Thread Number: 76448  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
GE FF Story Motor and Clutch Questions
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Post# 1002967   8/8/2018 at 13:30 (2,058 days old) by 2SpeedFFan (Clarkston, MI)        

Hi All,

After years of watching my neighbors 80's model Filter Flo growing up as a kid (our house had a Kenmore Direct Drive) and still wanting one now being in my 30's, I finally picked up my own FF* for $20 about a month ago. From what I've been able to learn so far it's a 1994 model, built in September. I know it is not the most beloved panel design, but when all you care about is having a FF at all, this will do, and I'm thrilled with it. It's an Extra Large Capacity, and I believe a MOL model (8-Cycles) with 2-speed clutch.

Notice the atrix above? So it isn't a FF, but a Rim Flo; more on that later.

Over the past month, I've basically disassembled it, cleaned it, fixed it and re-assembled it. The main reason that it was being sold, is that the previous owner had replaced it with another machine after he started to notice gear oil spots on the floor and decided the end might be near. So, as many of you probably know already, the lower transmission seal had to be replaced, and when in the transmission, I noticed that the lower case/carrier, the brake retainer ring was bent up between each of the screws, so I replaced that too. The tub had some rust, so I fixed that using POR-15 (using the full 3-step process), and did the same on the basket. Also during this time, I acquired FF parts, so the clothes retainer, the nozzle/flume, filter pan, mini-basket and fabric softener dispenser (latter three all came from a friend who had these un-used in his basement from the life of machine that is no longer there).

Last weekend was the first test after reassembly, and it started up and functioned fine, but the tub boot was leaking (few drips) water, and I noticed that the clutch was making some noise, but not much. Acknowledging the tub boot issue, I turned the machine off, and turned on the gentle speed. It is quite noisy and it is why I'm writing you today.

I know that these clutches can be noisy and still work for some time (forever?), but I'd like to fix it, because I want this machine to last a long time, and I feel like I'll have a better chance of finding parts now, than any number of years from now. My hunch on the root of the issue, is a bearing with too much play, which it looks like I can find replacements for without having to look too hard. BUT, I like the idea of finding a new motor and clutch that I can put in it while I take my time with it's original for a rebuild, and then I'll have that as a backup (motor and clutch) down the road. Problem is, finding an exact replacement has been somewhat difficult, but I'm wondering if I'm sweating the details too much? Here is what I have so far:

The current motor is a 1/3HP 8.0 Amp MN# WH20X10002
I've found motors on ebay:
1. 1/3HP 6.8Amp MN# WH49X271 - I'm wondering if the Large Capacity models had a lower amp motor?
2. 1/2HP 8.5Amp MN# WH20X520

...and there are others out there as well, all with slight differences in the MN. I'm guessing the 2-speed clutch, like the WH49X265 would mate up to any of these square motors of the later FF era and could therefore work with my machine?

On the Motor, I'm lost. Can any of you FF experts offer this newbie some advice?

If it helps, here is the model number of the washer: WWA8620SBLWW

Thank you very much!
Jared





Post# 1003128 , Reply# 1   8/9/2018 at 18:08 (2,057 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
GE filter-flo

I've always loved the sounds of the GE filter-flos. Everything from the filling to agitation to spinning on the regular speed setting with the ramped activator on small.

Post# 1003177 , Reply# 2   8/10/2018 at 08:48 (2,057 days old) by 2SpeedFFan (Clarkston, MI)        
Thanks!

Nice to meet you GELaundry!

Yeah, they're definitely unique, something most of today's washers seem to lack. I was disappointed when GE went to the copy-cat dual action agitators in the mid-90's as it felt like a cop out to the design from Whirlpool. Lame. I don't have any hate for the design though as I've got a 24" Whirlpool direct drive in my small collection with said agitator, and it's a great washer IMO, but I like the Filter-Flo more.

By chance, is there anyone you know of here that might be able to help with my questions? I'm kind of leaning towards just taking the plunge on buying a motor and 2speed clutch assembly and risking it. The worst that could happen is that it doesn't work and I need to return or resell it, but if possible I'd like to avoid the hassle by just doing it right the first time.

Best
Jared


Post# 1003422 , Reply# 3   8/12/2018 at 12:39 (2,054 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Great machines

jetcone's profile picture
Jared I’d go wth the bearing replacement ahead of new motor set, and you can keep looking for one while the new bearing hums along. I like to keep machines as original as possible so the minimum I find a better solution. Good luck I’ll keep my ears peeled

Jet


Post# 1003646 , Reply# 4   8/14/2018 at 07:29 (2,053 days old) by 2SpeedFFan (Clarkston, MI)        
Thanks, Jet!

Jet, thank you for your response. I'll probably go that route since I have two other machines that are working fine that I can use while the FF is down. My plan is to take the motor and clutch assembly out, and analyze the clutch situation (plus hopefully figure out how it actually works). I removed it as part of my cleaning process earlier since there was oil all over the place from the leaking transmission seal, and from what I could see with the clutch still mounted (so not everything), the clutch shoes all looked nearly new with plenty of friction material left. Additionally, the outer shell had quite a bit of play with respect to the motor shaft, so my guess is the carrier bearing at this point. Again, appreciate your help.

Best.
Jared


Post# 1003743 , Reply# 5   8/15/2018 at 03:21 (2,052 days old) by Doug (West Virgina)        
The 2 speed clutch

doug's profile picture
Hello, the 2 speed ge ff clutch is probably the only thing on a ff that I don’t know how to work on. Not sure of what exactly it consists of or how to determine what part is bad. I’ve never had one apart. -Doug

Post# 1003755 , Reply# 6   8/15/2018 at 08:14 (2,052 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
GE FF 2 speed clutches are intimidating at first to open one up, but once you do, you start to grasp at how it all functions.....

if anything, take lots of pics during disassembly...getting that first pin out can be a challenge, and that's the only hard part to it....


your not supposed to use and grease or oil inside, but I like to add the slightest amount to the pivot points, so the clutches move freely...


not uncommon for some to chatter during slow speed.....even dipping the little solenoid arm in rubber coating helps keep the noise down from the little leg constantly hitting against it...


you may find most of your chatter, once inside, comes from the Ubolt that holds the clutch to the motor shaft, not being tight enough...

you may not find new parts to replace, but if anything, find a few spare units, and rebuild it....if anything, for the most part, they were all the same through the years....

the single speed was as easy to service as it gets....for one thing, the agitation was as full lock on with the motors direct power...


good luck, and keep us posted....


Post# 1062956 , Reply# 7   3/12/2020 at 01:36 (1,477 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
square motors in GE washers

I had a post-filter-flo washer from GE. It also had a square motor. It was a far cry from the filter-flo I had prior. However, it lasted 17 years. I remember the GE filter-flo started on gentle, then switch to normal when regular speed was selected. As for the post-filter-flo, I didn't have confidence in it at first, but I was surprised that it held out that long. That gear oil from the transmission smelled like the filter-flo transmission. I also think they used the same belt.

Post# 1063013 , Reply# 8   3/12/2020 at 20:53 (1,476 days old) by stopmeister72 (Irving, TX)        
have 2

stopmeister72's profile picture
contact me at stopmeister72@aol.com
I have 2 NOS filter flow motor/clutches.
John



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