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Thread Number: 33128
GE Filter-Flo |
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Post# 498812 2/23/2011 at 16:50 (4,804 days old) by panthera  (Rocky Mountains) |
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| Post# 498844 , Reply# 1 2/23/2011 at 18:53 (4,804 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas) | ||
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You'll like your Filter Flo machines. Especially with dogs in the house! Nothing gets out the dog hair like a Filter Flo! | ||
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Post# 498853 , Reply# 2 2/23/2011 at 19:16 (4,804 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Allen, You are so right. My mom's parents had a 1958 filter-flo, it was great for my diapers and all the dogs. Their hair, that is.
I've not posted much on our adventures in ancient appliances or in the three really important forums over the last few months,.
We've picked up a few pre-WWII mixers (including jadite bowls, Sunbeam obviously didn't get the memo on what they were to have done) and fixed them, finished the 1947 Crossley (and the door seal still seals!) and found the repair parts for the thumper (and she's PANK!).
I will be taking pictures under her skirt once we have her set up. The volunteer who repairs their appliances had to search out a filter for me - the one in the machine on the floor had grown legs. Professional breeders in the area have a standing request in for filter-flos, so this was enormous.
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| Post# 498871 , Reply# 3 2/23/2011 at 20:10 (4,804 days old) by filterflo58 (new york) | ||
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ok what is habitat? and where? please.thanks. | ||
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Post# 498876 , Reply# 4 2/23/2011 at 20:23 (4,804 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i) |
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So speaking of filters... | ||
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Post# 498884 , Reply# 5 2/23/2011 at 20:49 (4,804 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Well as far as self-clean...or bed of nails.....screened.....filters go, once they get filled, and run out of useable space, the flow slows down and almost become useless....mainly for high amounts of lint when washing towels or items covered in animal fur......I have seen a few self clean ones get plugged from animal fur....
IMO....the GE filter flo works best, not only because of the free flow water supply but also the "moving" pan that is good size, non clogging, and doesn't have its efficiency reduced.....also great as a detergent dispenser.... although not impressed with the GE counterpart Hotpoint's self clean rim flo, it does trap lint, but once the holes are filled, anyother water is overflowed into the outter tub, this is where the "movement" of the true filter flo can show how much more lint is removed from the water and clothing...... keep in mind GE FF filters at all levels....and the minibasket option is icing on the cake..... thats also not to say these filters can clog with hard water deposits and some grit....but a simple cleaning with a power washer will have all the holes cleaned and open.... | ||
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Post# 498892 , Reply# 6 2/23/2011 at 21:16 (4,804 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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Habitat answer for fliterflo58 | ||
| Post# 498927 , Reply# 7 2/23/2011 at 23:57 (4,804 days old) by Andy (Mount Vernon) | ||
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Looking forward to seeing some photos of your filter flo. :) | ||
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Post# 498947 , Reply# 8 2/24/2011 at 06:26 (4,803 days old) by turquoisedude (.) |
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Congratulations!! | ||
| Post# 498980 , Reply# 9 2/24/2011 at 08:57 (4,803 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
Bed O Nails VS FF I think Martin nailed it pretty well. The main advantage of the GE is that huge filter surface. My little Kenmore BD portable has a bed of nails cartridge and it will filter just as well as the GE, however if you are washing animal wear, it clogs up quickly where-as the GE will just roll up big balls (lol!) in the filter hat.
That's right folks the GE has the big balls to prove it!
I do like the FF for my cats and such, and crude as some aspects are of the machine, mine has proven to be much more long lasting than I had imagined.
-Tim | ||
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Post# 499202 , Reply# 10 2/25/2011 at 09:45 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Getting there
Picked up our filter-flo at Habitat yesterday.
The kid started to dolly it out from the front, grabbing the instrument panel to shift it. I stopped him, got two less inexperienced volunteers, told them I'd pay them if the got it into my truck without any scratches. They treated it like a raw egg. Ms. Thang went and got the manager who came out and said they couldn't take money, careful delivery was part of the price. Well, my old code for the back door to the warehouse still works. Went back and gave each volunteer their promised money. Honestly, in this economy to be so nasty! Got in the truck and roared up the hill. Missed the blizzard (shut the highway down) by 15 minutes. We're going to unpack her and bring her in in a bit - pictures will be made! Gosh, Paul, I'd love a mini-basket, think we can find one here, though. If not, I'll be in touch. You are such a dear. I'll have millions of questions soon, thanks to everyone for the kind words. | ||
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Post# 499208 , Reply# 11 2/25/2011 at 10:13 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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first pics | ||
| Post# 499214 , Reply# 12 2/25/2011 at 10:44 (4,802 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Clean GE | ||
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Post# 499225 , Reply# 13 2/25/2011 at 11:39 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Tim,
I genuinely have no clue. I've always been a thumper man myself, so my knowledge here is very limited.
Since it doesn't have those tabbed switches, I am guessing later than the mid-70s. This is one of the many questions I will have in the coming days. Right now, we're letting things warm up - it got down below 0F last night (again) and I don't have the physical strength to bring her in by myself. At least, not on pure ice. I am pleased, though, to have one with a rebuilt clutch. That is a known weakness in these otherwise wonderful machines. GE made a lot of good stuff, once upon a time. It's sad that those days are gone. | ||
| Post# 499234 , Reply# 14 2/25/2011 at 13:01 (4,802 days old) by autowasherfreak () | ||
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Videos anytime soon? | ||
| Post# 499235 , Reply# 15 2/25/2011 at 13:11 (4,802 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD) | ||
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Ca.1985? has plastic case tranny,but still has bolt together pump,so probably from around 1985? Nice score BTW-looks really clean! | ||
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Post# 499241 , Reply# 16 2/25/2011 at 14:01 (4,802 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA) |
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| Post# 499262 , Reply# 17 2/25/2011 at 15:48 (4,802 days old) by mtn1584 (USA) | ||
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Could ya stop with the drama and just show us pictures of the console, and inside the tub. Thanks Mike | ||
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Post# 499270 , Reply# 18 2/25/2011 at 16:24 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Drama?
Mike, that comment is one of the reasons I don't post on Imperial very often.
If Bob or whomever thinks I have issues, then let them. Goodness knows, there'd be reason enough. Now, to get back to the important things - I am glad to have a placement around 1985. That might help with the inevitable rust problems. None to see so far, for which I am very grateful. Right now, work is on hold while we shovel out several more inches of snow since the photos I shot this morning. Goodness, me oh my. We will be hooking her up after lunch for the first wash. I haven't found anything which was broken, out of alignment or damaged in a thorough pre-plug in check up. She's going into a 2" drain pipe through a diverter gate (a 1959 thumper ((and she's PANK!) and a 1970s Maytag share that line. Pictures will follow, either of success or failure. No videos for now. | ||
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Post# 499295 , Reply# 19 2/25/2011 at 18:22 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Oh, Dear
Well, we got extra drama, and I need help.
Lots of water running out of the bottom. We can't tell whether there is supposed to be a seal around the lip at the bottom of the tub and it has completely come loose or whether there is another problem. The picture is a bit blurry, to my untrained eye, it looks as though the rubber seal with the honeycombs might have been intended to go on that lip? I don't know filter-flos on the inside, at all. Any help is much appreciated. 
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Post# 499302 , Reply# 22 2/25/2011 at 18:49 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Thanks!
OK, I think that is indeed the problem. Now, a few stupid questions.
I was able to pull the agitator - the cap came right off and then the agitator pulled straight up easily. I see the three bolts holding the assembly in place and have an appropriate socket wrench to tackle them. What I don't understand is what is meant by 'agitator bearing from transmission hub'. Do I pull the three bolts first and then this will be clear to me? Where is this transmission bearing, exactly? Sorry for the stupid questions but seriously a novice when it comes to filter-flos. It was transported on its back, that's how they put it into the truck for me. I wouldn't have known to tell them otherwise, to be honest. Thanks for any help. A copy.... **Unplug washer. Remove agitator from washer by pulling straight up on it, some agitators have a bolt under the cap, remove cap and look for a bolt first. Remove the agitator bearing from transmission hub. Get top up by pressing on 2 clips located about 6 in in from side between top and cabinet. Putty knife or flat blade screwdriver works well here. Take the filter flow tube off. Lift top. Remove three bolts holding basket to hub. Lift basket out of washer. Remove the two clamps holding the black boot to the tub and to the transmission.** | ||
| Post# 499304 , Reply# 23 2/25/2011 at 18:54 (4,802 days old) by supremewhirlpol () | ||
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agitator bearing? Are you referring to that gray, white, or black device thing under the agitator on the bottom of the shaft? | ||
| Post# 499305 , Reply# 24 2/25/2011 at 18:56 (4,802 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD) | ||
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"agitator bearing" "agitator bearing"is just the plastic cover over the 3 bolts for the basket, agitator rides against part of it so it is considered a "bearing" | ||
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Post# 499306 , Reply# 25 2/25/2011 at 18:58 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Frankly,
I don't have a clue. I've spent the last few minutes trying to find a diagram on the internet which would tell me the answer to that question. Is this bearing in the tub? Is it in the plastic housing of the transmission?
Basically, all I have done so far was to remove the agitator cap, pull the agitator and find a serious socket wrench. Now, the next question is, of course, where do I apply pressure to stop the tub from rotating when I tackle those three bolts? The torque involved is enormous, to by vague recollection. Sorry to be so d-u-m, dumb here, but I've just never done these GEs before. Next to no rust to be found so far, by the by. | ||
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Post# 499307 , Reply# 26 2/25/2011 at 19:01 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Oh, thanks!
Message came in while I was writing. Thanks! It would have never occurred to me to call the 'cap' a 'transmission bearing'. But, gosh, with the help from y'all, I'll get it.
Anyhoo - the transmission bearing is, obviously out. Next step - where do I arrest the rotation of the tub so I can get those 3 bolts out? Again, thanks! | ||
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Post# 499308 , Reply# 27 2/25/2011 at 19:03 (4,802 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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there is no bearing to worry about for what you are doing.....
remove agitator remove plastic agitator bottom disc which is covering 3 bolts remove 3 bolts remove filter flo flume pop the clips that hold the top down, and lift top, prop in place inner tub is heavy, use gloves and grasp firmly and lift out of machine check boot for any damage or cracks.....if OK, loosen clamp, reposition, and tighten clamp....check other clamp while your at it.... replace inner tub and bolts replace agitator disc and agitator insert filter flume-----if you choose, use a cable tie around lid switch for machine to operate with lid open.....also you may want to flip the water spout over on itself, this will allow water to spray into the inner tub, not behind it... lower top, and press down to snap in place pull filter flume thru splash guard you are all set to try it again.... good luck Keven! | ||
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Post# 499309 , Reply# 28 2/25/2011 at 19:06 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Thanks, Martin! | ||
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Post# 499310 , Reply# 29 2/25/2011 at 19:07 (4,802 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA) |
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Post# 499313 , Reply# 30 2/25/2011 at 19:25 (4,802 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Post# 499314 , Reply# 31 2/25/2011 at 19:26 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Hi Bob,
Sorry, kinda stressy week. Three of the five kids got sent to social services, parents stripped of all rights for ever.
Review court said only six months. Only. My folks are in their late seventies, they so don't need to be raising kids. Anyway, we got everything out (I am totally paranoid about bolts set in plastic anything) and are now cleaning the tub, boot, agitator 'flume', agitator, transmission bearing (the plastic cap under the agitator) and agitator cap. Will have it all back together in about 15 minutes and then, we shall see what we shall see. Thanks, all! | ||
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Post# 499315 , Reply# 32 2/25/2011 at 19:27 (4,802 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Post# 499317 , Reply# 33 2/25/2011 at 19:49 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Yay!
Thanks to y'all here, we got it. Bolts were tight, but with both of us working on it, we got it. Plastic just plain scares the you know what out of me.
We checked the boot very carefully, found no leaks. I think it either came loose because I foolishly had it transported on its back or when they did the clutch they didn't tighten it enough. Either way, a million billion thanks to all! | ||
| Post# 499319 , Reply# 34 2/25/2011 at 19:53 (4,802 days old) by supremewhirlpol () | ||
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Good! Another saved from the scrap yard. | ||
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Post# 499321 , Reply# 35 2/25/2011 at 20:08 (4,802 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Glad it all worked out.....
most times you can transport these machines on their back/sides with no problems......I always have......but theres that one in a million that has an issue and pops off..... now the fun begins.......I know.......I have 6 of them........between the filter flo....the mini-basket/mini-quick options.......multi-cycle, variable speed options, IMO a machine to fit every need........not to mention the spin/spray and the clear rinses.....heavy duty enough to handle just about any fabric/textile you can load into it..... Enjoy Keven......keep us posted Martin | ||
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Post# 499325 , Reply# 36 2/25/2011 at 21:12 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Well,
Because I have never read anything but that all GE filter-flos have pin-hole leaks, we leak tested.
Guess what! A-Yup. So, going to pick up some radiator epoxy. It's in just one single area of the tub, just by the boot and so small I probably could do it with silicon. BUT, experience has taught me, where one is, there are more waiting to go. Thanks again, folks - honestly, the difference in quality between this machine and new GEs is like day and night. | ||
| Post# 499326 , Reply# 37 2/25/2011 at 21:32 (4,802 days old) by A440 () | ||
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Nice clean looking GE! These are fun! Glad you were able to do an easy fix! Your Amana Radarange is the exact one that I am using now. Great Range. Brent | ||
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Post# 499332 , Reply# 39 2/25/2011 at 21:56 (4,802 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Oh, yes | ||
| Post# 499333 , Reply# 40 2/25/2011 at 22:04 (4,802 days old) by A440 () | ||
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Hopefully no pacemakers! LOL! Brent | ||
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Post# 499399 , Reply# 41 2/26/2011 at 09:55 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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No,
No pacemakers.
Went to Home Depot this morning to pick up a marine epoxy (or, at least, something rated for continuous water and solvent contact). Oh, my paws and whiskers. It's the "B' team on Saturdays. Sheesh. Mr. TooD-U-M-for-Words tried to sell me solvent weld for PVC. It does produce a water tight connection, 'tis true...just, for steel and porcelain? The woman in paints, thank goodness, helped me in the end. Right now, the Naval Jelly is exchanging carriers like mad, we'll see what things look like in a few minutes. I really was SO pleased that there was next to no rust...but, gosh, it doesn't take much for a pinhole leak. Was this GEs solution to the filter-flos running forever otherwise? Built in self-destruct sequence for any machine which ran too long? They could easily have stamped a slight hump in around that boot seal, forcing iron or steel objects which came to rest on the tub bottom to be flowed away and ultimately down the drain. | ||
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Post# 499410 , Reply# 42 2/26/2011 at 11:14 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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epoxy 'set'
Well, it will still have to cure, but I hope it's well enough done.
The fine print on epoxies is always interesting - this one is rated for continuous use under water and OK for potable water. Most of the easy to use ones say they are water proof - until you get to the 4 point type at the bottom of the fifth page of instructions. 
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Post# 499412 , Reply# 43 2/26/2011 at 11:16 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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One more coat | ||
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Post# 499425 , Reply# 44 2/26/2011 at 12:23 (4,801 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Keven
better a little safe than sorry.....and since you have it open and torn down, run a bead of sealant around the drain port too, just for safety..... the filter inlet is usualy self sealing with that plastic plug holding it in place, although sealant wouldn't hurt there too...... I would just hate to see you get it all together after this and have a small leak come from one of these areas........ looking good otherwise.......and you didn't think you knew what you were doing....your too modest | ||
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Post# 499431 , Reply# 45 2/26/2011 at 13:04 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Good tip, Martin
I just haven't a clue about GE Filter Flos. And when clueless, I ask.
You folks helped and I do appreciate it. Someone had already - and fairly recently - sealed the problem areas you mentioned. Rather well, too. I suspect the boot coming loose and the pin-hole leak are two totally separate situations. When we cleaned things up, we no doubt dislodged the crud which was blocking the pin-hole leak. I don't think this washer was used over much. It doesn't show the usual heavy wear on plastic parts or scuff marks on painted steel. There were at least two separate repairs done of which we have evidence - that sealing you recommend and the rebuilt clutch. Still, there's just not the massive build up of dirt and dust and lint you normally see in a Thumper which has been in use this long. Which is my next question - how can we find out just about when she was built? Would the serial number tell us? Thanks everyone! | ||
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Post# 499445 , Reply# 46 2/26/2011 at 14:08 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Maiden Wash!
Well, the epoxy held and she's washing up a storm.
I certainly am glad we got things cleaned out - both the inside of the agitator and the 'agitator bearing' (the plastic cap over the bolts) were absolutely filthy inside. Not with grease but with dirt...or dawg food...or dawg poop. There's a standing order in for these machines by several breeders and kennels in the area, not hard to understand why! I picked it up right after it went out on the floor and before they had called the next on their list. Pure luck! Thanks, again, to all. 
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| Post# 499446 , Reply# 47 2/26/2011 at 14:23 (4,801 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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1986 | ||
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Post# 499449 , Reply# 48 2/26/2011 at 14:42 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Tim, | ||
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Post# 499469 , Reply# 50 2/26/2011 at 16:11 (4,801 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Very nice Keven
everyone all together...OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! that would be the standard capacity tub, first clue would be the water level switch on goes to "large".......it would say "ExLarge" if that size was available...still fun just the same heres one, in ExLarge capacity I am constructing for someone........these would be about 1985ish...... 
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Post# 499470 , Reply# 51 2/26/2011 at 16:15 (4,801 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Post# 499480 , Reply# 52 2/26/2011 at 17:26 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Thanks!
But, oh, my - that final panel design was not to my taste.
That must have been about the era GE started saving money by cutting corners on everything? Things are tight, washing results are good, final spin results quite surprisingly good - turnover outstanding and filtration great. What on earth prompted GE to drop a brilliant design (which must have paid for itself long since) and go with trash and junk? | ||
| Post# 499490 , Reply# 53 2/26/2011 at 17:57 (4,801 days old) by retromania (Anderson, South Carolina) | ||
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Panthera: You got you a good 'un. I love the filtration system on those older GE's. My aunt had a set back in the early 70's with a mini-basket. Was that an extra or did it come standard with the model? | ||
| Post# 499493 , Reply# 54 2/26/2011 at 18:00 (4,801 days old) by retromania (Anderson, South Carolina) | ||
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Washer lover: What is a burp up filter. Please tell me a brand name. Thanks. | ||
| Post# 499504 , Reply# 56 2/26/2011 at 18:27 (4,801 days old) by retromania (Anderson, South Carolina) | ||
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Kevin: I agree with you there. Trash & junk! | ||
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Post# 499573 , Reply# 58 2/26/2011 at 21:17 (4,801 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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| Post# 499585 , Reply# 59 2/26/2011 at 21:30 (4,801 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Well Keven Mine is a 1986 and my 86 GE ad that came with it has your exact console in it. Your machine is the TOL "standard capacity" w/2 speeds and the mini-basket. The next step up was the 1 -speed ex-large capacity. The "Large Capacity" it refers to on the control panel is just GE marketing label hype. This is small tub machine and the "Ex. Large Capacity" labeled machine is the deeper tub models. A great machine there, sort or rare in it's own rite.
The silver/orange/red on black started in 85 I think. I'm sure the differences from 85 to 86 were small, the SpotScrubber was introduced in 1986.
-Tim | ||
| Post# 499586 , Reply# 60 2/26/2011 at 21:33 (4,801 days old) by mtn1584 (USA) | ||
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I can definitely say that the silver, orange, red console ended in 1991. Mike | ||
| Post# 499590 , Reply# 61 2/26/2011 at 21:36 (4,801 days old) by mtn1584 (USA) | ||
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Ex Large Cap vs. Large Cap Does anyone know the difference between the Large Cap and Extra Large Cap. models of that era? Was there a capacity diff? I was led to believe that the Large Cap. was a 2.0 cubic foot tub, and the Extra Large was 2.7 cubic feet, Is this true? Mike | ||
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Post# 499620 , Reply# 62 2/26/2011 at 22:53 (4,801 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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No hu-hu, Mike
I get too touchy, bad history and time to put it aside.
When I was a very young child, my grandparents' filter-flo did loads of wash every single day and rarely broke down. It had a few neat features - rinse and wash temperature were set separately from each other and the fill level could be manually stopped at any time. I do know that the mini-baskets could be ordered separately, although many dealers 'threw them in' to sweeten a deal back then. My experience of mini-baskets was not overwhelming, to be honest. Thanks all! | ||
| Post# 499629 , Reply# 64 2/26/2011 at 23:22 (4,801 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
Kevin...
Congratulations on the GE it really looks nice under the hood there, good to see you have got the leaks fixed. You are lucky to have nice sunshine in that room. Enjoy ! I have seen this model around the corner from me in this little second hand shop. Not sure if I am getting it... I would like to, If I do get the machine it will be the last for some time there is just no more room. But for 100 bucks it's very tempting. I have cat's it would be great. Kevin, Martin, Tim, Group... Look how the models change in the control panels, very interesting for the water levels and temp and the cycles. Here is the GE. Darren k. 
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| Post# 499630 , Reply# 65 2/26/2011 at 23:23 (4,801 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
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| Post# 499633 , Reply# 66 2/26/2011 at 23:25 (4,801 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
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| Post# 499634 , Reply# 67 2/26/2011 at 23:26 (4,801 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
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| Post# 499635 , Reply# 68 2/26/2011 at 23:28 (4,801 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa) | ||
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| Post# 499648 , Reply# 69 2/27/2011 at 00:16 (4,801 days old) by A440 () | ||
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Yay! Great Job! I bet you are washing everything in sight! Brent | ||
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Post# 499650 , Reply# 70 2/27/2011 at 00:28 (4,801 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis) |
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Post# 499744 , Reply# 72 2/27/2011 at 09:22 (4,800 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Brent,
This one - which everyone places in the mid-80s, or next to last Filter-Flo, certainly leaves LOTS of space between the inner and outer tub.
I know that well-built spins with spray rinsing can replace nearly all or perhaps even all conventional rinsing in most cases. Still, I'd rather use the extra water and have genuinely clean clothes. Of course, I do wonder if the extra space didn't permit a faster spin? Easier to cope with out of balance loads, high suds levels, drag? | ||
| Post# 499749 , Reply# 73 2/27/2011 at 09:37 (4,800 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Tub Space
Keven: That extra space between the tubs if for the inner tub to fly around. The suspension on these machines allows for the inner tub to move about like outer tub would in say a Maytag or Whirlpool. The outer tub in the GE has to be large enough to contain the swinging spin basket in off-balance loads. It's a waster of water, but I still love my GE's. I think it's what makes a GE a better rinsing machine, ie. so much extra water.
Brent: GE never made any more drastic changes to this design. The outer could not be smaller or the inner tub would crash into it (more). The suspension on the machines is connected to the inner tub much like a solid-tub washer. It is a necessary waste for this design.
Mike: Since about 1970 I believe there have been 2 sizes of the tubs, large and standard. GE swapped around with the names and by the 80's/90's what was the standard capacity machine was dubbed "Large Capacity" and the larger tub models were dubbed "Extra Large Capacity". I'm not sure what the cu. ft. measurements are on them, but they are the same as they had been. The larger tub is deeper than the smaller one.
About the age, I agree it could be newer, but I was only going by the pamphlet that came with my 86, and it shows Keven's very machine, however that's not to say that the 87-91's don't look the same. Keven can serial number it to find out for sure.
-Tim | ||
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Post# 499750 , Reply# 74 2/27/2011 at 09:45 (4,800 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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I agree with Keven
I rather use more water and know my clothes are clean and rinsed well, for some water may be at a premium, but how much are you saving if you have to wash a load 2 or 3 times to get the same results.... I often believe the larger outter tub helps reduce the chance of sudslock and drag on the system......they say it can be done, and maybe I haven't reached that point yet, but I purposely double the detergent and add liquid dish soap just to make the suds pile up, and so far it spins without fail, and the rinse is clear.... Its almost a shame that we cant convert these machines with a solid tub, set the water level at minibasket, and once the outter tub reaches the mini level, the filter flo would replenish the overflo.......just like the originals of the late 50's.......just a thought.... another thing about these last of the filter flos........the tubs don't have as many holes as the older models, they would probably remove more water if they did | ||
| Post# 499753 , Reply# 75 2/27/2011 at 09:53 (4,800 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Tub Holes | ||
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Post# 499769 , Reply# 76 2/27/2011 at 11:02 (4,800 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Thanks, Tim
I didn't phrase my statement very well, that is what I meant - the extra space permits the inner tub to be slightly more unbalanced than a narrower tub would, thus, a higher spin speed without more investment in technological improvements.
And, let's face it, one of the reasons these machines work so very well is because they are primitive compared to Whirlpools or Maytags of the same era. Not a complaint, mind you. I like simple and solid. A few questions. It seems as though the timer always uses the same intervals, unlike Maytags I've worked with. Anybody know if all the steps are the same length? The porcelain enamel is in good condition, but it sure has orange peel on the top like mad. Did GE really have such poor quality? We have the machine set up next to a Maytag from the 1970's and the difference is really obvious. I love the size of the belt, the dimensions of the motor coils, the heat dissipating design of the starter coil - that is neat stuff! Here's the tag: 
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| Post# 499773 , Reply# 77 2/27/2011 at 11:26 (4,800 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Congrats Mike Mike nailed this one, Keven your washer was made in August of 1990.
Keven: I also agree, I really like simple and basic, if a bit wasteful. It's one of the things that's making me fall in love with my recently acquired Geo Metro. I believe the timer increments are the same, and the porcelain tops are orange-peely, it's even contrast to the baked enamel top of the matching dryer. These machine are very simple to work on, I've repaired mine several times and converted it from a Hotpoint to a GE over along the way. Only one of my repairs was a necessary one and that's when the boot stiffened up and was causing the machine to vibrate. The old boot was like cement and not at all flexible, which I am told is a lesser heard of occurrence.
-Tim | ||
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Post# 499777 , Reply# 78 2/27/2011 at 11:35 (4,800 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Neat! Thanks!
Since I really don't like the styling of the very last of the Filter-Flos, I guess this is just about as good as it gets. Well, short of a turquoise or PANK Filter-Flo...
I am inexperienced regarding GE washers I did, however, work with rollermatics and in a European repair shop for years. Boots (obviously, in Europe they would have been front loaders) which stiffened up, were coupled with machines which showed evidence of having been used with laundry treatment such as the notorious dial eating "Shout" of a few years back. There are also so water qualities which can provoke problems. This boot is, thank goodness, soft and pliable. I hope it lasts for many years, though, thanks to the help for y'all here, we were able to get it off and back on tight without too much trouble. A major advantage of that extra wide tub. So is she still a Leo or must we now call her a Virgo? | ||
| Post# 499778 , Reply# 79 2/27/2011 at 11:46 (4,800 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY) | ||
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Boots Well if you do need a boot, I got mine from Larry @ Modern Parts and he had an OEM GE part. It was very nice, and I could not believe how soft it was. I made a post about it a while back. I fix the vibration issue completely, the outer tub jiggled like Jell-O and everything near it including the top would just squeak and rattle. My machine has seen some odd use I believe, there were a lot of strange things about it when I got it. My future plans are a new clutch and pump, not because it so much needs it, just that both are a little worn and why not.
-Tim | ||
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Post# 499789 , Reply# 80 2/27/2011 at 12:08 (4,800 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Tim
you could be right about the holes in the tub....... odd in the beginning 1961 to about 1980, not exact sure of the dates, but if you got a normal filter flo, the pump pulled water from the side of the outter tub, and the pressure switch tube was on the other side...... if you got a minibasket option, the pressure tube was fed vial the drain port out the bottom.....and the filter pumped from the bottom...for obvious reasons..... but there were 2 outter tubs to produce........ around the 80's they went to one outter tub design, all fed from the bottom..... at least of all the ones I have seen and worked on.............. from a manufacturing standpoint....cost effective to put one tub in all machines.... thats also like the last of the filter flos...even GE's own....if you got a minibasket option, you got a true filter flo and pan..... if not, you got a rim flo....which makes sense, one less part needed....andyou could watch the drama.....now they do this, all these years for me without that MB option, and I had that damn pan in my way to stop me from watching | ||
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Post# 500044 , Reply# 81 2/28/2011 at 10:45 (4,799 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Service sheet, don't pull at top
I made a scan of the service sheet included with the washer, if anybody wants it, I'll be happy to post the four pages here. I always pull them out of a new/old/vintage machine, scan them and then put the originals, sealed watertight, back into the machine.
Took a look at what holds the instrument panel onto the washer. Yup, two very thin cheap plastic pins. There's a reason they always say "Don't move washer by pulling or pushing on the top panel". Now running the 20th wash since our little venture into boot clamp and epoxy land. Everything still tight and holding up perfectly. I really appreciated the help - I just don't have the sort of imagination to see a thin piece of plastic, used as a cap as a 'bearing'. Bearings, to me, are sintered bronze or rollers or balls or thick, solid sheets of pp or pe or ptfe.... Oh, and to answer the lint question: I think it very much does make a difference whether one filters out big pieces of dirt and lint during the wash and not first in the dryer. The whole point of washing is to remove dirt and what are the rules in sanitizing? Remove the big layers of dirt first, then use a surfactant, then disinfect. You can't do that with clumps or long piles of hair sticking to the cloth. | ||
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Post# 500069 , Reply# 82 2/28/2011 at 12:05 (4,799 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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That "bearing" is just used to keep the bottom of the agitator from being pushed side to side by the load, but most important from having the porcelain rubbed off by the agitator dragging across the bottom of the tub....suprised that many others don't have this, and when you find these "wear" marks, and the rust, and how they were created...
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Post# 500076 , Reply# 83 2/28/2011 at 12:50 (4,799 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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That makes sense And, in retrospect, I understand it. Just seems like a funny name for it.
Our next goal is to find a late fifties Filter-Flo in turquoise or PANK. | ||
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Post# 500084 , Reply# 84 2/28/2011 at 13:26 (4,799 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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I know what you mean, and its doesn't seem right, having experience in automotive, bearings just don't hit me as a piece of plastic to take on wear and stress of any kind, bearings are metal, either roller or ball bearing.....even in a Whilpool/Kenmore spin bearings are nothing more than a metal sleeve, no roller or ball bearing, just metal sliding on metal, to me equals stress, tension, and heat, that will wear out quickly, or cause a groove in one of the metals, this is something you would see on a kids toy car, they just slide a wheel onto a metal post, eventually it wears thru and breaks, how long do you think this will work on a real car?.......better yet take a FL machine, and slide the shaft thru a metal sleeve to ride on, how many loads do you think it would take to for this to wear out?.......
but yes, GE FF is another one of those ingenious, yet simple machines that functions well, a time proven design, and the worst part was when they canged to all plastic, what a waste..... | ||
| Post# 500092 , Reply# 85 2/28/2011 at 14:17 (4,799 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada) | ||
i know what you mean my brother had a ge non filter flo for a time why did they have to eliminate something that went so well for so many years and ge filter flos pans are easy to clean and i know by experiance because when i was on vacation in florida in 98 in a rental villa the washer was an almond ge filter flo and it was a great washer if for any reason i would have to go vintage i would try to find a 1970 harvest gold ge filter flo with matching dryer lol and congra on your filter flo even if i am late
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Post# 500095 , Reply# 86 2/28/2011 at 14:25 (4,799 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Thanks, Pierre | ||
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Post# 500097 , Reply# 87 2/28/2011 at 14:54 (4,799 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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Non-filter flo-----------I bought a new pump a few months back, brand new, and it had plugs over the filter ports, with instructions for both filter and non filter flo models......I would have figured nonFF models would be in a laundromat, but I have been to ones that had the pans, not enough for all the machines, but this is where I would have pictured a use for one of these....
these are really quiet running machines, the water flo splashing is what actually creates all the noise, pinch off the filter flo hose, and suddenly the machines goes quiet.... | ||
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Post# 500114 , Reply# 88 2/28/2011 at 16:42 (4,799 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio) |
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PAging Panthera | ||
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Post# 500585 , Reply# 89 3/2/2011 at 09:09 (4,797 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Hi Mark, I'm out of town right now, when I get back home, I'll scan and post.
Please don't be too excited - this is nothing more (nor less!) than the service sheet packed in with every GE. In this unit, it is stored in an envelope, inside of the instrument panel.
Yours will have a similar sheet, somewhere. I bet someone here can tell you exactly here (and probably give you more exact instructions for what ever you need than my service sheet will).
Glad you have one! | ||
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Comes to the Rescue!
Looks like someone took good care of it.
