Neptune Washer - a chance to rework it correctly

Wax motors did not originate with the Neptune. My understanding is that they have been around a long time. Their advantage is that they are generally cheap and reliable ways to actuate valves and locks. They are much slower than solenoids, however. For water valves they may be preferred because their slower action doesn't cause water hammer.

From:

From www.ark-les.com/products/custom-p...

"Wax Motors"
A Wax Motor is an actuating device that consists of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) mounted to a sealed vessel filled with a solid wax. As the solid wax is heated to a controlled temperature by the energized thermistor, the wax melts and expands, driving a spring-loaded piston outward. Depending upon the orientation of the vessel within its housing and the configuration of the spring, this piston may pull in or push out a load. When the thermistor is de-energized, the liquid wax cools and the spring returns the piston to its original position.

Wax Motors should be considered for applications where quiet, smooth, and efficient actuation is desired which include: liquid and detergent dispensers, air flow control, water diverter valves, thermal time delays, door safety locks, and noise dampers.

Common Operating Parameters

Please note that these are thermal devices and are affected by ambient conditions.
Voltage rating: 12VDC/120/240VAC, 50/60 Hz.
Current: 100mA maximum steady state (50 mA typical), 1A maximum inrush
Temperature Rating: Max. operating ambient of 70�C & 60�C for high & low temperature models respectively
Actuation Stroke/Time: 0.196� minimum travel in 90-seconds. Plunger begins to move in 45-50 seconds.
Retraction Time: Dependent upon electrical soak time and ambient conditions. Typically, a 2-minute soak time will have a retraction time of 60-80 seconds; an 8-minute soak requires 120-140 seconds to retract
Actuation Force: The assembly is tested with a 5 lb. load during manufacturing testing. The assembly can provide forces up to 30 pounds with decreased travel. Actuation force is a factor in rated cycles, and therefore we recommend not exceeding the 5 lb suggestion.
Power: 1 foot � pound < 1 Watt
Life Cycles: 10,000 cycle minimum, although this is somewhat application dependent. In certain applications the life of the product has exceeded 75,000 cycles.

Also:

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Post# 192497 2/20/2007 at 19:49 (6,267 days old) by khodabear ()
Checkrate/Likes Before I swap out the washer portion of the Neptune stack with the NOS unit I bought last week I wanted to ask all here what they think I should replace. It's never been installed - should I put in a new Wax Motor anyway? Seals? What's been improved inside that I should replace? While I have the dryer off the stack what should I consider doing to it? Peter Getting all excited about this project in Denver

Post# 192527 , Reply# 1 2/20/2007 at 21:21 (6,267 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)
Checkrate/Likes I would use whatever new parts you have been provided. If you're pulling the drum, by all means replace the seals. I would also replace the wax motor(s). Keep the old one if it's still ok as a spare part. Don't know about the dryer. I don't think they have had a bad track record. They are basically the same as other Maytag dryers of that vintage. I'd leave it be - unless you want to replace the front bearing pads if they look worn. And a thorough cleaning of all lint inside the dryer mechanism would be a good thing.

Post# 192549 , Reply# 2 2/20/2007 at 22:20 (6,267 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)
Checkrate/Likes *Khodabear:* YES, replace the wax motor- that was a major part of the problem. The original one wasn't well sealed against moisture intrusion, and that was what was helping blow control boards, by shorting out one of the triacs on them. Until you replace the wax motor, your control board remains at risk. You can tell an original by its brown actuator pin; the redesigned part has a black actuator pin. P/N for the redesigned part is 12002535.

Post# 192556 , Reply# 3 2/20/2007 at 22:47 (6,267 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)
Checkrate/Likes Question: What the is a wax motor? (Rinso apologizes for his ignorance)

Post# 192558 , Reply# 4 2/20/2007 at 22:55 (6,267 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)
Checkrate/Likes *Wax Motor* A wax motor is a little gizmo that acts like a solenoid. When current flows to it, it heats a little ball of wax that expands and causes motion of a plunger or actuator of some kind. On Neppies, the wax motor was there for the door lock. When the wax cools, it contracts, and the activation of the plunger or actuator is reversed.

Post# 192565 , Reply# 5 2/20/2007 at 23:36 (6,267 days old) by khodabear ()
Checkrate/Likes I didn't know that either until I started researching the Neptune to decide whether to keep it or replace it. What a bizarre little piece of engineering. I wonder who was sitting there one day and said "hey...why use a solenoid when we can use wax!" The seal inside the door on the replacement unit seems distorted - perhaps from disuse? - did I hear there was an improved replacement? Peter

Post# 192567 , Reply# 6 2/20/2007 at 23:54 (6,267 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)
Checkrate/Likes *Redesigned Boot* Khodabear: Yep, there is also a redesigned boot kit for the Neppie. The original did not have any provision for drainage, with the result that water stood in the boot; many owners were plagued with mould/mildew problems, including a sickening smell. The redesigned part has a drain. Just FYI, the redesigned wax motor and boot kit are readily available on eBay, and if you have a blown control board, eBay sellers offer both repair/upgrade services and new boards. I'd check feedback VERY carefully if you go the repair/upgrade route.

Post# 192577 , Reply# 7 2/21/2007 at 00:58 (6,267 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)
Checkrate/Likes Wax motors did not originate with the Neptune. My understanding is that they have been around a long time. Their advantage is that they are generally cheap and reliable ways to actuate valves and locks. They are much slower than solenoids, however. For water valves they may be preferred because their slower action doesn't cause water hammer. From: From www.ark-les.com/products/custom-p... "Wax Motors" A Wax Motor is an actuating device that consists of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) mounted to a sealed vessel filled with a solid wax. As the solid wax is heated to a controlled temperature by the energized thermistor, the wax melts and expands, driving a spring-loaded piston outward. Depending upon the orientation of the vessel within its housing and the configuration of the spring, this piston may pull in or push out a load. When the thermistor is de-energized, the liquid wax cools and the spring returns the piston to its original position. Wax Motors should be considered for applications where quiet, smooth, and efficient actuation is desired which include: liquid and detergent dispensers, air flow control, water diverter valves, thermal time delays, door safety locks, and noise dampers. Common Operating Parameters Please note that these are thermal devices and are affected by ambient conditions. Voltage rating: 12VDC/120/240VAC, 50/60 Hz. Current: 100mA maximum steady state (50 mA typical), 1A maximum inrush Temperature Rating: Max. operating ambient of 70�C & 60�C for high & low temperature models respectively Actuation Stroke/Time: 0.196� minimum travel in 90-seconds. Plunger begins to move in 45-50 seconds. Retraction Time: Dependent upon electrical soak time and ambient conditions. Typically, a 2-minute soak time will have a retraction time of 60-80 seconds; an 8-minute soak requires 120-140 seconds to retract Actuation Force: The assembly is tested with a 5 lb. load during manufacturing testing. The assembly can provide forces up to 30 pounds with decreased travel. Actuation force is a factor in rated cycles, and therefore we recommend not exceeding the 5 lb suggestion. Power: 1 foot � pound < 1 Watt Life Cycles: 10,000 cycle minimum, although this is somewhat application dependent. In certain applications the life of the product has exceeded 75,000 cycles. Also: CLICK HERE TO GO TO sudsmaster's LINK