GE Filter-Flo Daily Driver?
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cfz2882
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FF DD
they are archaic and quite loud by modern standards and they can break down as all filter flo s are vintage now,but they are very easy(usually)to repair-I have had a 1981 FF on daily driver row since '91 and it has needed fixed about 6 times since then-including motor replacement and transmission repair(big stash of salvaged parts came in handy)rust out of outer tub can happen with these but that situation is quite repairable.
they are archaic and quite loud by modern standards and they can break down as all filter flo s are vintage now,but they are very easy(usually)to repair-I have had a 1981 FF on daily driver row since '91 and it has needed fixed about 6 times since then-including motor replacement and transmission repair(big stash of salvaged parts came in handy)rust out of outer tub can happen with these but that situation is quite repairable.
Great machines
I have 2 late 70's Filter-Flo's that work perfectly, aren't crude at all, easily serviced, wash everything from dirty rags and blue jeans to delicate/gentle knits. Any brand that age should have a good tune-up before being put into daily use, but I have found GE Filter-Flo's to be well worth it. Washing turnover is great, excellent rinsing, lots of options, relatively quiet machines. Try to find a MOL to high-end, 2 speeds for sure, and most have lots of cycles to choose from. I have a variety of machines I enjoy and never want to part with, but if I was forced into strictly one washer, I'd keep my Filter-Flo for sure.
I have 2 late 70's Filter-Flo's that work perfectly, aren't crude at all, easily serviced, wash everything from dirty rags and blue jeans to delicate/gentle knits. Any brand that age should have a good tune-up before being put into daily use, but I have found GE Filter-Flo's to be well worth it. Washing turnover is great, excellent rinsing, lots of options, relatively quiet machines. Try to find a MOL to high-end, 2 speeds for sure, and most have lots of cycles to choose from. I have a variety of machines I enjoy and never want to part with, but if I was forced into strictly one washer, I'd keep my Filter-Flo for sure.
I would use one without hesitation. The problems I'm seeing these days are that the outer tubs are getting rust holes in them. But then they are 20+ years old.
as others have already said.....finding one in good shape....and jsut the same do a good going over to place in daily se....
pick one, again, medium to high end, and you will have a versatile machine to handle any load any way you choose.....
if there is one machine I had to keep out of my collection, it would be the filterflo....the variations of cycles, speeds and options is endless....
also a matter of how vintage you want in a machine....I like the 1985 versions best
pick one, again, medium to high end, and you will have a versatile machine to handle any load any way you choose.....
if there is one machine I had to keep out of my collection, it would be the filterflo....the variations of cycles, speeds and options is endless....
also a matter of how vintage you want in a machine....I like the 1985 versions best
you can also have some fun with different agitators, mini baskets, and filters....like I said, enless fun!
Cards on the table; washing machines have evolved.
As everyone on this site knows, I'm a Filter-Flo fan. I don't use them as daily drivers because, frankly, nothing I've ever experienced in this country washes and extracts as well as my LG front-loader. The capacity is huge, I've washed 24 lbs. of towels in it without a problem, and it rinses well while being ridiculously stingy with water. Lint isn't an issue, I don't have pets though, so that might be a consideration. Also, if I had lots of small loads, the mini-basket is a very nice thing to have. We've had this discussion before--I wouldn't be surprised if FF's created more lint than they filter out.
My Parents' last automatic washer was one of the GE's pictured above. Installed on a solid concrete basement floor, the machine was relatively quiet and vibration-free. It washed and rinsed their clothes very well for a top-loader of that era. I think it did a better job than a contemporary Maytag that I owned at the time.
As everyone on this site knows, I'm a Filter-Flo fan. I don't use them as daily drivers because, frankly, nothing I've ever experienced in this country washes and extracts as well as my LG front-loader. The capacity is huge, I've washed 24 lbs. of towels in it without a problem, and it rinses well while being ridiculously stingy with water. Lint isn't an issue, I don't have pets though, so that might be a consideration. Also, if I had lots of small loads, the mini-basket is a very nice thing to have. We've had this discussion before--I wouldn't be surprised if FF's created more lint than they filter out.
My Parents' last automatic washer was one of the GE's pictured above. Installed on a solid concrete basement floor, the machine was relatively quiet and vibration-free. It washed and rinsed their clothes very well for a top-loader of that era. I think it did a better job than a contemporary Maytag that I owned at the time.
I haven't used or owned an 80's version of the Filter-Flo, but based on the performance of the 60s and 70s models I have used I'd definitely give these machine a 'thumbs-up' for daily-driver use!
And my 'GE Bias' has nothing to do with this.... LOL
And my 'GE Bias' has nothing to do with this.... LOL
One thing about GEs is that they are very thirsty. If you are on a well or live where water rates are high, that can be a factor. Also, if you are going to use a machine of any age as your daily driver, it helps to have a second or even three or more machines to spread out the work. An added bonus: if you have a second machine, you can drain the wash water from the GE into the second machine, add some detergent and wash a second load of clothes, instantly cutting water consumption by half.
When you get your GE and lift up the top, you will see how much room there is between the basket and the outer tub. The reason for this is that GE kept the same suspension system from their solid tub machines when they went to the perforated basket machines so the perforated inner tub needs just as much room to swing around in the outer tub as the solid tub did, but that area has to be filled with water in the perforated tub machine. Granted the FilterFlo system helps pump all of that water through the load, but I found that I could wash larger loads in my large capacity KitchenAid washer than I could in my V12 GE with the same amount of water when I drained wash water from the GE into the KA.
I found that the spiral ramp Activator gives better turnover than the straight vane Activators. A single speed machine without the clutch will be less trouble-prone. Unlike most two speed machines, GE does not use a two speed motor, but uses the clutch to shift the speed from slow to fast so that the motor can provide a constant high speed to the pump for the filtering. The clutch is a part that might be hard to find in the coming years. ABOVE ALL, DO NOT CHANGE THE SPEED SETTING WHILE THE WASHER IS OPERATING. They say that it can be changed from slow to fast, but never the other way while operating. That used to be what service people said. It may or may not be the rule any longer, but don't do anything to risk damage to your classic machine.
About the rust in the outer tub: when you have the top raised, look where the drain hole in the tub is located and level the machine with a slight tilt to that corner to encourage drainage and keep the lid up when the machine is not in use. GE used a gasket between the outer tub and the top of the machine so there is almost no air flow to dry it out like in other top loaders when the top is down. When you find a machine, check for rust under the machine top. That will have to be treated to prevent rusting through.
Best wishes with your quest.
When you get your GE and lift up the top, you will see how much room there is between the basket and the outer tub. The reason for this is that GE kept the same suspension system from their solid tub machines when they went to the perforated basket machines so the perforated inner tub needs just as much room to swing around in the outer tub as the solid tub did, but that area has to be filled with water in the perforated tub machine. Granted the FilterFlo system helps pump all of that water through the load, but I found that I could wash larger loads in my large capacity KitchenAid washer than I could in my V12 GE with the same amount of water when I drained wash water from the GE into the KA.
I found that the spiral ramp Activator gives better turnover than the straight vane Activators. A single speed machine without the clutch will be less trouble-prone. Unlike most two speed machines, GE does not use a two speed motor, but uses the clutch to shift the speed from slow to fast so that the motor can provide a constant high speed to the pump for the filtering. The clutch is a part that might be hard to find in the coming years. ABOVE ALL, DO NOT CHANGE THE SPEED SETTING WHILE THE WASHER IS OPERATING. They say that it can be changed from slow to fast, but never the other way while operating. That used to be what service people said. It may or may not be the rule any longer, but don't do anything to risk damage to your classic machine.
About the rust in the outer tub: when you have the top raised, look where the drain hole in the tub is located and level the machine with a slight tilt to that corner to encourage drainage and keep the lid up when the machine is not in use. GE used a gasket between the outer tub and the top of the machine so there is almost no air flow to dry it out like in other top loaders when the top is down. When you find a machine, check for rust under the machine top. That will have to be treated to prevent rusting through.
Best wishes with your quest.
I was thinking about this FF. It is right in my town but a little pricey.
http://images.craigslist.org/00707_fRwcpT5uXaI_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/00707_fRwcpT5uXaI_600x450.jpg
what do you consider pricey Doug?......
also need a closeup of that panel.....3 knobs....water level, water temp, the 3rd could be extra rinse or SpotScrubber option.....a rare one if it is!.....
then again......you could get a matched set like these......
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/app/3898543142.html
also need a closeup of that panel.....3 knobs....water level, water temp, the 3rd could be extra rinse or SpotScrubber option.....a rare one if it is!.....
then again......you could get a matched set like these......
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/app/3898543142.html
another mix/matched set in your area Doug......almond washer...white big door/capacity dryer......kinda steep, 250.00 for the set....
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/app/3985727328.html
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/app/3985727328.html
finding FilterFlo's
Martin------the temps and speeds are normally in the toggle switches or pushbuttons, though GE certainly had many designs. Maybe too many knobs means a Suds Saver model, like mine? Seems like second only to Kenmore, GE has a wide range of options, meaning lots of different toggles, buttons, dials, etc, through the years on very similar dashboards, too hard to decipher unless you get a great close-up shot.
Too pricey? Keep looking if it's out of your budget. GE sold well and lasted a long time, at least one FF comes up monthly in Ohio. Craigslist seems best around here. As much as I like them, 2 GE's is enough for my basement. I also gotta have Kenmore space, Whirlpool space, Maytag, Norge, GM Frigidaire, etc....
Martin------the temps and speeds are normally in the toggle switches or pushbuttons, though GE certainly had many designs. Maybe too many knobs means a Suds Saver model, like mine? Seems like second only to Kenmore, GE has a wide range of options, meaning lots of different toggles, buttons, dials, etc, through the years on very similar dashboards, too hard to decipher unless you get a great close-up shot.
Too pricey? Keep looking if it's out of your budget. GE sold well and lasted a long time, at least one FF comes up monthly in Ohio. Craigslist seems best around here. As much as I like them, 2 GE's is enough for my basement. I also gotta have Kenmore space, Whirlpool space, Maytag, Norge, GM Frigidaire, etc....
see Mark....we got you hooked!......
space limited????.....time to think stacking....something like this....circa 1985
newton tranny and chrome strips.....a traditional Maytag beauty
http://cnj.craigslist.org/app/3904650207.html
space limited????.....time to think stacking....something like this....circa 1985
newton tranny and chrome strips.....a traditional Maytag beauty
http://cnj.craigslist.org/app/3904650207.html
non digital....mechanical timers.....circa 1990/2000's......I mean, come on, a true Maytag for $50.00....you can't go wrong!....keep in mind, this one is an orbital tranny....what are you waiting for?
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/app/3979043617.html
http://annapolis.craigslist.org/app/3979043617.html
Martin.....
you are an instigator! for one thing, my basement ceiling would likely not fit stacked sets. Also, I have a variety of machines awaiting repair--Norge, 1-18, Blackstone, 1950 Kenmore.........I ain't done collecting, but am sort of "on hold" for a bit while I get those all working again.
But as far as Filter-Flo's go, I'd have to say they are the machine that has risen the very most in my estimation from when I first found this group. I used them in apartment and laundromat laundry rooms for years, no filters or fabric dispensers, locked lids, etc. I thought of them as cheap commercial units. Then I got one here at home through this groups advice and Yogitune's repair advice/fine-tuning ideas. Such wash action! Rinsing deluxe. Lint filtering. Soap dispenser. Fabic softener dispenser. Multiple cycles. Options! dependability. Turnover! Large loads. Small delicates. But I am preaching to the choir......then I found another one for $25 that is a Suds Saver!!!! I could go on and on or just stop typing
you are an instigator! for one thing, my basement ceiling would likely not fit stacked sets. Also, I have a variety of machines awaiting repair--Norge, 1-18, Blackstone, 1950 Kenmore.........I ain't done collecting, but am sort of "on hold" for a bit while I get those all working again.
But as far as Filter-Flo's go, I'd have to say they are the machine that has risen the very most in my estimation from when I first found this group. I used them in apartment and laundromat laundry rooms for years, no filters or fabric dispensers, locked lids, etc. I thought of them as cheap commercial units. Then I got one here at home through this groups advice and Yogitune's repair advice/fine-tuning ideas. Such wash action! Rinsing deluxe. Lint filtering. Soap dispenser. Fabic softener dispenser. Multiple cycles. Options! dependability. Turnover! Large loads. Small delicates. But I am preaching to the choir......then I found another one for $25 that is a Suds Saver!!!! I could go on and on or just stop typing
yeah...you got me there...an instigator!....
but is there any more joy to be had than opening one's eyes to the wonders of collecting, and especially machines you normally would not have given a second thought to...and now, can't live without!....it's contagious!....
something about "Mark's", I got you hooked....next on my list is Mark/Williams637....fair warning of a Jeep pulling up with a flatbed of machines!....I am on a mission....lol
believe me, I know.....I hated my mothers GE V12....and now look at me....then again, if her's had all these options, that may have been a different story....
one nice things about these Maytags.....you would not have a problem getting thim into your basement compared to most stacked units.....these come apart, and re-assembled on site!...
just how tall is your ceiling?.....run run run....go measure!
but is there any more joy to be had than opening one's eyes to the wonders of collecting, and especially machines you normally would not have given a second thought to...and now, can't live without!....it's contagious!....
something about "Mark's", I got you hooked....next on my list is Mark/Williams637....fair warning of a Jeep pulling up with a flatbed of machines!....I am on a mission....lol
believe me, I know.....I hated my mothers GE V12....and now look at me....then again, if her's had all these options, that may have been a different story....
one nice things about these Maytags.....you would not have a problem getting thim into your basement compared to most stacked units.....these come apart, and re-assembled on site!...
just how tall is your ceiling?.....run run run....go measure!
GE FF as a DD
Would be very fun as Martin pointed out. The splashy washing and various combinations of agitators and MBs are very cool. Although I must say for overall washing and reliability a boring old WP/KM Direct Drive would serve you best. Just my opinion.
WK78
Would be very fun as Martin pointed out. The splashy washing and various combinations of agitators and MBs are very cool. Although I must say for overall washing and reliability a boring old WP/KM Direct Drive would serve you best. Just my opinion.
WK78
GE FF As A Daily Driver
Could work well and are actually one of the easiest machines to repair from this time period. They are very CRUDE machines, they guzzle water, they are noisy, they bang their inner baskets against against the outer tub immediately chipping off the porcelain enamel sometimes on the machines very first load of clothing and the rust begins.
The 2 speed machines have a clutch that SLIPS Constantly if you dare to use the low speed setting [ it is like keeping your manual transmission car from rolling backwards on a hill by keeping it in gear with your foot on the clutch and letting it slip away ] not recommended in the owners manual, LOL.
FF washers also love to eat small items by throwing them into the outer tub when trying to pump out the wash or rinse water and spinning at the same time all the while turning your load of clean clothing into a giant lint filter as the draining water is forced through the clothing over and over again as it tries to go down the drain.
GE FF washers are also by far the most likely washers ever to have serious oil leaking problems and it either goes on the floor or worse yet into your laundry.
All that considered they can be fun machines and I have several in our museum that I would not part with however I have never kept one in my personal laundry for very long, but I do have the advantage of being able to repair any brand of machine, however the easy repair-ability and the plentiful # of GE FFs may make them worthwhile for many other collectors
Could work well and are actually one of the easiest machines to repair from this time period. They are very CRUDE machines, they guzzle water, they are noisy, they bang their inner baskets against against the outer tub immediately chipping off the porcelain enamel sometimes on the machines very first load of clothing and the rust begins.
The 2 speed machines have a clutch that SLIPS Constantly if you dare to use the low speed setting [ it is like keeping your manual transmission car from rolling backwards on a hill by keeping it in gear with your foot on the clutch and letting it slip away ] not recommended in the owners manual, LOL.
FF washers also love to eat small items by throwing them into the outer tub when trying to pump out the wash or rinse water and spinning at the same time all the while turning your load of clean clothing into a giant lint filter as the draining water is forced through the clothing over and over again as it tries to go down the drain.
GE FF washers are also by far the most likely washers ever to have serious oil leaking problems and it either goes on the floor or worse yet into your laundry.
All that considered they can be fun machines and I have several in our museum that I would not part with however I have never kept one in my personal laundry for very long, but I do have the advantage of being able to repair any brand of machine, however the easy repair-ability and the plentiful # of GE FFs may make them worthwhile for many other collectors
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