GE Filterflo? First Steps to start

[spacedogb]

Hello everyone,

Is this worth picking up? Seller is asking $200

 

[cfz2882]

I think the price is a little high for a washer that old,but could end up a very good washer-I think that washer is from about 1985-90

 

[qsd-dan]

Price is too high for a low optioned machine. Make them aware it's a 40 year old washer and talk them down a bit on the price.

 

[maytag85]

$200 is too much for something with not a lot of options. If it was a higher end machine with a matching dryer, I can see that. But just the washer with not many options? A bit too steep.

 

[pulltostart]

Can't tell from the photos if it's a single-speed or two-speed model (speed could be built-into the timer), also can't tell if it's standard capacity or large capacity; but I can see that it includes a Mini-Basket.

 

[jr2712]

Can't tell from the photos if it's a single-speed or two-speed model (speed could be built-into the timer), also can't tell if it's standard capacity or large capacity; but I can see that it includes a Mini-Basket.

Hi folks. It says Large Capacity, it means standard capacity in the GE jargon of that timeframe. Also, a good hint to know is the water level selector. Mini, Small, Medium and Large = Standard. Mini, Small, Medium, Large an Ex Large = Full Size

 

[bajaespuma]

Speaking for myself, that machine, if it's in good working condition, is worth the price just for all of the working parts which could be transplanted into many Filter-Flo's all the way back to the V-12's.
If you like it, why not? I'd love to have a working FF with a mini-basket again.
I can't think what the washbasket in good condition alone would bring, but I have 5 old machines that could be much happier with a new-ish tub without lots of rust and corrosion. Also, as time marches forward, these vintage machines are getting harder and harder to find. Most of what I see on Craigslists are current POS-es that cost a lot and are not worth spit.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

It's gotta be a standard capacity, & I am sure a single-speed, too...

I saw one discarded that I hope wasn't too rough on delicates, as the home was inhabited by at least a few "delicates" wearers, that the mini basket may have got...

Wonder what replaced it in that household & what the dryer was like (as well as the rest of the appliances)...



-- Dave

 

[goatfarmer]

Just an FYI, many machines of that era, with metal outer tubs, are now experiencing leaks because the tubs rust out.

That is all.....

 

[spacedogb]

I was able to end up talking the guy down to $100 for the Filter-Flo. It does include the mini-basket and was stored in a barn for many years. There is a lot od dirt on the outside and there were several small nails and screws inside the tub. I cleaned all of those out, and I got replacement hot and cold hoses. Is there anything else I should do to this machine before I turn on the water and give it a test run?

 

[spacedogb]

filled machine up with water plugged it in and this is what I got. There was sparks, there was smoke, and there was burnt wire smell.
View attachment IMG_4627.mov

 

[cfz2882]

where were sparks,smoke seen from ? Lid switch might be grounded out or faulty or mice may have gnawed wires while washer was in barn.Probably an easy fix.

 

[spacedogb]

where were sparks,smoke seen from ? Lid switch might be grounded out or faulty or mice may have gnawed wires while washer was in barn.Probably an easy fix.

I feel like something is binding up the motor or transmission

 

[cfz2882]

Bound up motor will just hum and then trip off overload protector-same thing if start circuit not completed because of start relay or timer fault. Take off rear panel or tip washer gently and rotate rubber pump coupler to see if motor rotates free and look for any damaged wiring.

 

[frezloh262]

But you were able to beat him up over the price....... instead of paying his asking price

 

[spacedogb]

Bound up motor will just hum and then trip off overload protector-same thing if start circuit not completed because of start relay or timer fault. Take off rear panel or tip washer gently and rotate rubber pump coupler to see if motor rotates free and look for any damaged wiring.

Here are some pics of the machine with the back off of it yesterday. Sadly, the machine is now full of water and not sure how to get it out so I can tip the machine.

 

[spacedogb]

But you were able to beat him up over the price....... instead of paying his asking price

$100 so if can't get it to really do anything, it won't hurt my feelings to get rid of it

 

[cfz2882]

Looks like the pump may have been leaking-the brown line of slung off spatter seen in line with pump coupler,black belt sling off below.Looks decent under there otherwize-visable wires look good.If pump was leaking it might be seized from the long sit.If seized and you cannot get it to rotate manually,could take the rubber coupler off and remove and see if washer operates after-lower drain hose below pump level to drain.Single speed clutch seen which is good-far more durable than aluminum belt groove 2 speed clutch. Check if pump locked up and report back

 

[spacedogb]

This is all the action I get out of the motor. I can get the bottom pulley to turn and I see the agitator moving. The top half is frozen solid. I did try hitting the clamp area with a screwdriver and hammer to try and knock it loose with no luck. I still cannot figure out how to get the water out of this thing. I have put the hose on the ground three or four times and the water is not coming out.

 

[tnmike]

This is all the action I get out of the motor. I still cannot figure out how to get the water out of this thing. I have put the hose on the ground three or four times and the water is not coming out.

Try putting the hose in and then connect it to a faucet. Turn on faucet to fill the hose full. Turn off and disconnect and lay hose down on ground. Gravity should siphon it out.