GE Slow Fill

[wishwash]

I was given a GE “Vicks” front loader pair for free. Both work well with the exception of the washer. On large loads it decides to drain and pause the cycle during initial fill. It will wash after re-starting the cycle.

I’ve noticed water trickles in very slowly from a small nozzle the size of a pencil tip. I’ve cleaned the fill valve screens, no change. What’s the catch?? Is there some other fill nozzle I don’t see?

 

[bradfordwhite]

Did you check the hoses connecting to the faucets?
Sometimes hose ALSO have screens that could become plugged.

Is it the plumbing piping?
Did you check the water coming out of the faucet with a bucket?

 

[wishwash]

Hoses are in good shape with no screens. It’s not the home’s plumbing either.
I had a Duet front loader hooked up before without issues.

I’m wondering if it’s just time to replace the solenoid valve, but the tiny fill nozzle in the tub gasket is throwing me off. Is there another fill nozzle somewhere that may be clogged?

 

[henene4]

Is it flushing the detergent dispenser properly?

Best would be to pull off the top and check where that nozzle goes to?

 

[DADoES]

 
Filling on a frontloader is normally, primarily, through the dispenser drawer, with a diverter mechanism or multiple solenoids involved to direct the flow through the various cups at the proper time (detergent, bleach, softener).  The little nozzle is not likely the main flow route.  You didn't cite the model number of the machine for parts diagrams look-up to see what all is involved.

 

[henene4]

Manualslib has several service manuals.
The one I pulled has 2 valves and a 4 way diverter.

The hose to the front goes off of a connection to the drawer.
Don't think much water should come from there.

But that was the TOL model with some sort of bulk dispenser system.

So telling us a model number would help.

 

[bradfordwhite]

If you take the top off you should see all the hoses and valves.
Take a picture so you remember where everything was.

Then take the pieces out and clean. You might just need to soak plastic pieces in vinegar to get rid of lime build up. There might be a blockage in one of the solenoids from the previous persons bad plumbing.

 

[wishwash]

Model Number

PFWS4600L0WW

I'll probably tear into it here soon and see what I find. The unit sat for a long time which is probably why its not filling correctly. I cleaned a LOT of dried crud out of the tub seal area and had to run three cleaning cycles to clear out the musty smell.

 

[henene4]

Steam outlet

Supposedly yours has a steam generator.
The pipe appears to be related to that.

How did you run cleaning cycles of it doesn't fill?

Here a link to your service manual:

GE PFWS4600L0 TECHNICAL SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download

View and Download GE PFWS4600L0 technical service manual online. Front Load Washer. PFWS4600L0 washer pdf manual download. Also for: Pfws4605l0, Pfws4400l0, Pfws4405l0.

www.manualslib.com

 

[combo52]

Slow Fill On Washers And DWs

If the appliance is more than a few years old 90% of the time you have a bad inlet valve, yes there is a 10% chance it is in the houses plumbing or a clogged inlet screen so it pays to check before you buy a new IV, but don't waste too much time and trouble just replace the IV.

 

John L.

 

[wishwash]

Broken again

Sorry to resurrect an old thread...

I replaced the fill valve last year and all was well. A year later and I'm back where I started. Things I've checked:

-I've got 120 VAC at each solenoid. Each solenoid draws 0.058 amps, which is close enough to the 5 watt rating.
-Water pressure and flow at the hoses is very good. The valve debris screens are clean.
-Flow at the hose connection to the dispenser drawer is very poor.

Is there a good way to clean these and make sure they aren't binding up inside? They appear to be a one-piece design. Not ready to call the valve faulty.

 

[combo52]

I would Call the valve faulty, it should have a one year warranty, also if you bought it wit a credit card you might be able to get another even if it is over 1 year.

 

John L.