GE Washer/Dryer 1994 (filter flo?) questions

[bbg]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new. Please forgive in advance any etiquette flubs on my part.

I'm about to come into possession of a GE Washer/Dryer pair from 1994. I only have the serial number for the dryer right now (that's how I determined the year), but I do have some pictures of the panel of the washer (which I'll attempt to attach). I thought I would be able to find manuals online, but I cannot find anything (I assumed I would be able to track down the washer manual based on the dryer model since they are a matched pair, but no luck even calling GE).

The lack of info surprised me and I'm starting to wonder if it's such a good idea for a non-expert to take these. She says they work great and she's never had a problem, but does anyone know if parts are available? Are there still people who would be able to fix the machines if something went wrong? I really love old things, but I am not knowledgeable about appliances and without a manual I wouldn't even be able to track down parts.

I appreciate any input/advice/help.

GE Washer/Dryer 1994 questions

 

[pulltostart]

Jo,

That's a nice washer and the matching dryer should be as well.  However, I think this washer is older than 1994.  It should be maybe 1985-1988 or 1989-ish.  Unless the seller is aware of problems, and they reportedly work fine, don't shy away from them.  I think parts should be available if something comes up.  Others can speak with more wisdom than I can about that.  If they work and you like them and can afford them - I say give them a spin.

 

Enjoy!

 

lawrence

 

[good-shepherd]

a good idea for a non-expert to take these.

Grab them first, ask questions later.

There are Filter-Flo people here that can help you with any issues.

The GE dryers from that era are easy to service and real workhorses.

 

[akronman]

GET THEM NOW

Tons of repair parts out there. Go to Sears Parts Direct .com and type in the model#, you'll very likely come up with maybe 5 diagrams tearing apart the machine and giving parts numbers. Then you go one Ebay or google the PN.

GE Filter Flo washer/driers do EVERTHING. Your model looks relatively upscale with 2 speeds, extra rinse knob, etc. Extra-Large capacity means their largest tub. If you don't have the detergent dispenser/lint filter/Fabric softener dispenser that fits on the agitator, you'll find that easily here or Ebay. These machines are EXTREMELY versatile, from huge loads of clothes to excellent wash and rinse, excellent slow speeds, etc.

CONGRATULATIONS and keep us informed

 

[bbg]

Thank you all for the replies! I am calming down a bit. I do have to hire someone to move them and I would hate to go through the expense and trouble to find they are not fixable.

One thing the current owner told me was that when she had someone come to clean the dryer vent, he commented that he had never seen one with so little lint. Is that what the "filter flo" does? So the washer is taking care of the lint? I wish I had a manual!

Does anyone know how much they weigh, approx?

Thanks again! I'll post a picture when I get them set up in my place.

 

[mb1974]

Try to use low speed as little as possible. The experts on AW have told me it's hard on the 2 speed clutch. Good luck.

 

[DADoES]

 
I don't think that's true.  Two speed models set to high start agitation (and presumably spin?) at low speed for a few seconds, then switch to high ... so low speed always runs briefly whenever the motor starts until the clutch changes to high.

 

[Chetlaham]

The washer looks more like its from the 80s. Still, grab this! Everyone else is right, these washers and dryers will do everything and then some. Nothing today comes close to the GE FF washer. And the icing on the cake is these are near top of the line.

 

[baddboy06]

Hi there. I have the same set. I love the.. so good

 

[bbg]

Thanks to the people pointing out that the washer looks older 1994. I got the serial no. and if it's an '80s machine, it's 1986. The washer and dryer must not be part of a matching set, because according to the dryer serial no., the options are 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1954. I don't have a picture of it right now.

Anyway, it's an ordeal finding someone to move these, but I think I have it set up for this coming Friday.

Also thanks to anyone taking the time to say these are good machines.

 

[good-shepherd]

it's an ordeal finding someone to move these

Unless they need to be hauled out of a basement with narrow stairs moving W/D's isn't that bad.

I've moved lots of them in my Dodge Caravan and before that I moved a washer in the trunk of a Buick LeSabre and a dryer in my Olds Cutlass.

One or two reasonable strong people with an appliance hand truck can do it.

 

[appnut]

Unfortunately, there's not a pic of the dryer, so I'm unable to comment. If I could I'd be able to let you know if it's a 1982 or 1994.

 

[bbg]

Unless they need to be hauled out of a basement with narrow

Oh boy. They need to be moved up from a basement with narrow stairs and down into another basement with narrow stairs. I'm having professional movers do it.

 

[good-shepherd]

moved up from a basement with narrow stairs

Yeah, thats a two man job.

 

[bbg]

They are now in my basement (definitely a 2 man job and a tight squeeze down the stairs), but not hooked up yet. I'm going to get some help with that tomorrow, I hope. Here is a picture of the dryer panel.

Does anyone have any tips for freshening up the washer? I have the lid open to air it out, but should I just run an empty load with laundry soap? Or some sort of baking soda/vinegar concoction?

 

[repairguy]

The dryer would be 1982. Congrats on saving a filter flo set.

 

[bajaespuma]

Freshening tip

I'd go old school with 1/2 cup Clorox and 1/2 cup baking soda in HOT water with normal speed, keep the lid on, long cycle and ventilate the room. Rinse with warm water and a 1/2 cup of lemon juice or vinegar.

 

If it still reeks, do it again with Ammonia instead of Clorox.

 

If that still doesn't work, you may have to lift the washer top and inspect for mold and dead rodents/snakes.

 

When you're finished, leave the lid open and make it a practice to leave the lid open after each use.

 

[appnut]

Yep, that dryer panel colors match exactly my 1978 big load GE dryer. In 1980/1981, they still had the same control panel timer colors, but changed the perm presas temp button from hiigh heat to medium heat.