1971 G.E. Washer Dryer Combo

[combo52]

GE combo

The combo is a 1967 model we used to maintain a condo project that had 400 hundred of that model I can tell you anything you would ever want to know about GE combos. In 1968 or 9 they went to a round window and added a UL required push to start button to the console the last GE combos came off the line in the spring or 1972 they were the last combos made in the USA the first combo was the bendix in 1952

 

[appnut]

1972 they were the last combos made in the USA

John, Whirlpool stopped producing theirs for Sears before 1972? Seemed like those wre around through 1973 or 1974, but I could be wrong. Just remember they were still in catalogues until around the time I finsihed high school in spring 1973.

 

[syndets2000]

combo torture...

We had one when I was 12 years old- I did not really understand this machine till way later, but took great delight in filling the kitchen sink full of water- then, holding the drain hose of the combo in the water, I would turn the washer on- wow, it would empty the whole sink out really fast- I did this several times over till the water level was almost 1/2 way up the window...I think it drooled water out from underneath when I tried to make the level higher though...still lotsa fun-- but it did wierd things when I oversudsed it- ( when we got something other than Coldpower detergent..)

 

[geextrarinse]

this is a very neat machine!

I've never gotten to see one of these in person yet... i hope it is in good shape and lasts you a long time!

 

[dishwashercrazy]

Alas....

Three of the guys from the Wash Party opened the machine up yesterDAY, Sunday. I had been told there was a leak - fortunately it was only the gasket in the supply hose that was leaking and easily fixed. There is also an issue with the timer (WL12X47) - meaning I should probably first attempt to clean it up, or perhaps have it reconditioned. Also the plastic inner dial with the pointer behind the Washer cycle knob (WL9X41) had previously broken and repairs attempted - the center is chewed up badly and a new dial will be needed. Finally, and worst of all, the main tub bearing is shot (WL3X1 - two required). The tub wobbles considerably. So this is going to take a major overhaul, with prayer that the bearing part can be found.

 

[autowasherfreak]

I have complete faith in you Mike. I'm sure you will get her running again.

 

[soberleaf]

mike, try larry at modern parts

in parma, he may have that bearing for you. or maybe a bearing co. can match it. it's a great, beautiful, stylish looking machine and if a bearing is it's worst problem you'll get it running for sure! guys on this site find bearings for old machines all the time! it will happen!

great addition for you!!!

i have larry's no. if you want it

 

[turquoisedude]

I asked about the bearing...

I was talking to Larry yesterday about GE parts - he has next to nothing left, apparently! However, it does turn out that the dryer cycling thermostat that I bought from him is the exact match for your Combo, Mike. If you need one, let me know because I don't think I am going to be able to retrofit (what an appropriate word!) it to the 56 Combo...

 

[swestoyz]

Does anyone know whether the bearing was custom for GE, or standard off-the-shelf? if standard you may be in luck. Be thankful you aren't looking at new bearings for a Kenmore Combo!

Ben

 

[paulc]

What a superb machine! Does the machine have a static drum? I have always wondered about American F/L performance, as you know cycle times on European F/L have on the most part been long. Does the machine continuosly tumble in one direction? What is the spin speed and what is the capacity? Sorry for all the questions but Iam totally facinated by the G.E. combos. Paul.

 

[electron800]

I know american machines have shorter wash times

But max 8min wash? You're kidding me right? lol.

Still, looks like a fantastic machine, beautiful styling and a bit out of the ordinary.

Would love to see it in action.

Matt

 

[paulc]

Electron800

Yea, 8 mins seems awfully short to us Brits.....but I supose 8 mins of constant tumbling in that massive drum with a decent water level would get the job done, plus you have to soak option too. I agree, would love to see it in action too.