GE filter Flo up and running

[spinspeed]

Timer running too fast

So I was wondering if the timer was running at double speed because the washer was made in Canada and I guess the electricity is run at 110 volts same as USA. In Australia we have 240 volts. Though the info on the model number plate says 240 volts, perhaps the timer motor should run with 110 volts. I think this is an unlikely cause of the timer running at double speed but wonder what others may thiink? My knowledge of electrics is very basic. This issue really has me stumped.

 

[davy1063]

Just a guess....

What is the AC frequency in Australia? 50Hz or 60Hz?

Do you think that would make a difference? Is there any listing of frequency on the motor, timer or the washer itself??

Dave.

 

[spinspeed]

Hi Dave, the washer is marked as running at 50Hz. Here in Australia we run our power at 230 volts and 50Hz. I kind of figured that the main motor running the agitator and spin would burn out if not designed to run on 230volts. I guess the same would be true for the timer motor too. Very strange...

Simon

 

[cfz2882]

timer speed

the timer has a synchronus motor so it will run at design speed even on twice the
volts.So far all the 220v/50hz filter flo i have seen have all been made in canada
even though canada is same 120v/60 hz as u.s.-GE must use the canadian plant for
"export"washers.
Does seem the problem is in the timer's gear train or something wrong with one of the contact actuator cams in the timer.

 

[spinspeed]

Thanks, that all makes sense and agree, I don't think the different voltage would be the issue. It still seems that the timer is stuck on a faster speed for use with the mini basket. Not having much luck getting a new timer for it, drawn blanks so far. Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

I got a new filter that sits on top of the agitator. I ordered it from the US and it arrived yesterday. Ran it thru a wash and it got lots of lint trapped in it at the end of the wash.
Simon

 

[combo52]

FAST GE WASHER TIMER

Sorry I did not see this and respond earlier. Your timer is one speed only, you likely have a bad or the wrong timer motor or maybe the complete timer should be replaced. Keep looking it is out there somewhere. GE never used the two speed timer feature in the 1980s and never with the quick disconnect timers like this machine has that GE did not build. The two speed timers were used on late 1960s machines through much of the 1970s on very high end models only, and it was always on machines that had the GE built all black plastic bodied timers.

 

Did you see what voltage, cycles and maybe timer motor speed is listed on the timer motor it self? This might help us see if the motor is the wrong one. If you can even find another GE washer or even a new or used timer for the same, you may be able to just switch the timer motor to your timer, many timer motors are interchangeable within certain time periods.

 

[spinspeed]

Hi John,

Many thanks for your reply. Very interesting information. So the GE Filta Flo washers from the 80s don't have a two speed timer, figures as there seems to be no mechanism for switching between the two speeds. I will check out to see if there is any more info on the timer motor. It looks like it will be really easy to replace the motor if I can get another one. I will still keep looking for a new timer. The washer works really well aside the timer going to fast. I manually repeat the wash cycle and first spin out and spray rinse to ensure good results. Final spin is short but in a hot sunny country like Australia not a problem.
Cheers
Simon.

 

[cfz2882]

filter flo timers

i checked my filter flo spares stash and all the eaton timers i had(5)were all
#905c969-g044 with a 60hz,#wh12x643,1/3 rpm timer motor-noticed on the diagrams you
posted,230v/50hz machine normally has a wh12x646 timer motor.A 60hz timer motor
will run a little slow on 50 hz...

 

[spinspeed]

Hi cfz2882,

Do you think a 60 hz would work on my machine? I would rather the timer were a little too slow than running at double speed. If it would work would it be possible to buy one from you? I would be most grateful. Look forward to hearing back from you.

Cheers

Simon

 

[cfz2882]

60hz timer motor should work fine-a resistor would have to be added in series for
230v,but easily done.The motor on your timer should have the rpm given on it-see
what it says-someone may have put the wrong motor on.If needed,i could look into
sending you a 60hz timer motor and suitable dropping resistor.

 

[cfz2882]

timer motor

i tried a spare timer motor and since the coil impedance was over 5000 ohms,tried
it on 230v to see what would happen:-wouldn't run,just buzzed a little-seems the
magnetism is too strong with 230v on 115v coil and rotor won't turn...I'll see
what size resistor works good

 

[spinspeed]

Thanks so much for trying, really appreciate your help. What I understand of electricity I could write down on a stamp. I am much more mechanically minded but great to hear your explanations.

Got the new filter tray going again in the washer this morning.

 

[cfz2882]

115v timer motor on 230v

i could send you a 60hz timer motor(along with suitable resistor)if you need one-
never sent anything down to australia before,but have got e-bay buys sent to me
from russia and moldova-radios and electronics

 

[spinspeed]

If you could send me one that would be fantastic! What would I need to do with the resistor, bearing In mind I have very little knowledge of electricity?

I can pass on my address directly to you and I need to figure out how to pay you. Let me know what you think.

Many thanks

Simon

 

[cfz2882]

i'll wire the resistor into the timer motor wires as soon as i find what size works
good-will be all "plug and play"on your end.i don't want any payment for the motor
as i got plenty of them,but i will have to find the cost for shipment to australia
and figure out a payment method-is it possible to send to australia freight collect
or anything like that?
Anyway,the process of gettting this from "pointA" to "pointB"has begun

 

[spinspeed]

That is great, thank you so much for helping me out, really appreciate it. I guess you could send regular parcel post and I could pay you via paypal? Would that work? Alternatively, I could send cash via mail in $US. Not sure how else to do it. Not usre if there are any postal services where payment is made at the point of delivery. Just had a quick look on line and didn't come up with anything.I am sure we can work something out..

Cheers

Simon

 

[tolivac]

Why not use a small 230V-120V stepdown transformer to run the 120V timer from 230V?this would be more efficient.Yes,the transformer is more expensive-but more efficient-can you get 120V on the supply you are using?one of the hots to neutral or ground?

 

[spinspeed]

I have a 240 volt to 110 volt transformer, two in fact that are designed to plug appliances from USA in to UK or Australian power supply. The rest of the machine is designed to run on 240 volts, I don't think it would work very well on 110 volts. I also have a Maytag Atlantis washer and dryer pair I brought in the UK. Both these are designed to run on 240 volts too. I guess appliances for export out of USA are built to match power supply in country of destination.

Not really sure why thre are differences in voltage. I guess 110 volts is much safer than 240 volts. Less likely to die from an electrics shock from 110 than 240?

 

[tolivac]

Reality-both voltages are LETHAL!!!!Take care with either!!The timer should be able to work on 110-120V.more people-at least in the US are nailed fatally on 120V than any other power voltage-becuase its the most often used-and cavaliar attitude---"Its only 120V it won't hurt me"famous last words.

 

[eronie]

timer

I still say there is a shifter on the back of timer !take it out and look on the back side Dial side there will be a lever close to the knob steem!