stuftrock1
Well-known member
And what does V-16 or V-## mean?
Filter-flo transmission repair
- Thread starter jons1077
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Agitators
I would say, like most creators of appliances back then, there were always interesting variations made to machines to keep them fresh and “improved.” Agitators were certainly no exception. This also plays a part in the “V” model designations of these machines. John L. Has a lot more knowledge on this subject but here’s what I understand.
“V” models were what designated a machines capacity of dry clothing it could handle safely without overloading the motor. Therefore a V-16 model was considered capable of washing up to 16 lbs of dry clothing. John was explaining that these capacities would increase (V-12, V-14, and V-16) based on the motor capacity (increasing the horsepower) rather than increasing actual tub capacity. 18 lb models had deeper tubs, however.
There were a a few main designs for agitators for both standard and tall tub models. Original standard machines had Bakelite ramps for the 12 and 14 lb models in the early and mid 1960’s. 16 lb models began featuring the triple straight-cane agitator in Bakelite and over the next few years (1967-1973ish) these straight vane standard tub agitators had a few variations to the fins. I think they were in turquoise and white.
Initial 18 lb tall tub models in about 1967 featured 4-vane straight vane agitators and I believe it was until the late 1970’s that tall tub machines began featuring ramp activators like their standard tub siblings. There were a couple of variations on the tall straight vane activators as well and, ultimately everything went back to ramps until the end of the filterflo line.
I would say, like most creators of appliances back then, there were always interesting variations made to machines to keep them fresh and “improved.” Agitators were certainly no exception. This also plays a part in the “V” model designations of these machines. John L. Has a lot more knowledge on this subject but here’s what I understand.
“V” models were what designated a machines capacity of dry clothing it could handle safely without overloading the motor. Therefore a V-16 model was considered capable of washing up to 16 lbs of dry clothing. John was explaining that these capacities would increase (V-12, V-14, and V-16) based on the motor capacity (increasing the horsepower) rather than increasing actual tub capacity. 18 lb models had deeper tubs, however.
There were a a few main designs for agitators for both standard and tall tub models. Original standard machines had Bakelite ramps for the 12 and 14 lb models in the early and mid 1960’s. 16 lb models began featuring the triple straight-cane agitator in Bakelite and over the next few years (1967-1973ish) these straight vane standard tub agitators had a few variations to the fins. I think they were in turquoise and white.
Initial 18 lb tall tub models in about 1967 featured 4-vane straight vane agitators and I believe it was until the late 1970’s that tall tub machines began featuring ramp activators like their standard tub siblings. There were a couple of variations on the tall straight vane activators as well and, ultimately everything went back to ramps until the end of the filterflo line.
Agitator photos
stuftrock1
Well-known member
Thanks for the info! Is there any way to tell what V-## mine is? I’m not home at the moment and I don’t know the model number.
Stuftrock1
Yours has the “extra large” water level setting so it’s the taller tub 18 lb machine and it will have the white ramp activator that is in photo #3 posted above. The softener dispenser I posted to you from eBay is correct for this machine and will fit.
Yours has the “extra large” water level setting so it’s the taller tub 18 lb machine and it will have the white ramp activator that is in photo #3 posted above. The softener dispenser I posted to you from eBay is correct for this machine and will fit.
stuftrock1
Well-known member
jons1077
The part you listed was part # WH47X43. From what I’ve read, this model is for the Rimflo, so it won’t fit on the filter pan. WH47X39 is what I need.
The part you listed was part # WH47X43. From what I’ve read, this model is for the Rimflo, so it won’t fit on the filter pan. WH47X39 is what I need.
Dispenser
The item in the picture is what you’re looking for. Perhaps they posted the wrong part number on the eBay ad. Hope you find what you need.
The item in the picture is what you’re looking for. Perhaps they posted the wrong part number on the eBay ad. Hope you find what you need.
Mine never worked on slow speed
I had two GE Filter Flos one a 1961 and a 1991. Both ended up one speed units after the slow speed failed. Perhaps due to me changing the speed during operation. Some say that will do it. My question is how hard was it to make a two speed motor? Then no need for the complicated transmission. I always loved the Filter Flos for their ability to filter out so much stuff, especially dog hair!
I had two GE Filter Flos one a 1961 and a 1991. Both ended up one speed units after the slow speed failed. Perhaps due to me changing the speed during operation. Some say that will do it. My question is how hard was it to make a two speed motor? Then no need for the complicated transmission. I always loved the Filter Flos for their ability to filter out so much stuff, especially dog hair!
GE's reason for using the complicated clutch mechanism instead of a multi-speed motor is to maintain full-rate pump flow for filtering.
stuftrock1
Well-known member
That is actually very smart. It’s amazing and quite sad how much people these days completely take washers for granted, especially since they were designed by someone much smarter than all of us. And not to mention how impressive the engineering was that went into them. Maytag’s nylon ball hinges, so simple yet such a brilliant “why didn’t I think of that” idea. Maytag’s orbital transmission, a reliable, simple, and compact transmission design that was genius. The resulting agitation may only have a short 90 degree stroke, but it was fast and it got the job done. Whirlpool’s direct drive, honestly probably the best drivetrain systems that eliminated the problems from having a belt and was extremely easy to work on if something actually broke. And finally, the agitator itself. You don’t just put fins on a stick and call it a done deal. You use fluid dynamics and general physics to design an agitator that has strong rollover, good scrubbing ability on all water levels, creates strong water currents, is gentle on clothes, and is still capable of performing well when overloaded. Sure, a lot of this is also dependent of the stroke size and speed determined by the transmission and motor, but the best agitators take full advantage of whatever drivetrain they are paired with.
