then there will be an Add to Cart button on the left side. Click on the Add to Cart button and you will be taken into PayPal's secure server to complete the payment.

Prevent spinner support (shaft) damage…
In some Neptune bearing failure cases the spinner support shaft was damaged because a bearing hung up and that caused a groove in the shaft so it had to be replaced at $89.00. The upfront cost for a new spinner support is $129 delivered via UPS Ground but I allow you to send the 12002022 seal kit back with the tool kit rental for an additional $40 refund because the spinner support arrives with a revised lip seal so you won’t need the 12002022 seal kit I sent you with the tool kit. The $40 seal kit refund takes the $129 down to $89. See Spinner Support to order a new spinner support.

The tool rental queue is lower than usual so you will get it quicker…
I will admit that the Neptune bearing tool kit rental queue is low right now which means that you will get a tool kit quicker than usual and that is a good thing. In the past I would have anywhere from 8 to 15 people in the queue with all of the tool kits out in the field. However, it is less critical in your case because your machine is not down and you are being proactive.

You can control washer downtime by replacing your bearings proactively…
Another benefit being proactive is that you control the washer downtime. You can do all of the laundry before you start the disassembly so there is less pressure to complete the bearing swap out. If your bearings fail and there are a large number of Neptuner’s in the queue that will delay you receiving the tool kit and then that would mean visits to the Laundromat or relative’s houses to do your laundry.

Take the time to really clean your Neptune while you have it apart…
Does your Neptune smell funky? I get lots of feedback from Neptuner’s and they tell me that they took extra time to really clean out their Neptune while they had it apart to freshen it up. There are simply areas that you cannot get to and properly clean until you disassemble the machine. From there, you can start a regimen of using the Affresh tablets or other front load cleaning product to help prevent the buildup of smelly gunk and keep your machine smelling better. You may also consider replacing the door boot while you change your bearings and seal. You can order one for $49.00 when your rent the tool kit.

Other parts you may want to replace while your Neptune is disassembled…
To wrap it up... Don’t forget that you can also get the new Neptune belt for $26.00 and the new door boot for $49.00 from the Neptune Bearing order form. If you take machine apart and decide your belt still looks good then just send it back with the tool kit unopened for a $26 refund. If you have a timer knob then you will want to make sure that you replace your door latch wax motor before it fails. Order extra wax motors for only $12 when you rent the tool kit!

Top 5 reasons to proactively change your Neptune front loader bearings.
1. #1 tool kit rental challenge is eliminated as the front bearing will come right out

2. Prevent potential damage to the spinner support

3. The Neptune bearing rental queue is very low right now

4. Totally prevent unexpected downtime and Laundromat visits

5. Funky Smelling Neptune’s can be really cleaned out when they are disassembled

Again, here is that link to order the Neptune bearing tool kit rental...  Neptune Bearing.


Until next time...







Saturday, June 2, 2012

My Maytag Neptune shuts down on the rinse cycles

I would check the water inlet screens for debris. Shut the water supply off, remove the hoses, use a flashlight and take a look up into the water inlets on rear of your machine, remove any buildup with tweezers or needle nose pliers. The screens are to keep any crap from getting into your water valves which could cause them not to close all the way and let water slowly trickle into your machine when it is off.


What causes this particular shutdown is that the Neptune will shutoff after a certain filling time to prevent an overfill condition. The water inlet screen restriction will cause machine to take longer to fill. Low water pressure can also cause this issue. See Neptune Washer for more Neptune information.

Until next time...

Saturday, May 26, 2012

My Maytag Neptune washer is growling at me

My Maytag Neptune washer is growling at me...

If your Maytag Neptune front load washer is growling at you then maybe you are working it too hard…

Or it could be that the motor control board (MCB) is failing.

The Neptune MCB is located on the right side down by the floor on the solid door panel Neptune’s including the 2000 stackers. The MCB generates 3 phase power to drive the motor and if one of the phases fails then the motor will sound like it is growling and it will not produce the full torque required to spin the clothes out.

See http://www.12002039.com/ and/or http://www.22004473.com/ for the two common Neptune MCB assemblies.

The 12002039 kit includes a new motor, wiring harness and the MCB that work together. Maytag provided this new 12002039 design because they were having failures on the original motor drive system and decided to use a different technology. The original motor is not compatible with the new MCB. When the motor drive fails your machine will usually turn off a few seconds after you try to start the washer up and on the digital machines you will get an LR error code.








This picture shows a common failure on the MCB. Another failure is when the 10 amp fuse opens.







You will need your model number and the first 2 digits of your serial number to determine which kit you will need.

For more Maytag Neptune help see NeptuneWasher and NeptuneDryer.

Until next time...