1958 Filter Flo Update

[pulltostart]

While this is nothing compared to the restoration work I've seen posted here, I have made some (minor) progress with this washer.  All must remember that I am NOT a mechanic, so I can't predict what will happen to this washer ultimately.  But as long as I can find problems that I can fix I will press on.

 

For instance, when it arrived the two rear leveling feet were only screwed into the mounting plate about 3/8".  I kid you not, it took me a week (off and on) to FINALLY get them properly seated and screwed high enough for the washer to sit at 36".  I took them out, I put them in, I lubricated them (and the plate), I cursed, I tried again.  I even bought some threaded bolts hoping to be able to drive them in with a socket set.  Nope.  I ultimately took a wire brush to the threads on the feet, oiled them again, and was able to screw them in to the proper length.

 

Just yesterday I managed to remove the cap of the Activator and then pull the activator out.  The tub and the shaft look very good.  I washed the Activator and it looks great!  I've attached a few pictures that I took this morning.  Hopefully you can see the condition of the wash basket well enough.

 

It does not run.  But it is not frozen.  I can turn the tub counterclockwise, which would simulate a spin, and the belt, clutch, and pump move with it.  I tried to kick-start it into a spin by pulling out the timer, and it did spin for a few seconds and then something clicked and I shut it off.  There was a mild burning smell afterwards.  Perhaps the motor is dead.  I did notice some oil underneath the transmission (on the floor), but as I said, nothing is "locked up".

 

This is a new adventure for me.  So far it's been fun.  Will let you know when the fun stops....

 

lawrence

 

[Unimatic1140]

The transmission shaft looks beautiful compared to what I have seen in the past on other 1956-60 GE solid tub transmissions. This makes me wonder if this was a relatively low use machine.

Great work Lawrence, please keep us posted.

 

[turquoisedude]

Possibly an issue with the motor starting switch... been there done that with that 57 GE of mine.

 

[combo52]

Non Starting ST GE FF Washer

Hi Lawrence, Does the motor and pump turn freely ?

 

The machine looks great by the way it must not have been used much.

 

John L.

 

[pulltostart]

John,

So far I've not encountered anything that will not move.  With the back off (and safely stored away), I can pull on the belt and the tub spins, the pump spins and the clutch spins (based on external observation).  I would like to add water and see if there are leaks, but not eager to dump water in if I can't pump it out...  so dry for now.

 

lawrence

 

[turquoisedude]

Lawrence, can you hear a buzzing or humming noise when you attempt to put the machine into spin or agitate?  This sounds so similar to what I experienced with my 57... 

 

If worst comes to worst and you want to try a water test (and if you have a floor drain), you can manually drain the machine just by setting the drain hose on the floor.  

 

[eronie]

Solid tub machines will not drain with hose on floor !

 

[pulltostart]

Paul,

Yes, if I "pulltostart" (nyuck nyuck) at the timer, with the indicator set to SPIN, there is a humming, short-lived, then I hear a "click" as if an overload has been tripped and that's it.  Then I smell the hot electrical smell.

 

lawrence

 

[turquoisedude]

Lawrence, that sure sounds like the start switch to me.   It's likely not powering up the start winding, so the run winding is getting hot and clicking off the overload protector.  I'll see if I can dredge up the thread I posted about my 57 repairs on that.  Extracting the motor was no mean feat... I remember having "fun" removing the clutch mechanism...  IF you need documentation on the 58 washers, I think there is a manual here in the ephemera section.  

 

And yes, a GE solid tub will drain by setting the drain hose on the floor.  There was a small opening for sediment to drop out on the bottom of the inner tub.  It will take a while, but it will drain.  

 

[turquoisedude]

Blast from the past....

Lawrence, here's the thread about my 57 GE and what it took to get the motor out.  If you have any questions, please don't be shy.  I'm not on this site that much, but my email address in my profile still manages to find me.

GE Filter Flo washer motor removal questions

Well, actually more like a need to rant.... Canyon's getting fed up with hearing about this... LOL So, I figured it was time to get something done with that '57 GE washer that I got in fall of 2012. I knew when I got it, the machine wasn't running. Last week, I spent the week down in Ogden...

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