Thread Number: 13103
Calypso Number Two
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Post# 227462   8/4/2007 at 00:29 (6,082 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Picked up a white Calypso *pair* Thursday night. Owner/seller says they're about three years old, which corresponds to the washer's serial number indicating March 2004 manufacture date (if I'm interpreting it correctly). They were used 'til March, when she got a frontloader pair (she says an HE3t, but I didn't see them). She had been wanting a frontloader but the hubby said no since the Calypsos were still "new" .. however, their daughter is heading to college so they got a new set (maybe on sale? LOL) and saved the Calypsos for her ... but turns out the apt she's headed to already has machines. No trouble with the washer, but the dryer's board got zapped and was replaced (under a service contract).

Picture coming soon, maybe tomorrow. I've got the washer torn down a bit for clean-up -- dispensers, tub ring, balance ring, and lid (eeeek, hope I can get the hinges back together). There's a layer of smutz flaking off everything and the softener/bleach dispenser was mungy, they appear to be heavy softener users. All the dispenser hose clamps are already rusted, and there are twinges of rust creeping around the dispenser cutouts and one area of the lid. Much less rust on the cabinet frame compared to my first Calypso, tho. I haven't yet pulled the front or bottom panels. Noticed it has only the OPR water level switch, no FLD switch, minor engineering change on later models. Rear leveling feet are missing, another order from Sears Parts.

Haven't yet looked closely at the dryer. Appears to be gum or something streaked on the rear bulkhead. Hopefully it just needs some cleaning (and a cord).





Post# 227496 , Reply# 1   8/4/2007 at 06:18 (6,081 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
I'll bet mom knew the DNA replication's apt came wit

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Enjoy in good health.

May we request pictures at your convenience?


Post# 227534 , Reply# 2   8/4/2007 at 09:27 (6,081 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
Somebody is working on a collection here...

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Congratulations on another machine! It would be fun if you could get hold on one of those demonstration lids with a window. But bypassing the lidswitch is OK too ofcourse. BTW, is this a Kenmore or a Whirlpool? I agree with Toggle about the pictures!

Post# 227709 , Reply# 3   8/4/2007 at 20:12 (6,081 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Pair.

Post# 227710 , Reply# 4   8/4/2007 at 20:12 (6,081 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Washer clean-up in progress.

Post# 227711 , Reply# 5   8/4/2007 at 20:13 (6,081 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Grungy basket & tub.

Post# 227719 , Reply# 6   8/4/2007 at 20:25 (6,081 days old) by bobbyd32l ()        

Wow... that looks pretty nasty for only being 3 years old!

Hope that she cleans up well and look forward to more pics and video!


Post# 227721 , Reply# 7   8/4/2007 at 20:31 (6,081 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Abby (dalmatian) & Chance (supposedly an Australian Shepherd mix, he's deaf) at the alert next door.

Post# 227726 , Reply# 8   8/4/2007 at 20:44 (6,081 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Glen,
Cool Find.
Amazing that the washer is so yucky!
With your knowing about these washers, do you think that the owners were just yucky, and did not know how to use them?
I think these are very interesting machines, and when used correct, are very good washers.
Glad that you found a pair!!!
Also, love the pups!
Thanks for the pictures.
Brent


Post# 227936 , Reply# 9   8/5/2007 at 22:12 (6,080 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Glenn - I used CLR in my Calypso to clean up all the "soap scum" on the outer tank. It worked very, very well...got almost all of it off, about 6 years of buildup.

Best of luck with the newest additions to the family!!


Post# 227967 , Reply# 10   8/5/2007 at 22:57 (6,080 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Very nice indeed, particuylarly after all the labor of love to clean them up. Nice ya have a pair now. Thaks for the pics of Abby & Chance.

Post# 228005 , Reply# 11   8/6/2007 at 04:26 (6,080 days old) by bpetersxx (laf in on the banks of the Wabash River)        

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Thread# 12283 More Calypso Pictures
Originally Posted: 6/14/2007-20:49 by bpetersxx
Number of Replies: 18 -- Last Reply by bpetersxx, at 8/6/2007-04:24


check out what I got the club


Post# 228306 , Reply# 12   8/7/2007 at 11:26 (6,078 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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That's a smart looking Calypso set, but it sure needs some cleaning. Hope you get the set up and running soon, I'm a sucker for matching sets.

Post# 228599 , Reply# 13   8/8/2007 at 11:53 (6,077 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Congratulations Glenn! The newer model has a different rinsing sequence than the early model. You might like the older rinse sequence better.

I hope that you enjoy the pair. They sure are nice looking. I am glad that you were able to rescue them from that woman's laundry habits. She is probably going to be complaining about WO (washer odor) sooner rather than later with the front loaders. Tom


Post# 228644 , Reply# 14   8/8/2007 at 14:37 (6,077 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Tom, I had the exact same thought in regards to her new FL. I don't know what she was doing, but I'd sure like to have some stake-out/observation time in her laundry room. When I asked what kind of FL they had gotten, she couldn't say for sure except it's from Sears so must be a Kenmore, and she doesn't need all that fancy stuff like heaters. I mentioned HE-this and that. She said HE3 and it has a t. I laughed internally, and told her the t means it has a water heater, which is particularly helpful with the new FLs that use so little water, water heater distance, etc. She responded that she only washes in warm anyway and the water heater is very close. Seems an occasional wash in HOT water with LCB may be indicated!

She did specifically say that she always used HE detergent, altho I suppose she could be under- or over-dosing. She also likely is a softener junkie. The Calypso lid liner had a circular splotch of softener residue over the dispenser. All that munge has a strong musty odor, particularly when dampened or wet. The rubber ends of the recirculation tube are stained & sticky and there's no way to scrub inside the duckbill end, so I'm replacing it. The rest of it is cleaning up nicely.


Post# 228877 , Reply# 15   8/8/2007 at 23:53 (6,077 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Glen,
She is just a simple house wife. You know the type.
It is great that you were able to get this set from her.
You know, she is laughing also that some guy bought this filthy set from her. Same as you are lauging at her.
I am sure that you will have this nasty caked up mess cleaned up in no time to wash your dirty jeans and such. Just wear gloves and use lot's of bleach!
Can't wait to see your photo's of your first Texas style dirty jeans load.
I know you will do Whirlpool proud to keep on this tried but ture design going in your garage. That is what it is all about.
Thanks for your photo's and such.
Brent


Post# 228889 , Reply# 16   8/9/2007 at 00:29 (6,077 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Hey, Brent. :-)

I don't think she was trying to do anything dishonest with the sale ... although one can never know for sure. Her husband runs a fairly well-known business in town, not that that necessarily means anything. The grungy basket/tub wasn't apparent until I pulled the tub ring and balance ring, I'm sure she'd be embarrassed if she knew! Anyway, it's just interesting to see how use of and resulting condition there-of sometimes goes with people's appliances. We all on this group, of course, value and baby our machines for the fabulous mechanisms they are!


Post# 228959 , Reply# 17   8/9/2007 at 09:54 (6,076 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Glen,
I agree with you that I am sure that she did not know about the grunge.
I can say for myself that I have been shocked when taking apart my own appliances and such at the grunge that just happens with use.
I think it is great that you are finding these Calypso's in such great shape! The ones that I come across here in Atlanta, and I have seen many, are trashed! I think it is a very interesting, and fun washer!
Brent


Post# 229100 , Reply# 18   8/9/2007 at 19:24 (6,076 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Why did you get a second one? What was wrong with the first? Why did you even get a Crapypso when you have a trusty Fisher & Paykel Aquasmart/Aerosmart pair.

Post# 229134 , Reply# 19   8/9/2007 at 21:11 (6,076 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Howdy, FunGuy!

Nothing is wrong with the first one, I used it a couple weeks ago. Probably will use it again in the next few days. I got the 2nd because the opportunity came by, it's a matched pair, it's cosmetically in better condition, and I think Calypsos are kewl. I have an IWL12 and DEGX1, not an AquaSmart/AeroSmart. I like them perfectly fine and they're not going away anywhere ... except *maybe* to the garage for a while *if* I decide to bring the Calypso pair in for a change of scenery.


Post# 229181 , Reply# 20   8/9/2007 at 22:53 (6,076 days old) by appnut (TX)        
to the garage for a while

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The IWL12 and DEGX1 would most likely prefer to gaze upon scenery from my laundry room insted of your garage for a while!!!

Post# 229188 , Reply# 21   8/9/2007 at 23:04 (6,076 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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:-)

Post# 229194 , Reply# 22   8/9/2007 at 23:28 (6,076 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Glenn, I say keep collecting the Calypsos. They (and the Maytag TL Neptune with the wash discs) will eventually be much-coveted by collectors. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say the Maytag TL Neptune will be the Apex of the future. Nothing else quite like it and it was only made for a couple of years, so there aren't many out there.

Never gave the Calypso much thought until I saw your videos. They really are interesting to watch.


Post# 229259 , Reply# 23   8/10/2007 at 09:30 (6,075 days old) by funguy10 ()        

How about the Dyson Contrarotators? They are rare since they are currently not in production. And to Mr. DADoeS, I saw the videos of your first Calypso that bpetersxx posted on Youtube and they are interesting to watch because of how the Calypso washes differently. And I know th Fisher & Paykel IWL12 is the Intuitive Eco model but what about the DEGX1? is it the matching dryer?

Post# 229302 , Reply# 24   8/10/2007 at 10:58 (6,075 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Hmmmm. You said in another thread that you know a lot about F&P, but you don't know what is a DEGX1? :-)

DEGX1 (electric) is the first U.S. release model of the topload dryer. DGGX1 was the gas version. It was a better pairing at the time with the GWL11 washer, the control panels are matched. It does not match the IWL12 control panel, but it was the only choice for topload dryer at that time, three years ago.


Post# 229355 , Reply# 25   8/10/2007 at 14:27 (6,075 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Sorry, my bad. The intuitive dryer is model number DEIX2(electric)and DGIX2(gas). But you could get that and upgrade the washer to the newer IWL16. Also what you you know about the DEGX2/DGGX2? And why do electric dryers always have "E" in thier model numbers and gas ones have "G"?

Post# 229411 , Reply# 26   8/10/2007 at 19:37 (6,075 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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I suppose "E" means electric and "G" indicates gas. ;-)

No need to update at this time. The difference between my SmartLoad dryer and the Intuitive DEIX2 version is the Intuitive-style control panel and programmed LifeCycles. The mechanics are the same.

DEGX2/DGGX2 vs. DEGX1/DGGX1, cosmetic changes to the control panel, gray background instead of light blue. Same for the IWL16 washer vs. IWL12. It has a slightly better EnergyStar rating, probably due to minor default programming changes, and there are cosmetic changes to the control panel. Not a big deal.


Post# 229424 , Reply# 27   8/10/2007 at 19:49 (6,075 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Thanks! And I love that sign that says "Laundry room, drop your pants here." Now I will step out of the way and let people get back to talking about hmm...what was it? Oh yeah, the Calypso.

Post# 229548 , Reply# 28   8/11/2007 at 03:07 (6,075 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Nice pair, Glenn. You'll like that dryer, except for crawling up onto the door to reach socks at the back of the drum ;-)

I emailed on a Calypso on Craigslist today that supposedly needs a new pump "and that's all" - ha! I'll bet it needs a good scrubbing like your new baby - if it isn't already gone. I need to pay more attention to the "FREE" section...


Post# 229566 , Reply# 29   8/11/2007 at 07:07 (6,074 days old) by funguy10 ()        

That's why you should stay away from:

1: Front loading Fisher & Paykel front-loading dryers as they are just rebranded GE dryers and GE washers and dryers are crap.

2: The Whirlpool/Kenmore Calypso. They have to recall the washer and improve it.


Post# 229707 , Reply# 30   8/11/2007 at 21:03 (6,074 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Well, I picked up the Calypso from Craigslist today. It's in very nice shape, no terribly foul odors and after testing it does indeed have a bad pump. The lady had saved all the paperwork and even the styrofoam tub-block it came with new. I asked why she wasn't going to repair a washer that was this new and she confessed that she had been lusting after the LG Steam Washer and just needed the excuse to buy one. Quizzing her further, she also confessed that the LG didn't clean as well as the Calypso - she has three boys and thought the Calypso did a better job at stain removal and "flushing the grass and sand away" than the LG does. I'll pick up a new pump for it this week and get it running again - it will be a great machine to have in the garage for rags and other washing. I really liked the one I had several years ago and you certainly can't beat the price of this one!


Post# 229708 , Reply# 31   8/11/2007 at 21:04 (6,074 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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Obligatory tub shot...

Post# 229716 , Reply# 32   8/11/2007 at 21:54 (6,074 days old) by tlee618 ()        

Greg you said the machine was in good condition when we talked but boy that is unreal. It will be fun for you to have one again to play with .

Post# 229720 , Reply# 33   8/11/2007 at 22:26 (6,074 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Oh Wow!
That is in great shape!
Also looks very clean.
I love what she said about this washer compared to her LG. That is awesome!
I really think the Calypso is such a great machine when used correct.
The one you found is so clean! Did she have the matching dryer?
Thanks for the pictures Greg!
Brent


Post# 229779 , Reply# 34   8/12/2007 at 07:12 (6,073 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Yeah, the Calypso machine and also the Maytag Neptune machines are great washers-when they work.

Post# 229780 , Reply# 35   8/12/2007 at 07:20 (6,073 days old) by askomiele (Belgium Ghent)        

You know what I would love to see, a was test... testing the calypso with different loads, stains,... would nice to see that the invention really worked well!!

Post# 229783 , Reply# 36   8/12/2007 at 07:24 (6,073 days old) by askomiele (Belgium Ghent)        

Oh yes an other thing... I don't understand that there is only 1 bearing supporting the tub, at the bottom... But why is there no second bearing around the tub like in a frontloader. It would support the tub much better and preventing the inner tub to hit the outer tub by any malfunctioning... or am i completly wrong?

Post# 231457 , Reply# 37   8/19/2007 at 00:03 (6,067 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Continuing with the refurbishment and clean-up. The cabinet rust areas have been treated with POR-15, have a bit more of that to do on the lid. Here's the wash plate with the outer dome removed, showing the inner dome.

Post# 231483 , Reply# 38   8/19/2007 at 07:16 (6,066 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        
Calypso time!

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Great thread! I picked up a Calypso washer about a week ago. It sat on my truck for about a week, and leaked water all over the floor. I was going to just scrap it, but took a look see underneath. Nice and clean. Found a hose off, and 2 pair of women's panties jammed in the pump! Hopefully that's all that's wrong with it.

I'll see if I can get a pic or two.
kennyGF


Post# 231496 , Reply# 39   8/19/2007 at 09:04 (6,066 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Kenny -

If you found some ladies' dainties in the water pump, then make sure the gray ring that runs around the outside edge of the nutator is still good and on tight. That gray ring, if it breaks or wears out, can allow foreign objects to get in under the plate, which is open to the water pump intake.


Post# 231524 , Reply# 40   8/19/2007 at 11:47 (6,066 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Water has gotten into the u-joint, it must be replaced. The boot is intact so the inner wash plate seal is likely the culprit. I found a dollar in quarters in the basket, so I'm wondering if maybe the previous owners opened it up to retrieve something and didn't replace the seals.

Post# 231525 , Reply# 41   8/19/2007 at 11:49 (6,066 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Leveler mechanism inside the inner wash plate. The u-joint replacement kit includes leveler, inner wash plate (dome), seals, and spanner nut.

Post# 231639 , Reply# 42   8/19/2007 at 20:33 (6,066 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Tub scum.

Post# 231640 , Reply# 43   8/19/2007 at 20:34 (6,066 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Dirty basket.

Post# 231641 , Reply# 44   8/19/2007 at 20:35 (6,066 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Basket hub (hope this will be OK for use after clean-up!).

Post# 231656 , Reply# 45   8/19/2007 at 21:21 (6,066 days old) by vintagesearch ()        

omg!
dadoes, this is a lot of work for you! i don't know how you do it but man have you revealed that those calypso's hold in dirt don't they? ive read that they are the worst at leaving grunge within the outer tub and sometimes a smell but not until i saw it now did i believe it! best of luck and i hope the hard work paid off.

V


Post# 231690 , Reply# 46   8/20/2007 at 03:06 (6,066 days old) by magic clean ()        
All the crud in there

confirms that the previous user did not use low sudsing HE detergents. When low suds detergents are used, the suds level between the basket & outer tub is generally no more than 6-8" above the 3-5 gallons of water used per recirculated wash fill. An amount that the machines recirculated and spray rinses can easily get rid of.




Post# 231691 , Reply# 47   8/20/2007 at 03:17 (6,066 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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But shouldn't then at least the lower part of the basket be clean?

Post# 231703 , Reply# 48   8/20/2007 at 07:50 (6,065 days old) by magic clean ()        

Louis, hello there! This machine is designed to work with a highly concentrated low suds detergent water solution. This is necessary to remove the soil from the laundry and keep it suspended in the wash water. Then it can be flushed away by the spray & recirculated rinses, not deposited inside the machine.

When low suds detergents are not used, residues are carried high up into areas of the basket-tub by the weak but sudsy wash solution. The excess suds also greatly reduces the recirculated water stream.





Post# 231707 , Reply# 49   8/20/2007 at 08:20 (6,065 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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I brought mine home last weekend, replaced the pump and got it installed in the garage this weekend. I've run most of the week's washing through and it works beautifully. Mine had almost no scuz & crud around the tub, basket or other parts - I thought it was actually a tribute to it's owner's fastidious care and feeding! It was used by a family of five for four years, so the normal amount of lint and residue had collected around the top of the tub ring, etc. but it was nothing to clean that up quickly. There is a nozzle inside the outer tub at about the 10 o'clock position that sprays the outside of the basket while it's revolving for a few seconds - there must have been a ton of suds in your washer, Glenn.

Post# 231709 , Reply# 50   8/20/2007 at 08:30 (6,065 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

The suds, combined with harder water conditions will do exactly what you see there. There is a reason the machine calls for low sudsing detergents! What a shame man....that's really filthy, and most definitely shortens the life of the machine.

Post# 232022 , Reply# 51   8/21/2007 at 18:27 (6,064 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Basket clean.

Post# 232023 , Reply# 52   8/21/2007 at 18:30 (6,064 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Basket drive hub corroded. :-( Hope it'll work, there's a pink o-ring fits into the groove to seal against the bottom of the u-joint. Any suggestions to insure it holds?

Post# 232024 , Reply# 53   8/21/2007 at 18:31 (6,064 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Tub clean.

Post# 232025 , Reply# 54   8/21/2007 at 18:32 (6,064 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Can't get to the sump balls.

Post# 232058 , Reply# 55   8/21/2007 at 20:44 (6,064 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Can you silicone the pink o-ring in place? I don't remember what the instructions say about it.

Post# 232214 , Reply# 56   8/22/2007 at 13:53 (6,063 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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There are several small rust spots under the rubber gasket around the top. I need to pull it for proper cleaning and treatment ... but I'm leery of being able to get it back on. There's a tie-strap threaded through the gasket holding it in place, and the tail has been snipped. Even if I could get the connector loose, I'd never get it back together. It seems from pics on parts sites that a replacement gasket comes with the tie strap already in place ... so I assume it's simply worked into place. Can anybody confirm the procedure, and that it's "safe" to pull the gasket off without running into an impossibility at getting it reattached? Or if I snip the tie strap, will the gasket stay in place without it?



Post# 232223 , Reply# 57   8/22/2007 at 14:20 (6,063 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
U-Joint Kit

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Six rubber grommets are already on the u-joint (one had come off, found it in bottom of the box), and a foam gasket is included. Another grommet set is in the package with the pink o-ring. The inner wash plate/dome is a tad beat up, but functional. It and the u-joint were packed loose in the shipping box. The leveler was sealed in bubble-wrap.

Post# 232264 , Reply# 58   8/22/2007 at 17:27 (6,063 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Wow!!

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Hi Glen, looking good, cant wait to see the finished article,,really admire you patience with the re-build at least it will last being well cared for now...

What did you use to clean the tubs???

Cheers, Mike


Post# 232272 , Reply# 59   8/22/2007 at 17:53 (6,063 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

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Glenn:

What is the model number of your Calypso's?

Thanks!

Steve


Post# 232277 , Reply# 60   8/22/2007 at 18:21 (6,063 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Glenn - you really do such great work! Nice job.

How did you get that tub clean?


Post# 232304 , Reply# 61   8/22/2007 at 20:34 (6,063 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Tub & basket were cleaned with a scrub brush and solution of ..... Cheer TrueFit liquid, LOL. I'm kinda burned-out on that scent.

Steve, models are GVW9959KQ1 (white machine) and GVW9959KL0 (platinum machine).

Following the instructions for the u-joint kit .... says to snug the spanner nut to finger-tight, then whack it 1 to 1-1/4 turns more. Well, I couldn't get it but 3/4 turn further. Maybe my finger-tight was too snug?? I kept whacking on it, and suddenly the ENTIRE u-joint and boot turned so I *immediately* quit. I'm a'feared I got it too tight and it'll not come apart again if needed. I ran a wire brush on the hub and o-ring groove. The surface is somewhat rough and there are a couple pits on the outside edge of the groove, so I hope it'll seal OK!


Post# 232375 , Reply# 62   8/23/2007 at 05:42 (6,063 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

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If anyone wants a "New Calypso" go to a REX appliance center. I understand they STILL have some pairs. I am going get one today, but will have to look a little harder for the dryer.

Steve


Post# 232840 , Reply# 63   8/25/2007 at 18:55 (6,060 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Per comments I posted in Jackson's "Calypso, Repair in Progress" thread, I've run into trouble. My basket has loosened from its hub. Excessive oscillation during spin and the basket is a bit off-kilter in the tub. The spanner nut wouldn't come off, the entire hub/u-joint assembly turns.

I got the spanner nut off now, cut in three pieces.


Post# 232841 , Reply# 64   8/25/2007 at 19:00 (6,060 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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With minimal damage to the new u-joint, a few light score-lines on the top surface. Hopefully it's good to be reused.

Post# 232842 , Reply# 65   8/25/2007 at 19:02 (6,060 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Post# 233618 , Reply# 66   8/29/2007 at 00:17 (6,057 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Awaiting arrival of a new basket. Everything else should be ready to go -- cleaned, rust-treated, new rear legs, new recirculation tube, added a *toggleswitch* to allow for either normal lid switch operation or bypass. I did pull, clean, and reinstall the rubber splash guard with the tie-strap remaining intact. Can't be sure of full machine operation until the first cycle is run, but diagnostic routines indicate the water valves seem OK, the pump runs, and the motor runs for nutate and spin.

Hopefully the dryer won't be as big a project.


Post# 234147 , Reply# 67   8/30/2007 at 22:23 (6,055 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Ok took the plunge and bought a set. NIB, and have not got them home yet. Will try to trip the lid switch in one fell swoop. Thanks Glenn for the information a few weeks ago. I have emailed Greg(gansky1 aka Mechanical Mandy) with reference to how he did his.

Any more suggestions is welcome. Call me guys sbollich@bellsouth.net


Post# 234269 , Reply# 68   8/31/2007 at 13:42 (6,054 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Glenn,

What did you use to cut the spanner nut?


Post# 234314 , Reply# 69   8/31/2007 at 17:53 (6,054 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Dremel-type power tool with a thin cutting wheel. Make several cuts to relieve the holding torque of the nut. Be aware that the lower flange of the spanner nut is "countersunk" into the top of the u-joint so isn't accessible for cutting completely through without cutting into the u-joint itself. Use a large screwdriver hammered and twisting into the cuts to help crack the nut, and/or use the spanner wrench.

Post# 234423 , Reply# 70   9/1/2007 at 09:47 (6,053 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Sent you an email Glenn with regaurd to the lid switch.

Steve


Post# 234466 , Reply# 71   9/1/2007 at 17:12 (6,053 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Steve I got a message from you dated 7/30 asking about bypassing the lid switch. I replied on 7/31. Did you not get the reply? No new messages have arrived today.

Post# 234487 , Reply# 72   9/1/2007 at 19:34 (6,053 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Here's what I did to "permanently" bypass the lid switch.

Added an on/off toggleswitch mounted to the right console endcap. Connected into the lid switch wiring harness plug, it bypasses the lid switch when ON, or allows normal lid switch operation when OFF.

A ground wire should perhaps be added to the switch in case of static discharge. The pink and tan wires lead directly to the machine control board.





Post# 234535 , Reply# 73   9/2/2007 at 07:59 (6,052 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Thanks Glenn, I have a Dremel and I just bought some metal cutting disks for it (closet remodel). I'm going to try to spend some time on it tomorrow. I have a new u-joint, so if I damage that one, it is no big deal.

When I took the inner wash plate off earlier, I used the white gasket that came with the u-joint kit. Do you think it may be reusable, or should I try to "make" another one. Repair Cliniic told me that you can't buy that gasket outside of the u-joint kit.


Post# 234536 , Reply# 74   9/2/2007 at 08:31 (6,052 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Jax - I'd try to make one. If the whole unit comes apart easily, maybe it can be reused, but I don't know.

Post# 234560 , Reply# 75   9/2/2007 at 12:07 (6,052 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
All this gasket and grommet seal stuff isn't very clear. Tech info says the six grommets and pink o-ring MUST be replaced whenever they're disturbed (the pink o-ring doesn't come into play unless the u-joint is pulled). Nothing references the inner wash plate's foam gasket. Since it is not included with the grommet/o-ring seal kit, I'd *assume* it can be re-used unless it's torn or otherwise in unusable condition. Surely Whirlpool doesn't intend for the u-joint to be replaced (in order to get a new foam gasket) *every* time the mechanism is opened, like for retrieving a stray sock or object under the wash plate. Or do they?? Where would one find a suitable foam sheet to make a gasket?

Post# 234644 , Reply# 76   9/2/2007 at 22:25 (6,052 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Got the information Glenn. You are great. I think your invention of the "New Lid" switch is great. I will do the same before the first wash ever occurs.

Steve


Post# 234694 , Reply# 77   9/3/2007 at 08:47 (6,051 days old) by s2jrston ()        

I was wondering the same thing:
"All this gasket and grommet seal stuff isn't very clear. Tech info says the six grommets and pink o-ring MUST be replaced whenever they're disturbed (the pink o-ring doesn't come into play unless the u-joint is pulled). Nothing references the inner wash plate's foam gasket. Since it is not included with the grommet/o-ring seal kit, I'd *assume* it can be re-used unless it's torn or otherwise in unusable condition. Surely Whirlpool doesn't intend for the u-joint to be replaced (in order to get a new foam gasket) *every* time the mechanism is opened, like for retrieving a stray sock or object under the wash plate. Or do they?? Where would one find a suitable foam sheet to make a gasket?" -DADoES

What do I do next time my wife reports a missing sock? Where do I get a new rubber seal for the main wash plate? The first time we discovered the Calypso's ability to hide articles under the wash plate was when my wife said the bathroom rug was missing. That's a 2'x3' rubber backed thick pile loop rug! I removed the wash plate and my eyes grew as big as pie plates. I couldn't believe the rug was under the wash plate.

Now, with a 5 month old child what do I do when his little tiny socks get sucked under the plate? I'll be afraid to take it loose for fear that I won't get it back water tight.


Post# 234719 , Reply# 78   9/3/2007 at 12:33 (6,051 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
A seal kit (part # 285842) consisting of the six rubber grommets (that sit atop the u-joint *under* the outer wash plate) and the pink o-ring that goes on the basket hub *under* the u-joint) is available at parts suppliers. It does NOT include a foam gasket, however. The o-ring doesn't come into play unless the u-joint is removed, which of course requires removing the spanner nut (which isn't necessary to retrieve a rug). And the seal kit at $20 is about double the cost it should be!

Probably the best you can do is have a seal kit on hand for the six grommets, replace them but re-use the foam gasket (or try making a gasket if you can find suitable material).

The gasket around the edge of the *outer* wash plate is not separately replaceable, that would require a new outer wash plate.


Post# 234757 , Reply# 79   9/3/2007 at 16:38 (6,051 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)        

neptunebob's profile picture
I think that even if I had spent all this time on the Calypso, if I was worried about losing clothes I would have said Calyps-No by now and sent to the curb. Since it is so complex, I wonder how Whirlpool was able to get people to assemble the machines in the first place.

Post# 234782 , Reply# 80   9/3/2007 at 19:10 (6,051 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Neptune, I sure wish Glenn and Jax the best of luck with these, I think it's good that some examples of these are being preserved for the future. As for daily drivers and the gunk that the posts have shown they can harbor,(probably if used incorrectly), Im thinking there is still alot left to learn about these water frugal machines, I include the calypso systems as well as these newfangled F/L machines. Sure wish i could find a real Westinghouse F/L NIB. Since thats pretty doggone unlikely to happen, we will press on with $200. frigidaire T/L's, until they are no longered offered.

Post# 234802 , Reply# 81   9/3/2007 at 20:54 (6,051 days old) by bpetersxx (laf in on the banks of the Wabash River)        

bpetersxx's profile picture
uploading juryrigging instructions to youtube


sorry not great quality


Post# 234876 , Reply# 82   9/4/2007 at 10:56 (6,050 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

I've used my Calypso as a daily driver for going on 7 years now (January). It's my only washer, so don't have a choice. Aside from it's u-joint and leveler, I've had no trouble with that machine at all. I've had no crud build up, no error codes, nothing. It has done 12 - 15 loads a week, except for about a one year period in there, and is still going strong. I still think it's all in how you treat your machines, good or bad, that will determine what service you get from it, how long it lasts, and how much aggravation it gives you over it's lifetime! There is nothing wrong with the Calypso's design itself...it works, it cleans, it's quiet and efficient. Certain parts quality on the original machines (of which I have) could have been much better (specifically the rubber boot seal, which ruined many u-joints).

Post# 235928 , Reply# 83   9/10/2007 at 19:32 (6,044 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
New basket arrived this morning. No crack in the hub. :-)

Post# 235929 , Reply# 84   9/10/2007 at 19:37 (6,044 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Tightening the wash plate bolts to 130 in-lbs torque.

Post# 235930 , Reply# 85   9/10/2007 at 19:41 (6,044 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Test wash.

By the way, *do not* use Tide Coldwater in a Calypso. Even a scant couple tablespoons blows up with suds. Wisk HE liquid does great, however.


Post# 235945 , Reply# 86   9/10/2007 at 21:31 (6,044 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Glen,
This is so exciting! It will be new when you finish!
I stumbled on your video on Youtube of your other Calypso. It was very well done, and I also convinced someone to buy a "new old stock" machine from your video and the white load that you washed!
Will you post another of this machine when it is all done? If you do, can you include the final spin?
You have been working hard on this one, and it looks great so far.
It is great that you can still get all of the major parts!
Brent


Post# 235974 , Reply# 87   9/11/2007 at 04:06 (6,044 days old) by lederstiefel1 ()        

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Great work - very, very well done!!
Woooofff!!!

I wonder, what the owner before you did with the machine to make it look sooo rusty and bad bad!!???

Ralf


Post# 235984 , Reply# 88   9/11/2007 at 07:11 (6,043 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        

mayken4now's profile picture
Glenn:

Great job. Looks like she is ready to Calypso instead of calapsoing.

Thanks for posting the new basket pic.

Steve


Post# 236079 , Reply# 89   9/11/2007 at 16:35 (6,043 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Great Job.

What did you do for the foam seal that was in the u-joint kit?


Post# 236089 , Reply# 90   9/11/2007 at 17:27 (6,043 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
I reused the foam gasket. (I sent an e-mail to you last night with some details & tips.)

Post# 236092 , Reply# 91   9/11/2007 at 17:35 (6,043 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Great, I haven't checked my email at home yet today.

Post# 236322 , Reply# 92   9/12/2007 at 19:51 (6,042 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Finnaly! Goodbye Crapypso and Collapseo! Hello Calypso! I hope the dryer does not need as much work to restore. By the way, how is the Senseon dryer different than a mormal dryer?

Post# 241156 , Reply# 93   10/8/2007 at 22:02 (6,016 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Ran into a minor leak problem on the bleach nozzle. Cut a new foam gasket from the sheet left from the u-joint kit, still leaked. Cut two more new gaskets, both together (for more thickness) did the trick.

Dryer disassembly & clean-up in progress. The cabinet had a layer of red lint. The blower won't come loose from the motor shaft, so I pulled the whole thing as a unit. Bunches of debris in the blower housing - bits of broken screws and wire and metal, gravel, dirt, lint, a quarter, a metal washer. Geeze, all this stuff had to been passed through the washer by the previous owners. The foam seal for the lint screen housing must be replaced. Gum or other sticky debris on the drum and rear bulkhead. It's in good condition otherwise, rollers, idler, belt. Barring any surprise electrical issues, it should be quite usable.


Post# 241161 , Reply# 94   10/8/2007 at 22:23 (6,016 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

Well, at least you have an idea as to why the washer was in such bad shape.

Post# 241287 , Reply# 95   10/9/2007 at 15:17 (6,015 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Could you post pics of the dryer? Also, what is the Senseon drying system?

Post# 241670 , Reply# 96   10/11/2007 at 04:00 (6,014 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
Dryer Gutted

dadoes's profile picture


Post# 241671 , Reply# 97   10/11/2007 at 04:01 (6,014 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
Partial Reassembly

dadoes's profile picture


Post# 241781 , Reply# 98   10/11/2007 at 15:38 (6,013 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Am I seeing what I think I am in the background? Are the Fisher & Paykel washer and dryer gone? Where did they go? What washer and dryer are those? What is the Senseon drying system.

Post# 241802 , Reply# 99   10/11/2007 at 17:28 (6,013 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture
Senseon drying system is unlike the normal whirlpool &kenmore sensor drying systemes, which fluxuate the heating eleament on & of, the senseon system gradually starts high an stays on and drops it's temprature at the end which supposedly increase drying time an energy. It's like a long downhill sloop from high ,medium,low temp and then cool down. That,s it funguy peace Darren k

Post# 241819 , Reply# 100   10/11/2007 at 18:48 (6,013 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
Dryer Finished

dadoes's profile picture
Ready to run.

Post# 241820 , Reply# 101   10/11/2007 at 18:50 (6,013 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Controls.

Post# 241823 , Reply# 102   10/11/2007 at 18:58 (6,013 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
FunGuy, what do you think you're seeing back there?

It's my KA KAWE760 and GE WWA5600.

Why do think my F&Ps would go away? They may move out of the util room soon so the Calypsos can move in for a while, but as for as going *away* somewhere, no.

BTW, here are the GWL08 and DE04 in my grandmother's garage.


Post# 241830 , Reply# 103   10/11/2007 at 19:06 (6,013 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
I think the F&P pair deserve some rest and relaxation at Uncle Bobby's winter camp for laundry equipment. They'll get lots of love and attention.

Post# 241839 , Reply# 104   10/11/2007 at 19:42 (6,013 days old) by funguy10 ()        

I guess the Fisher & Paykel are going out because the Calypso/Senseon set are DONE!!! Could you post vids of the washer and dryer now?

Post# 241936 , Reply# 105   10/12/2007 at 06:22 (6,012 days old) by funguy10 ()        

I like both the Fisher & Paykel sets. Could you show pics of the washer?

Post# 242134 , Reply# 106   10/13/2007 at 01:49 (6,012 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
Very impressive restoration, Glenn.

Quick question: I see there's an F&P toploader Smartdrive L0* for sale cheap locally. Cheap becuase the seller says the "basket is off-tilt". Is that an easy fix?


Post# 242140 , Reply# 107   10/13/2007 at 02:35 (6,012 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Ran a Whitest Whites load in the Calypsos Thu night. Used Fab powder, which worked great, minimal sudsing.

The bleach nozzle apparently is leaking again. Noticed some water seepage on the floor by the left rear leg. Grrrr. Can't bring it into the house until that's permanently fixed.

The dryer heats quickly and dries fast, runs quietly. Estimated time (Towels/Cottons cycle) started at 45 mins, promptly dropped to 44, 43, 42, 41, then 28. It backed up once from 19 to 21. Everything was nicely dry except four large bath towels. Recycled them. 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, then 24. It shut off with minimal cool-down shortly after 22 mins, the towels were dry but VERY warm.

Rich, depends on the cause. The tub is hung on springs from suspension rods at each corner of the cabinet (much like the Calypso, except the F&P doesn't have the laterally-mounted shocks at the front). If one of the springs is broken or the rod has shifted from the mount (maybe due to rough handling during a move), shouldn't be a big deal. If, however, one of the molded tub-mounts is cracked, that would require a new tub, or some way to fix/reinforce the mount. I have no idea if that's a common occurrence, I've never had any such trouble with my GWL08. It would be something you'd have to examine before committing to the purchase. Perhaps the Aus & NZ members can comment. There's also a bias spring tied between the front/left support rod to the tub ring to help keep the tub from twisting excessively, but I don't think it would cause the tub to lean if it breaks.


Post# 242151 , Reply# 108   10/13/2007 at 06:30 (6,011 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Has your grandma had any problems with the GWL08? Once the Calypso is fixed could you post some videos of it and the dryer?

Post# 242359 , Reply# 109   10/14/2007 at 13:35 (6,010 days old) by bamapanda ()        
Calypsos bad washers?

This is my first post, and was just browsing.

I was under the impression from talking to some W'pool dealers that the Calypso was just not a good washer. That is why they went to F&P for the new design.
Anything to this ..or is it really a bargain that folks don't understand, like my old rear wheel drive Volvos?

Thanks


Post# 242527 , Reply# 110   10/15/2007 at 15:40 (6,009 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Well, the Calypso washers first came out in 2001 under both the Whirlpool and Kenmore Elite brand-names. The washer was rated by consumer reports as the #1 washer at the time based on cleaning results. There were however, problems and problems with the machine. Problems were most apparent with th U-joint, pump, basket, and electronic control panel. This led to a class-action lawsuit against the machine which pulled the machine off of the market. The machine is now in the phase of being improved and should be re-realeased soon. However, there are thousands of happy Kenmore/Whirlpool Calypso owners who've never had one problem with the machine and others who have had problems with the machine but are still happy to own it. Three members at this site who own a Calypso and are happy with it are DADoeS, bpetersxx, and jaxsunst (if he can ever get his fixed.) It is the machine's unique cleaning-action and current state of rarity that makes it sought after by collectors.

Post# 242580 , Reply# 111   10/15/2007 at 21:01 (6,009 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
The machine is now in the phase of being improved and should be re-realeased soon.
Where'd you hear/read that bit of info?


Post# 242589 , Reply# 112   10/15/2007 at 21:32 (6,009 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

I didn't think it was being re-released at all. Have not read that anywhere. As much as I love mine, and as great a job as it does at washing, I'm glad it's unique and not on the market any more!! Love the fact that they're so easy to work on.....

Post# 243275 , Reply# 113   10/18/2007 at 22:41 (6,006 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
What with the success of the Cabrio HE, I don't see why Whirlpool would spend any more R&D on the Calypso.

Post# 243298 , Reply# 114   10/19/2007 at 02:17 (6,006 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        
Calypso Review

dadoes's profile picture
I don't have the whole scoop on the lawsuit and all the common trouble points, but I don't think they're *that* bad of performers in washing ability, or reliability with proper use. Reading through the myriad of complaints on Epinions, I've noticed that many of the reviewers have no clue how the machine works. Some complain about having to always run the Extra Rinse option, and so much extra water being used because of that. They clearly aren't aware that there are multiple rinses (changes of water) in the standard programmed cycles. Extra Rinse only adds one more.

There is a small ick factor with accumulation of lint in the tub ring recirculation port. But it's clean lint!

An array of cycles is provided, but sequences and speeds are fixed within the programs and there's no provision to manually advance the cycle, or to vary the spin speed for example. The Casual/Delicate cycle's wash action is too timid for my typical load of "casual" items so I usually run Normal. I'd like to get a slower spin (500 instead of 800 RPM) but that's not possible. Spin-only allows only 800, and there's no way to select a cycle with a slower spin and advance it to the final spin phase.

Wash time is selected in 1-minute increments between the lowest "Refresh" and highest "Heavy" soil levels, for a range of only 6 minutes difference.

The timed softener dispenser is a bit flaky, sometimes seeping/draining prematurely. IIRC, there was a design revision on it, but I haven't checked if both my Calypsos have the original. Whirlpool used the same detergent/bleach/softener dispenser design on other traditional agitator models so it isn't specific to the Calypso.

Trouble spots that I've noticed are rusting of the dispenser hose clamps and areas under the top, failure of the basket hub, leaking from the bleach injection nozzle, and the rear legs fall out easily, subject to getting broken or lost.

Both my machines are early Whirlpool specimens, built in early and later 2001 per the serial numbers. Design of the u-joint boot and inner wash plate seal was changed during that time. My older machine has the original style, the newer machine has the revised style. I doubt the older machine has been cracked open because it would likely have the revised style if it had needed replacement. I've not had a direct look at the u-joint, but I've pulled the outer dome and there's no evidence of rusting or muck visible through the translucent inner wash plate. Considering it sat for some months at a resale shop (dunno where it was before that) along with time between my uses of it, I figure the u-joint would have frozen-up or exhibited trouble by now if the seals have failed ... so apparently they're intact.

As for the HE factor ... I've gotten accustomed to the F&P being frugal with *hot* water, and enjoy the Calypso on that point as well. The idea of filling a tub with hot or warm water gives me pause now, LOL.


Post# 243299 , Reply# 115   10/19/2007 at 02:23 (6,006 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        
Great review

sudsmaster's profile picture
Thanks, Glenn. I saw a 2000 vintage (?) Calypso for sale recently for $50, but passed on it mostly due to washer overload (too many washers, not too many overloaded washers).

The one I'd really like is the HE Cabrio with the clear lid. That would be fun to watch!



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