2speedffan
New member
Hi All,
After years of watching my neighbors 80's model Filter Flo growing up as a kid (our house had a Kenmore Direct Drive) and still wanting one now being in my 30's, I finally picked up my own FF* for $20 about a month ago. From what I've been able to learn so far it's a 1994 model, built in September. I know it is not the most beloved panel design, but when all you care about is having a FF at all, this will do, and I'm thrilled with it. It's an Extra Large Capacity, and I believe a MOL model (8-Cycles) with 2-speed clutch.
Notice the atrix above? So it isn't a FF, but a Rim Flo; more on that later.
Over the past month, I've basically disassembled it, cleaned it, fixed it and re-assembled it. The main reason that it was being sold, is that the previous owner had replaced it with another machine after he started to notice gear oil spots on the floor and decided the end might be near. So, as many of you probably know already, the lower transmission seal had to be replaced, and when in the transmission, I noticed that the lower case/carrier, the brake retainer ring was bent up between each of the screws, so I replaced that too. The tub had some rust, so I fixed that using POR-15 (using the full 3-step process), and did the same on the basket. Also during this time, I acquired FF parts, so the clothes retainer, the nozzle/flume, filter pan, mini-basket and fabric softener dispenser (latter three all came from a friend who had these un-used in his basement from the life of machine that is no longer there).
Last weekend was the first test after reassembly, and it started up and functioned fine, but the tub boot was leaking (few drips) water, and I noticed that the clutch was making some noise, but not much. Acknowledging the tub boot issue, I turned the machine off, and turned on the gentle speed. It is quite noisy and it is why I'm writing you today.
I know that these clutches can be noisy and still work for some time (forever?), but I'd like to fix it, because I want this machine to last a long time, and I feel like I'll have a better chance of finding parts now, than any number of years from now. My hunch on the root of the issue, is a bearing with too much play, which it looks like I can find replacements for without having to look too hard. BUT, I like the idea of finding a new motor and clutch that I can put in it while I take my time with it's original for a rebuild, and then I'll have that as a backup (motor and clutch) down the road. Problem is, finding an exact replacement has been somewhat difficult, but I'm wondering if I'm sweating the details too much? Here is what I have so far:
The current motor is a 1/3HP 8.0 Amp MN# WH20X10002
I've found motors on ebay:
1. 1/3HP 6.8Amp MN# WH49X271 - I'm wondering if the Large Capacity models had a lower amp motor?
2. 1/2HP 8.5Amp MN# WH20X520
...and there are others out there as well, all with slight differences in the MN. I'm guessing the 2-speed clutch, like the WH49X265 would mate up to any of these square motors of the later FF era and could therefore work with my machine?
On the Motor, I'm lost. Can any of you FF experts offer this newbie some advice?
If it helps, here is the model number of the washer: WWA8620SBLWW
Thank you very much!
Jared
After years of watching my neighbors 80's model Filter Flo growing up as a kid (our house had a Kenmore Direct Drive) and still wanting one now being in my 30's, I finally picked up my own FF* for $20 about a month ago. From what I've been able to learn so far it's a 1994 model, built in September. I know it is not the most beloved panel design, but when all you care about is having a FF at all, this will do, and I'm thrilled with it. It's an Extra Large Capacity, and I believe a MOL model (8-Cycles) with 2-speed clutch.
Notice the atrix above? So it isn't a FF, but a Rim Flo; more on that later.
Over the past month, I've basically disassembled it, cleaned it, fixed it and re-assembled it. The main reason that it was being sold, is that the previous owner had replaced it with another machine after he started to notice gear oil spots on the floor and decided the end might be near. So, as many of you probably know already, the lower transmission seal had to be replaced, and when in the transmission, I noticed that the lower case/carrier, the brake retainer ring was bent up between each of the screws, so I replaced that too. The tub had some rust, so I fixed that using POR-15 (using the full 3-step process), and did the same on the basket. Also during this time, I acquired FF parts, so the clothes retainer, the nozzle/flume, filter pan, mini-basket and fabric softener dispenser (latter three all came from a friend who had these un-used in his basement from the life of machine that is no longer there).
Last weekend was the first test after reassembly, and it started up and functioned fine, but the tub boot was leaking (few drips) water, and I noticed that the clutch was making some noise, but not much. Acknowledging the tub boot issue, I turned the machine off, and turned on the gentle speed. It is quite noisy and it is why I'm writing you today.
I know that these clutches can be noisy and still work for some time (forever?), but I'd like to fix it, because I want this machine to last a long time, and I feel like I'll have a better chance of finding parts now, than any number of years from now. My hunch on the root of the issue, is a bearing with too much play, which it looks like I can find replacements for without having to look too hard. BUT, I like the idea of finding a new motor and clutch that I can put in it while I take my time with it's original for a rebuild, and then I'll have that as a backup (motor and clutch) down the road. Problem is, finding an exact replacement has been somewhat difficult, but I'm wondering if I'm sweating the details too much? Here is what I have so far:
The current motor is a 1/3HP 8.0 Amp MN# WH20X10002
I've found motors on ebay:
1. 1/3HP 6.8Amp MN# WH49X271 - I'm wondering if the Large Capacity models had a lower amp motor?
2. 1/2HP 8.5Amp MN# WH20X520
...and there are others out there as well, all with slight differences in the MN. I'm guessing the 2-speed clutch, like the WH49X265 would mate up to any of these square motors of the later FF era and could therefore work with my machine?
On the Motor, I'm lost. Can any of you FF experts offer this newbie some advice?
If it helps, here is the model number of the washer: WWA8620SBLWW
Thank you very much!
Jared
