Ge Filter Flo Clutch

[rodb]

Wondering if anyone has a parts list or know where I can find a repacement 2 speed clutch or a clutch pn for our machine from 1991? She was grinding for some time and now can't spin a load out. Model is WWA8808MAL
Water pump needs to be replaced too as it's starting to leak thru the weep hole. She made it 30 years and no repairs to date. Still looks new!

 

[repairguy]

The easiest way to fix this problem quickly and effectively for long term dependability is a motor and 2 speed clutch assembly part number WH49X271. There is some New Old Stock available on eBay and sometimes members here have some extras. The pump is WH23X42.

 

[rodb]

That was a quick reply! Thank You so much. Make sense to replace the 30 yr old motor as well.

 

[repairguy]

It’s just a lot easier and quicker. Those clutches can be repaired but you better have time and patience. If it’s been making noise for a long time there’s a good chance it has eaten into the motor shaft.

 

[mtn1584]

No sound worse…..

than a GE Filter Flo with a grinding clutch!! The sound can make your fillings come loose in your mouth!
My mother lived with a grinding clutch for YEARS!!! That is until we bought her a new FF in 1991 in which the same issue started happening and the dealer replaced the trannie for her.

QUESTION: Why did GE Filter Flo Washers especially the 2 speed models go through transmissions every 5 years or so with the tell take oil spots on clothing?

Mike

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

My filterflo is still in great shape and not a grinding

Clutch to be heard

 

[rodb]

Hope my transmission is ok. No oil on the clothes. Is that the only tell tale sign on the transmission going out?

 

[cfz2882]

they will sling oil off the pulley once iron particals worn off of the spring clutch and other internal parts get between the oil seal lip and the input shaft.

 

[repairguy]

The majority of filter flo transmission failures that I’ve seen in the last 30 years were bottom seal failures and leaking oil through the bottom and slinging oil on everything underneath the machine including the floor.

 

[historian]

Rodb, it has been a while since I have studied the FF design and if it has been grinding it probably is just the clutch. However, as best i can remember there is a "spring" in the transmission that tightens on the shaft in the tranny when the motor reverses and causes the tub to spin. Occasionally that part will break and cause it not to spin. Again, it has been a while since I've been in a FF tranny.

I've never experienced the tranny top bearing seal causing the oil on the clothes but I have replaced a couple of the bottom seals. They are pretty easy to replace. It's a good idea to check occasionally on an elderly FF for the leaky bottom seal and change your seal and fluid if it's a leaker.

My amateur 2 cents worth lol

 

[rodb]

Thanks for you input Historian. I pulled the clutch and motor out yesterday. Was easy. Verified there was no leaking oil in the tranny. Clutch was loose as heck and had a ton of play side to side and could even pull it up some. Tried to upload the vid, but no luck.

 

[rodb]

Thanks for everyone's help. I found a new two speed clutch/motor assembly and a new water pump on e bay. Installed all and the old lady works like new again. I forgot how quiet it was when it newer! It just hums along while running.

 

[repairguy]

Congrats on getting the old gal running up to par again!

 

[rinso]

Rumor has it that since GE FF used two-speed clutches instead of 2-speed motors, if one resists using the delicate cycle too often, the clutch will last a lot longer. It's just what I read somewhere, my source could be wrong.

 

[maytag85]

I have no idea why GE used 2 speed clutches instead of 2 speed motors but must have been a headache to deal with when it wasn’t working properly and was a bigger headache when oil leaked into the wash water and sometimes all the oil would leak into the wash water if the top of the transmission corroded through and the oil in the transmission (all 2 quarts of it) would spill out if the break assembly punched a hole in the side of the transmission.

 

[DADoES]

 
They touted it as providing for continuous full-speed FilterFlo-ing and drain.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I thought that changing the speed when the washer was running is what damages the clutch.  Am I correct?

 

[goatfarmer]

Going from low to high when running is OK. Not the other way around.

 

[combo52]

Changing Speed On GE FF Washers

It does not hurt either way, low to hi or high to low, if you switch high to low with the washer running it just will not shift down till the motor stops.

 

Reply #15 is correct, GE engineers wanted the pump always running at full speed for better pump out and filter flow and mini-basket performance.

 

John L.