GE Filter Flo

[bosch2460]

Hey guys. I don't post too often, but I have a problem. I have an approximately 20 year old Filter Flo that is starting to leave small dots of black oil on my white clothes. I know nothing about repairing a washer. But is it even repairable? And what about approx. cost? I could have a repair man come and do it, but if I can do it myself, then I will. It gets fairly heavy use.....about 10 loads a week. It was bought used and I was hoping that it would last quite a while before giving out or being beyond repair. Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Joel

 

[coldspot66]

Sounds like a failed oil seal in the transmission. The easiest fix is a new transmission. If the outer tub is in good shape, and the clutch is not noisy, then it might be worth the cost of doing it yourself. As long as you can get the inner clothes basket out; sometimes the 3 bolts that hold the tub to the hub of the tranny can be tough to deal with.
Hope this helps!

 

[peterh770]

You can do a transmission transplant yourself for under $100. Find an appliance parts store that will sell you a rebuilt transmission. There is usually a rebate when you turn in the bad transmission you are replacing. Then see if they have the GE book on their washers of this era. It will walk you thru this step-by-step. If the tub bolts are easy to remove, you can do this repair in about 30 minutes.

 

[westytoploader]

I would be surprised if you couldn't find a Filter-Flo repair manual. That and the BD Kenmore manual are probably as common as manuals get!! However, if you can't find one locally, there's a good chance you'll find one on eBay.

Since the machine is 20 years old and you bought it used, you might want to check the condition of the transmission boot as well. You'll have to remove that in order to access the transmission so it will be right there; if it's well-worn, torn, cracked, or unusually hard, then it's probably a good idea to replace it as well!

 

[goatfarmer]

I've never replaced the trans on a GE of that era,but it doesn't look to be too bad of a job. Go for it!!

kennyGF

 

[bosch2460]

Here i am again........

OK guys. I went to the dealer that I origionally bought the Filter Flo from. I asked him all about a new or rebuilt transmission, etc, etc. He tells me that it is not really worth it to repair a machine of that age because even a rebuilt tranmission is gonna run me over $100 and if he did the repair, its $55 an hour. The man actually went to another Filter Flo and showed me what he or I would have to do to get to it. He tells me the bolts are worse to get off, the older the machine is. He says he can just do the seal for about $25. So what ya'll think about that? Should I try just the seal? I am not seeing myself putting about $200 in a 20+ year old washer. I hate to kill a Filter Flo. Nothing better than the sound of that washer as it kicks into agitation, or breaks from the spin Once again guys, thanks for the advice.

 

[toggleswitch]

GE sounds

U R so right. GE Filter-flow was my first waahser. The sounds are awsome. The falling water wets everything down if accidentally overloaded, AND falling water generates negative ions and sends a calm over the area,.....aaaaahhhhhh

Love the "ramps" on the agitiator and the up& down movement of the clothes.

 

[fixerman]

He is going to actually install the seal for $25? It is probably the seal on top of the trans housing and under the tub support. I have almost never been able to get the tub support off the trans shaft to replace that seal. The shaft is usually too coroded. If the top seal is the one you are talking about, I wouldn't bother unless you are willing to replace the oil because it has probably been contaminated with water. You would want to replace the bottom seal as well because that would be the next to go.
If he can install a seal for $25 then you might want to take a chance. Otherwise just replace the trans. You may be able to find a donor machine to get a trans out of but many GE's of that era have bottom seal leaking problems.

 

[stainfighter]

It is repairable, if you want to keep it

If you really want to keep it, why not +invest+ the $250 - 300 ? You have a known quantity in the machine in terms of cleaning ability. $300 won't buy you much in terms of a new traditional top loader and may only last you five years before its transmission goes too! However, if you are thinking of switching to a FL then now would be the time to do it though there is a learning curve with a FL. The water savings and quicker drying times are two reasons. just my .02. Good Luck with whatever you decide about your Filter-Flo. Mom had one that supported a family of seven for 17 years, an average of 4 loads daily except Sundays. Same thing happened and it was replaced with a KM that lasted 18 years.

 

[peterh770]

I never had the top oil seals fail. On mine, it's the lower seal and the area under the machine gets flooded with oil. Still, my advise is to shop around for rebuilt transmissions and do it yourself.

 

[cleanteamofny]

I must agree with Peter, GE machines are very user friendly to repair. When replacing the transmission, replace the boot at the same time so you don't have to go there again within the next 15-20 years!