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GE washer in Massachusetts
- Thread starter DADoES
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westytoploader
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I noticed that 70's, 80's, and 90's Filter-Flo machines are getting harder and harder to find on eBay and Craigslist...maybe it's time to start stocking up!
zipdang
Well-known member
That's the EXACT model I had. It was a great machine, although it didn't like it much when I'd change speeds during a cycle. For a while, when the gentle speed button was pressed, it would operate on gentle speed but it would make this strange clicking sound. Eventually, though, it stopped working on gentle speed altogether. I really miss how well the Filter Flo removed dog and cat hair from the clothes. Today's "self cleaning" lint filters don't even come close.
I treat my equipment much nicer now.
I treat my equipment much nicer now.
Hey zipdang, that's the same thing my mom's filter-flo does. I've been wondering what that issue is. she didn't change speeds during a cycle, it just started malfunctioning, so I don't think it's anything you did, but could be a inherent design flaw with that era machine
Her washer looks exactly like the one in the auction Dadoes posted there. The washer is an early eighties vintage. I think she got it in about 1985 or so. I like the slow, deep rotations the agitator makes. With those types of vanes on it, the washer produces excellent turnover. Mom always poured the detergent into the top of the filter, so when the water poured into it, the detergent would dissolve without leaving residue on the clothes.
I remember when I went to college, and used the maytags there, I couldn't figure out where to put the detergent, since there was no dispenser, and not filter on top to put it in!
Her washer looks exactly like the one in the auction Dadoes posted there. The washer is an early eighties vintage. I think she got it in about 1985 or so. I like the slow, deep rotations the agitator makes. With those types of vanes on it, the washer produces excellent turnover. Mom always poured the detergent into the top of the filter, so when the water poured into it, the detergent would dissolve without leaving residue on the clothes.
I remember when I went to college, and used the maytags there, I couldn't figure out where to put the detergent, since there was no dispenser, and not filter on top to put it in!
I was always told you could go from gentle to regular,but never the other way around.
kennyGF
kennyGF
GE filter flows had a 2 speed clutch instead of a 2 speed motor. When the slow speed was selected a solenoid lifted a metal arm that stopped the high speed clutch. If the motor was already running when the arm would lift it would sooner or later bend it or tear it off. It would never stop it.
Goatfarmer is correct- it did no harm to switch from slow to high. The lever simply drops and the high speed clutch would engage. In my opinion this WAS a flaw in the design. Two-speed coin-op units were a joke. They were 2 speeds for about 2 loads. I guess it was too complicated for GE to make a 2 speed motor. LOL!
Goatfarmer is correct- it did no harm to switch from slow to high. The lever simply drops and the high speed clutch would engage. In my opinion this WAS a flaw in the design. Two-speed coin-op units were a joke. They were 2 speeds for about 2 loads. I guess it was too complicated for GE to make a 2 speed motor. LOL!
The seller should have put a pic in the auction of the hardboard back panel... If there's oil leaking from the tranny, you'll know it just by glancing.
As complex as the clutch was compared to a two-speed motor, it was GE's way to allow the pump to run at full speed, regardless of agitation speed, to maximize filtration and minimize draining time. After all, these lovable water hogs had a lot of water to move! 
zipdang
Well-known member
I knew it was a no-no to change speeds (from fast to slow) during operation, but I couldn't help myself. If a button is there to push, then it must be done. I bought the machine used, and it didn't cost very much, so I wasn't terribly concerned about causing its early demise.
Of course, I got the machine around the same time I got my dog, and didn't realize at the time how much better the Filter Flo was than other machines at removing dog hair from the water. Every machine I've had since then hasn't been nearly as effective. Knowing what I know now, I probably would've been slightly kinder to that GE.
Of course, I got the machine around the same time I got my dog, and didn't realize at the time how much better the Filter Flo was than other machines at removing dog hair from the water. Every machine I've had since then hasn't been nearly as effective. Knowing what I know now, I probably would've been slightly kinder to that GE.
It's funny how we can sometimes take for granted the well built washers we had growing up...not appreciating the quality that was was put into these old work horses.
I was never a real big fan of GE washers,but i did like the sturdiness of their machines which they and Maytag had up until the early nineties.
Just like the old saying... 'you don't know what you got till it's gone.'
Now i would grab one of these filter flows in a heartbeat.
I was never a real big fan of GE washers,but i did like the sturdiness of their machines which they and Maytag had up until the early nineties.
Just like the old saying... 'you don't know what you got till it's gone.'
Now i would grab one of these filter flows in a heartbeat.
Just so happens I have one to grab.Logistics might be a problem,though,since it's in Indiana......
kennyGF
kennyGF
kenmore1978
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2 speeds
"GE's way to allow the pump to run at full speed, regardless of agitation speed, to maximize filtration and minimize draining time"
True, letting the motor always run at full speed would maximize the filtering and draining on a solid tub machine, but machines like KM/WP always switch the motor to full speed during pumpout, regardless of what agitation/spin speed was set, so draining time was unaffected.
"GE's way to allow the pump to run at full speed, regardless of agitation speed, to maximize filtration and minimize draining time"
True, letting the motor always run at full speed would maximize the filtering and draining on a solid tub machine, but machines like KM/WP always switch the motor to full speed during pumpout, regardless of what agitation/spin speed was set, so draining time was unaffected.
I guess I'd have to admit that zzzz may have a point about pumping more water on high speed. I never thought about it.
Because of WP/KM nuetral drain they kind of had a unique opportunity to switch to high speed only for the drain part.
I too, like agiflow, never fully appreciated the GE filter flow until it was gone. Maytag was refined and smooth-Whirlpool/Kenmore had great style and the best sound.
Today I would buy a filter flo (or any machine that recirculated water) over anything out there. -ED
Because of WP/KM nuetral drain they kind of had a unique opportunity to switch to high speed only for the drain part.
I too, like agiflow, never fully appreciated the GE filter flow until it was gone. Maytag was refined and smooth-Whirlpool/Kenmore had great style and the best sound.
Today I would buy a filter flo (or any machine that recirculated water) over anything out there. -ED
westytoploader
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IMHO the perforated tub Filter-Flo is the best recirculating filter design. Easy-to-clean filter, detergent dispenser, ramp agitator, and full-speed pump. My Kenmore's recirculation, while entertaining and still effective, is nowhere near as good as this.
