Christmas in July: Surprise G.E. Filter Flo!

[thatwasherguy]

Hey everyone! Hope you’re all well. Back in December, I was contacted by a family friend who was getting rid of his 1989 G.E. Filter Flo, and wanted to know if I wanted it. Of course, I replied with the only answer that there is to that question, yes. Fast forward to today, when I got the call to come and take it away. I’m told that it has a small leak, and that it has a strange metallic noise. He told me that he mostly ran it on gentle speed, so I’m thinking it’s the clutch that’s causing the sound. I’ll have to run a test wash and look for the leak. Other than that, I’m told that it’s fully functional. It’s in very good condition for its age, minimal rust, very few noticeable scratches, and VERY clean underneath. The tub seal and inlet valve, along with multiple other parts are also almost new, as they were replaced by the previous owner. Having said that, this one is getting saved for the collection.
Thatwasherguy.

 

[thatwasherguy]

I’ve tested the machine, and found that the clutch is, in fact, what is grinding, and the source of the leak is the pump. It also has a jury rigged lid switch, so I’ll probably fix that too, and add in a bypass switch like my 1978 Maytag has. I’m wondering if the motor shaft has been damaged at all by the failing clutch. I suppose we’ll find out when I take it apart. Either way, I’m not super optimistic about the condition of the clutch itself. It was run for at least 6 months in its current state, so I’m betting that it’s got grooves in it, and that changing the pads won’t fix anything. On the bright side, however, the rubber parts are all still nice and supple, and the transmission still sounds nice and smooth. With a little bit of POR-15, what little rust it has should be killed indefinitely. Definitely a keeper.
Thatwasherguy.

 

[phillymatt53]

My mom's old GE FilterFlo lasted from when it was purchased new in 1963, up until 1972ish.
I inspected it and found that the clutch was slipping, and oil or grease was leaking from the transmission.
I was only 19 at that time and didn't want to go further with it, so for Mother's Day I bought her a nice new White Westinghouse washer loaded with all the top features.
That machine lasted up until Mom passed away in 1984.

 

[combo52]

More evidence that older automatics didn’t last that long only nine years, people complain today when machines only last nine years they did get better and better however through the 60s 70s and 80s that’s for sure.

Only time will tell how well today’s machines are doing, but we sure don’t repair as many washing machines as we used to Friday. I looked at the bottom of the line 2012 pair of whirlpools. It was the first repair for the washer or dryer and the washer just needed an inlet valve. It was in a very fancy household with a full-time maid and Butler so you know that machine was used every day.

John L

 

[bajaespuma]

This model was the last washing machine my Parents had in their last house. It was unusually quiet, a good cleaner and lasted beyond 13 years (it was still working when we sold the house).

 

[thatwasherguy]

Time for an update on this machine…

I’ve been using it almost exclusively for my weekly laundry for the past month or so, and I’m delighted to report that everything works on it. So far, I’ve got the clutch issues and pump leak solved. The clutch grinding wound up being the upper bearing, which I believe had failed due to moisture ingress from the pump leak. I documented its replacement on its own how-to thread. The pump leak was fixed with a good used pump (thanks cfz2882!). I still need to address the shaky spin cycle (I’m thinking it’s a mix of a different size replacement bolt on one of the mounting points for the inner tub, and worn out dampening pads), and a small leak from the top seal on the outer tub. I also still need to kill all the rust on the outer tub and centerpost.

This model was the last washing machine my Parents had in their last house. It was unusually quiet, a good cleaner and lasted beyond 13 years (it was still working when we sold the house).

That’s cool that your parents had this machine! It seems that the WWA8320 was pretty popular, as there’s several videos of this model from different creators on YouTube. With everything working properly, these machines certainly are smooth and quiet. I’ve long said that the FF is one of if not the best performing washer I’ve ever been lucky enough to get to use. I honestly think that the FF system has something to do with that, as I notice that my work clothes don’t have grass clippings on them when they come out of the washer, like they tend to with our Speed Queen.

Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.