Filter-Flo set (washer) update

[keny]

The dryer will be relatively simple to repair, and I'm thankful for that.
It may have been a mistake to transport the washer on its side, however. This repair may be more than I care to handle.
Got the machine into the basement this afternoon. I hooked it up, turned it on. Water immediately flowed through the tub and lower outer-tub seal and over everything.
Looking at it from underneath, as seen in the photo attached, I could clearly see the seal pulled to one side, I don't know if the rubber seal was clamped originally, just snapped in, or how it attaches, but it’s definitely not sealed now. The previous owner stated it didn't leak when she had it. She also said the dryer was perfect. But if that is the case, and it didn't leak for her, perhaps the “ride on its side” was detrimental.
I don't know if I can deal with taking the whole thing apart. Is this seal one of the parts that is still available? Or perhaps it just needs to be reattached.
I prefer purchasing my vintage appliances, when received from any source, in perfect, pristine condition and ready to be used immediately. Preferably brand new in a box. Is that too much to ask?
On another note, there seems to be lots of black graphite-like lubricant sprayed around much of the lower inner cabinet. Not easy to clean off of hands or clothing. That couldn't be good either. Unless they spray these things at the factory.
At any rate, as always, advice and recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks again, and again.

 

[turquoisedude]

Ken, the leaking part is what GE calls a tub or transmission boot. The part should definitely still be available for a Filter-Flo of this vintage, however I don't know what the correct and current part number would be. I found boots for both my 63 (working) and 57 (waiting for its turn in the 'clinic') GE washers.

Changing the boot is not as big a deal as you might think. You will need to remove the agitator, the machine top, and the inner tub. If you can get another person to help with the tub removal, that would be great. Oh and be careful not to rip off the Filter-Flo return hose when lifting the tub out.

If it helps, I've posted a link to the 'rebooting' of my treasured 63 Filter-Flo from earlier this year.

Hope this helps!!

Filter-Flo finally functioning!

It's been a while since I have had the time to work on the collection and the current unpleasant situation at work has left me less than motivated, however after scoring that lovely 57 GE dryer, I managed to drag myself up and get busy on a machine fix that would help me keep my frame of mind...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[gansky1]

Congrats on the new GE's!

This is an easy repair, Ken, as Paul shows in his thread.  The boot you need is available on ebay as well as likely still on the shelves at a local parts store but I've found ebay to be cheaper for these.  

 

The other thing you really should have on hand before you begin is a copy of this repair manual that GE published for consumers to do their own repairs.  It's very well illustrated an straightforward.  Lots of pictures an step-by-step instructions.  Here is a copy on ebay.

 

[yogitunes]

first, I thought you were going to secure the inner tub before laying it on its side, for many this is what can happen with that boot....I have a trick to prevent this, but have never really had it ever happen...

but whats done is done....really nothing to reinstalling this one, or putting on a new one, open machine up, clean the area and boot well, sometimes a little sealant helps, and clamp back down, you should be good to go.....

as for the 'graphite', could be from a worn belt, or even some oil from the tranny, it doesn't look like it is leaking a lot, I have seen inside cabinets that are covered in oil, splattered all over.....if that back panel is soaked thru with oil to the outside, then your gonna need a seal or tranny replacement, still, simple to do.....otherwise you should be good to go.....

this link will help if there is ever a next time to move one on its side...

GE FilterFlo transporting help

Many members have had a few problems when transporting GE FilterFlo's on their back or sides, main reason is that tub to trany seal popping off..... and I have to transport one, on it's back, for delivery and I don't want this to possibly happen.....so I came up with this..... went to Dollar...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[turquoisedude]

That's using yer noodle....

Martin, thanks for posting this again - I used this technique last year when hauling the 57 GE from Guelph, Ontario to Ogden and it worked very nicely!

 

[keny]

Great idea Martin

I did try to secure the tub. But not as effectively as you did.
Using large blocks of styrofoam packing material, I had them rising above the tub, a bit above the cabinet to the bottom of the tub all around the agitator. I thought that would hold the tub steady. It probably wasn't stable enough however. Also, the belt does look greasy and a bit shredded, so I'll replace that too.
I'll remember your "foam noodle" idea next time.
Just one other question about the tub boot. Were these seals the same through the years? I want to be sure to order the correct one. I'm always leery about these more involved repair projects, but it sounds like I can get this done.
I’ll get the parts and repair manual ordered soon.
Thanks guys.

 

[yogitunes]

this will get you a belt......inexpensive enough....otherwise I hit an Auto parts store....they run about 5.00

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[yogitunes]

and this will get you a boot....these were pretty much the same part from 1963 thru 1995, give or take, if you choose to get a new one....

anything else, just let us know......

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[yogitunes]

While the top is up, we like to alter a few things....

one is the lid switch.....using a cable tie wrapped around will take care of that....

and either cutting, or using pliers, flip the fill flume over on itself, this will allow water to spray on the load during the spinspray...

 

[yogitunes]

I also remove the restrictor from the water valves....