Filter Flo Nation

[qualin]

Someone posted a picture of a GE Versatronic set selling for $10 in another thread. It seems to me like the two most desired machines are:

- The 1958 GE Filter-Flo (First year of it.)
- The 1968 GE Versatronic Filter-Flo
- The 1973 GE Dispensall Filter-Flo
- The 1994 GE Filter-Flo. (Last year of it. Non-Rim Flo model)

Can you guys/gals think of any other Filter-Flo machines made by GE which are collectors must haves? (Maybe showcasing some unique feature)

 

[combo52]

GE FF Washers

First year in the states was 1956.

 

 You would be very lucky if you find a Versatronic that works, I have never seen one, it wasn't a very durable clutch design and actually NO GE two speed, three speed and four speed clutch was very durable if you used the lower speeds much as it slipped constantly. It is like having manual transmission car and driving with your left foot resting on the clutch petal. Occasionally I would find a customer with a GE washer that only used the low speed settings and if they did much laundry the clutch would only last a 1/2 dozen years at best.

 

The Dispensall feature was unique but offered no functional advantage over the models before it that had the timed bleach and fabric softener dispersers neatly built into the washers top and it was messier and more troublesome.

 

The last GE FF spot scrubber was a pretty neat washer and is diffidently a good performer and all the above washers are worth collecting for the unique rareness.

 

[tecnopolis]

Sure, now that I'm not looking for one. An older GE XL capacity dryer is for sale on the local Craig's!

 

[tecnopolis]

Since we had hurricane Issac giving us rainy weather and i was stuck inside, I decided to try and switch out the Filter-Flo consoles. I wired everything up except the speed selector switch since I don't have provisions for that in my original wiring harness and fired her up. The machine began to fill and I was all smitten until the water kicked off and the lights dimmed. I heard a click and lights came back on. Figured the timer might be stuck so i gave it a whirl and selected a higher water level and started again. Same thing happened. So I next tried reattaching my old water level and temp switches and only hooked up the timer. Again, lights dim and nothing but a click. So I just reattached my original console and verified everything worked. May have something to do with the colors of the multi-plug to the motors. Some are Green (like mine), others are red or white. Will have to experiment when I have that 2-speed clutch and relay handy.

 

[combo52]

Non Starting GE FF Washer

There is likely a problem with the connections for the motor, GE used so many different wire color combinations that I have found that the only to substitute motors on GE FFs [ unless you have the exact motor ] is compare both machines wiring diagrams and make the connections as required.

 

[tecnopolis]

Luckily I have the data sheets for one at least.

 

[yogitunes]

are you sure the relay is wired correctly?

just a thought

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[tecnopolis]

Yogi..The only thing I wasn't really sure of was the water temp switch. I currently have 4 positions and the new panel only has 3.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[tecnopolis]

...so I cut up the multi-plug and just placed the same colored wires where indicated, leaving the Blue wire unplugged.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[tecnopolis]

I also experimented with adding the mini-basket to the standard capacity washer and the tub is too shallow for it to work properly. The basket barely fits on the agitator and is only stable when you add the filter pan. At that point the water flow barely makes it over the rim to the basket.

 

[tecnopolis]

..not 100% effective, but a whole lot of fun!

 

[tecnopolis]

.basket with pan installed.

 

[tecnopolis]

I did shoot a short video of the mini-basket experiment to illustrate what happened.

 

[tecnopolis]

I've been busy lately and have neglected to run my Spotscrubber Filter-Flo for a few weeks and decided it was time to take her out for a spin. I had been having some load balancing issues due to missing and worn out rubber pads on the washer feet. Thankfully, yogitunes heard my cries for help, like princessLeia looking for Obi Wan, and sent me a few replacements.
As you can see from the photo, the older pad I had looked like Gandhi's flip flop and had seen better days. (on the right)

 

[tecnopolis]

...After the feet were replaced. I then carefully leveled the machine, side to side and front to back. Success! Ran a few loads and the washer ran like a champ. No more balance issues and the washer doesn't wobble, looking like it's a drunken hula girl at a Hawaiian luau.

 

[jetcone]

technopolis

Im interested in that return hose, where did you see it?

jet

 

[tecnopolis]

Ebay: Genuine GE WH41X113 Washer Recirc Hose NEW in Package
For some odd reason the seller has it listed under "building supplies/tubing" category instead of laundry parts, go figure.
He's got it on sale from $49.99, marked down to $42.99 + 2.99 shipping.
I posted a link to it. Let me know if it doesn't work.

"SURRENDER THAT WINDOWED NEPTUNE DRYER DOOR DOROTHY, OR ELSE!~"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-GE-...176?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4167e653a0

 

[tecnopolis]

..Or else~!!!

 

[jetcone]

LOL

that door is going to move over to the washer pretty soon......AH AHAHAHHAHAHAA

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[mikeklondon]

Chester Mike UK

Mike that Hotpoint looks like new, what year was the last one made?

 

[tecnopolis]

?

 

[jetcone]

LOL!

 

[tecnopolis]

Jetcone,
What's sudden interest in the Filter-Flo hose? It's woefully overpriced and there are less expensive replacements. Is there an advantage to this "all in one" design? I prefer the white "Never kink" corrugated hoses since you can somewhat see through them and can keep an eye on any bacterial growth.
-Alex

 

[chestermikeuk]

UK Filter Flow

Hi Mike, the last one was made in 1989, thats why there are still many about!! 10lb load, hot & cold fill, 2.75kw heater and 1050rpm.

 

[tecnopolis]

Once I had gotten the SpotScubber leveled out I got into the habit of letting the cycle complete without watching over it. Well, the other night I just happened to come out to find the washer in the final spin and this loud repetitive clicking/clacking noise coming from the washer that sounded remotely like the speed shift engagement of the solenoid and clutch. So I shut the washer off and restarted it, only to have the same noise return. Go to the back of the machine and find this tiny weeping leak coming from the area of where the drain hose attaches to the water pump. The water ran down the motor yoke, up and over the wiring harness and thru the connector leading to the clutch solenoid. Possibly shorting it out. I then turned my attention to the "never kink" PVC drain hose and found it was splitting apart at the seam. These hoses are tuff new, but get hella brittle as they age and one day just split. OK, So I'll be replacing it with a new hose, but that brings me back to the clutch/solenoid problem. Now my washer is stuck on "gentle" spin/agitate.