Hey everybody. I have noticed that GE has used several different motors over the years. I noticed that the GE filter-flos and post filter-flos had different motors - a rounded one and a squared one. The filter-flos have an interesting sound that would emit a d and at times even an f tone on normal speed. I don't hear that on the post filter-flos although both motors spin at 1725 rpm's on normal/fast speed. What are your thoughts on GE washer motors? Which of them were big and bulky?
GE motors
- Thread starter gelaundry4ever
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motor vent
When I looked on top of the motor on my GE washer, I noticed there was an air vent. I like the nice whirring sound.
When I looked on top of the motor on my GE washer, I noticed there was an air vent. I like the nice whirring sound.
cfz2882
Well-known member
GE washer motors
the round motors,which could be disassembled,were used through about 1967,replaced ~1968 by the gray square welded together motors-color changed from gray painted to a silvery galvanized color~1990.Most FF motors are 1/3 hp,but some are 1/2 hp.I don't know much about the std motors used in ~1996 up GE washers,but I think they are relay start split phase.Hydrowave GE washers use an inverter driven 3 phase motor that can rev up to ~10,000 RPM for spin.Fins cast into the rotor end rings circulate cooling air through the motor.
the round motors,which could be disassembled,were used through about 1967,replaced ~1968 by the gray square welded together motors-color changed from gray painted to a silvery galvanized color~1990.Most FF motors are 1/3 hp,but some are 1/2 hp.I don't know much about the std motors used in ~1996 up GE washers,but I think they are relay start split phase.Hydrowave GE washers use an inverter driven 3 phase motor that can rev up to ~10,000 RPM for spin.Fins cast into the rotor end rings circulate cooling air through the motor.
GE washer motors
My GE washer has a 1/2 horsepower motor. When I had a filter-flo set, the washer emitted a d and f tone when on the normal speed agitation. The agitation on my current GE has an e flat tone. I think it sounds neat.
My GE washer has a 1/2 horsepower motor. When I had a filter-flo set, the washer emitted a d and f tone when on the normal speed agitation. The agitation on my current GE has an e flat tone. I think it sounds neat.
I've always loved the sound that GE FF motors made. They were all very well designed and built. The motor from my parents old 1964-era FF does its duty as a polisher motor now. It still works, even after all of these years.
GE bulky motors
How big and bulky are these motors compared to what they have on their washers now?
How big and bulky are these motors compared to what they have on their washers now?
quick start
I also like how the GE washer drive motors start quickly, almost instantly. I wonder why the GE post filter-flos don't have that intense motor vibration like the filter-flos do. When I examined the drive system, I noticed that the motor sits on a platform. I have to say that GE's have heavy-duty motors in them.
I also like how the GE washer drive motors start quickly, almost instantly. I wonder why the GE post filter-flos don't have that intense motor vibration like the filter-flos do. When I examined the drive system, I noticed that the motor sits on a platform. I have to say that GE's have heavy-duty motors in them.
cfz2882
Well-known member
filter flo vibration
because of the way a filter flo clutch shaft is clamped to the motor shaft with a u-bolt,there is usually ~.030-.040"of runout(wobble)of the whole clutch and pump drive hub on a filter flo-causing vibration-I like to correct this condition whenever I have clutch apart on a filter flo.Single speed clutch (cast iron pulley)is otherwise pretty good-on the two speed clutches,the pulley is aluminum and wears rapidly if the belt gets a little loose and starts to slip.All filterflo motors are 1725 RPM in order to maintain full "filter flo"stream-two speed clutch creates the "low" speed by beginning to slip as the clutch body gets up to low speed "slip'RPM
because of the way a filter flo clutch shaft is clamped to the motor shaft with a u-bolt,there is usually ~.030-.040"of runout(wobble)of the whole clutch and pump drive hub on a filter flo-causing vibration-I like to correct this condition whenever I have clutch apart on a filter flo.Single speed clutch (cast iron pulley)is otherwise pretty good-on the two speed clutches,the pulley is aluminum and wears rapidly if the belt gets a little loose and starts to slip.All filterflo motors are 1725 RPM in order to maintain full "filter flo"stream-two speed clutch creates the "low" speed by beginning to slip as the clutch body gets up to low speed "slip'RPM
post filter-flo motor normal speed
The post filter-flo motors are also at 1725 when set to normal/fast speed.
The post filter-flo motors are also at 1725 when set to normal/fast speed.
washer artile
Here is the GE laundry push article. It does mention the washer having a "heavy-duty" 1/2 horsepower motor which are single and double speed. How GE went for the single speed clutch if favor of the single speed motor is beyond me. I assume that these motors run at 1725 rpm's. Nevertheless, they sound way different from the filter-flos. The whirr is an octave higher and the agitation is more violent. I guess GE ironed out the wrinkles in 2000. Granted, my GE is working fine. Everything works, including the motor. The only thing that has ever been replaced is the agitator. GE has used several different motors over the years. The filter-flo and post filter-flo drive motors seem big and bulky by today's standards to me. Now, GE's sound similar to the whirlpool/maytags of today especially when agitating.
Here is the GE laundry push article. It does mention the washer having a "heavy-duty" 1/2 horsepower motor which are single and double speed. How GE went for the single speed clutch if favor of the single speed motor is beyond me. I assume that these motors run at 1725 rpm's. Nevertheless, they sound way different from the filter-flos. The whirr is an octave higher and the agitation is more violent. I guess GE ironed out the wrinkles in 2000. Granted, my GE is working fine. Everything works, including the motor. The only thing that has ever been replaced is the agitator. GE has used several different motors over the years. The filter-flo and post filter-flo drive motors seem big and bulky by today's standards to me. Now, GE's sound similar to the whirlpool/maytags of today especially when agitating.
second attempt
Here is the second attempt.
Here is the second attempt.
GE laundry push: line retooled to take on the leaders. - Free Online Library
Free Online Library: GE laundry push: line retooled to take on the leaders. (GE Appliance washing machines, dryers) by "HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network"; Home furnishings industry Business Appliance industry Product introduction Clothes dryers Home appliances industry...
www.thefreelibrary.com
motor durability
I was always under the impression that GE motors couldn't handle high torque loads. I have noticed that the post filter-flos have varying levels of quiet like their filter-flo ancestors before them.
I was always under the impression that GE motors couldn't handle high torque loads. I have noticed that the post filter-flos have varying levels of quiet like their filter-flo ancestors before them.
One thing I can vouch for is the quietness of the motor itself, as well as how well they balance.
Agitation was actually pretty violent and loud, with that silly 90 degree arc shredding everything.
I used to have a few of these style GE washers in apartments.
They were adequate.
As the article states, they were actually a challenge to get them to go out of balance. In order to remotely make the tub tap the cabinet, I'd have to pile wet jeans all on one side of the basket. A scenario that is almost impossible in normal washing situations.
Agitation was actually pretty violent and loud, with that silly 90 degree arc shredding everything.
I used to have a few of these style GE washers in apartments.
They were adequate.
As the article states, they were actually a challenge to get them to go out of balance. In order to remotely make the tub tap the cabinet, I'd have to pile wet jeans all on one side of the basket. A scenario that is almost impossible in normal washing situations.
joeypete
Well-known member
I remember when these new washers came out. My partner and I had just purchased a house and we needed a new washer/dryer set. TV commercials touted how big the tubs were...probably the biggest of the time. This was about 1996-1997. We just got a Whirlpool because the GE's seemed more expensive. Not sure if that was true or not.
GE tsunami
I remember when I got mine in approx. 2001, my family would run it daily. You would always hear sawing along with the water tsunami going on even when filled to capacity. I believe GE did that 90 degree agitation arc to rival Whirlpool and Maytag. 16 years later, still cleaning like the day it was new. I've noticed that there was a paint melting smell. Have you guys seen the GE washer phone book test?
I remember when I got mine in approx. 2001, my family would run it daily. You would always hear sawing along with the water tsunami going on even when filled to capacity. I believe GE did that 90 degree agitation arc to rival Whirlpool and Maytag. 16 years later, still cleaning like the day it was new. I've noticed that there was a paint melting smell. Have you guys seen the GE washer phone book test?
windings
On the article, GE laundry push, GE touts that their motors use copper windings.
On the article, GE laundry push, GE touts that their motors use copper windings.
GE laundry push: line retooled to take on the leaders. - Free Online Library
Free Online Library: GE laundry push: line retooled to take on the leaders. (GE Appliance washing machines, dryers) by "HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network"; Home furnishings industry Business Appliance industry Product introduction Clothes dryers Home appliances industry...
www.thefreelibrary.com
