Thread Number: 31675
Another Neptune Adventure-Converting 4000 to a 7500 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 477735   11/26/2010 at 19:40 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

You may have read my other post about the smelly Neptune. To recap I purchased a set of model 4000 Maytag Neptune washer and gas dryer in Jan 01 and had to clean out a heavy soap scum accumlation to return the washer to normal operation and modified my laundry habits to prevent reoccurance.

When I signed up to this site the other day I did a search for Neptune and found a number of people had been very happy to have found a used model 7500 washer but longed for the matching dryer which they could not find anywhere. So here is my similar story to share and to let folks know THERE IS HOPE if you have any other model of the Neptune dryer to have your own Model 7500.

Then in late 2005 the local Sears sold me its last remaining new in box Model 7500 washer for only 600.00! I was thrilled to finally have the digital touchscreen model. I donated the original Neptune to a neighbor after making all the mods in prior months to get it up to snuff for a longer life. Now I had the top of the line model at a great price. We love all the updated features and the programmable load options. It is so simple to use in our daily lives.

But as the months went by I began to long for the matching dryer with similar features. When Sears sold this washer they had no dryers left to match up with it. Now about a year later the dryer was NOWHERE to be found, especially in a gas model.

So I began to download schematics of each model of the Neptune and made comparisons between the first and subsequent models and of course the Model 7500. Much to my amazement and joy I found that most of these machines are identical under the skin or nearly identical. The only components I needed were the top cover with the window and buttons, the actual touchscreen control board, the wiring harness, one thermistor sensor, and the door assembly to match the 7500 model.

Well believe it or not I was able to find a seller on Ebay who was selling the control board NIB for only 100.00 and he had two of them. I bought both! One for spare parts down the road if needed. I bought the top cover with the window for 40.00 NIB on Ebay as well. I then bought the harness for 25.00 from Maytag, as well as the door and inner door panels.
All told I spent about 285.00 for the conversion. I actually found a whole door assembly on Ebay later for only 20.00. If you keep an eye on Ebay you WILL eventually find what you need except maybe the harness assembly.

So here is a little pictoral to show it is very easy and yes even the common Joe like me with a few tools can make this happen.

Here was the starting point ... the odd couple, MDG4000 and MAH7500





Post# 477737 , Reply# 1   11/26/2010 at 19:41 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Here is the removal of the old control panel and components.

Post# 477738 , Reply# 2   11/26/2010 at 19:41 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Removal of the front door and front panel assembly of the base

Post# 477740 , Reply# 3   11/26/2010 at 19:43 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Removal of the bulkhead, drum front and filter duct

Post# 477741 , Reply# 4   11/26/2010 at 19:43 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Removed drum and belt for full access

Post# 477742 , Reply# 5   11/26/2010 at 19:44 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Next step is removal of the wiring harness

Post# 477745 , Reply# 6   11/26/2010 at 19:46 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

next step was to thoroughly clean all components, replace the old sensor with the thermistor for electronic control, install the new harness and properly attach to correct components. You will want to have an MAH7500 wiring schematic on hand to assure correct wires to correct component and color coding.

Post# 477747 , Reply# 7   11/26/2010 at 19:47 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Now we just reinstall all those major components back in reverse order

Post# 477748 , Reply# 8   11/26/2010 at 19:49 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Then following the wiring schematic install the new control board and top and you now have 97 percent of the job done!

Post# 477751 , Reply# 9   11/26/2010 at 19:50 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

The final touch for me was recieving and assembling the matching door. Of course if you are upgrading a model 5500 dryer you will already have the correct door!


Post# 477754 , Reply# 10   11/26/2010 at 19:52 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

And now you can have all the joy of owning BOTH 7500 models despite lack of avaliability with a lot of patience waiting for the parts. Of course if you dont mind paying full price for parts it can come a lot sooner.

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy!

Post# 477773 , Reply# 11   11/26/2010 at 20:19 (4,898 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

nmassman44's profile picture
Interesting thread....I did check out your last thread about the muck in the washer and the mold issues...that last photo on this thread is telling...your not using an HE detergent with your machine. You did all that cleaning and its going to be mucked up again and in no time. JUst my opinion and I am sure there others that noticed.

Post# 477777 , Reply# 12   11/26/2010 at 20:26 (4,898 days old) by fordtech ()        

Well dont let pics fool you. That is just a box. I use Sears Ultra HE detergent and just use that box to scoop the Sears Ultra HE detergent into for easier handling. I also used Persil for a couple years as well. I certainly wouldnt use a non HE detergent unless it was very temporary and nothing else was avaliable.

Post# 477878 , Reply# 13   11/27/2010 at 14:00 (4,897 days old) by supremewhirlpol ()        

fordtech:
now the only thing that is left is a bearing job, for the washer, and electronics troubleshooting, then you be the master of Neptune repair.

Post# 477885 , Reply# 14   11/27/2010 at 14:49 (4,897 days old) by fordtech ()        

I really thought I might have to do some electrical troubleshooting by now but have been plesantly surprized that I have had zero problems electronically with either machine. Now I sort of cicumvented electrical problems on the dryer a couple weeks ago by doing a total redo of the internal components of the dryer at the 10th anniversary of that machine (internal components wise) I will do a thread about that little adventure too. I also plan to do a complete overhaul of the washer in another 5 years when it hits 10 years old as well. If at that time I can get 10 more years from both machines Ill be about 70 years old, and probably wont much care about what Im using by then... LOL
Well the first step will be trying to live that long.. :)


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