Near end of the line, bottom of the line, Filter Flo acquisition

[potatochips]

Ive missed a few FFs that have came up on Kijiji, but finally one broke though which I was able to buy. A single speed, BOL FF made in Feb of 1993, near the end of the production line. Its made in the USA which is interesting since all of the GE machines Ive bought were made here in Canada by Camco. Its a model GWL1060RBLWH. Only a tiny, tiny bit of outer tub rust from the basket kissing it a few times. The transmission looks like its starting to spew oil, as per the picture of the back panel. The soak cycle on the timer is a farse, after it fills for the rinse there is a four minute soak followed by agitation. Also, this is the first time Ive seen little holes up top on the activator, none of the activators I have feature these three little holes. 

 

This is my first GE FF, everything else I have is Rim Flo and to be honest, I prefer the RimFlo. 

 

Did all extra large machines have their own activator or the "extension"? If so, then Canada only had the extension. All the machines Ive encountered on the TOL level had the extension. It definitely doesnt hold a lot, I washed four uniforms and a sweater which usually leaves a lot of room in the Neptune, and room to spare in a TL Maytag. I did laugh to myself half way through the first fill thinking that it just consumed the same amount the Neptune does for the whole wash and rinse. Can a extra large capacity basket be used on a large capacity transmission providing the extension is used?

 

Because this machine has the plastic cover transmission and is a lot newer and rust free, I will convert it to a rim flow MOL Beaumark machine I have. 

 

 

[rp2813]

Nice basic machine.

 

[wayupnorth]

I would concider it above BOL. I had a total BOL filter flo, although a little older. There was one cycle, no temp or water level settings. Far as I know it is still running strong as I gave it to a tenant I used to have.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Yes, it was one of the last ones.

I agree, that's not BOL. That's more lower MOL.

Holes in GE agitators? Yes, they've always had them because, especially for GE FF's the agitator only stays on via friction. When the washer is filling it creates an air dome under the agitator. As the water level rises higher the air pressure is compressed and would be enough to literally push the agitator up off of the shaft. So the holes let the air out and avoids catastrophe.

I could see keeping this for show-piece purposes but I don't know that I would fix this water hog. Yes the water recirculating is fun but.... water hog...

And if your going to corrupt it with a rim flow filter, you won't even have the recirculating water any longer. Where are you going to get a rim flow filter and diverter spout from, anyway? I doubt they still sell that.

 

[washerlover]

I agree with Wayupnorth and Bradfordwhite, certainly not BOL (although I love BOL machines!), especially since it has two cycles, load size and temp options.

 

Nice find and I want to say that GE was one of the last manufacturers to hang on to belt-drive?  I’m sure someone will hopefully chime in and correct me..!

 

[combo52]

One Of The Last GE FF Washers

Cool, This could be BOL for 1993, I am not sure how basic they got in 1993, I am sure someone can find the specs.

 

If you convert it to rim-flow it will still have recirculating water flow.

 

It is interesting that it has a steel back panel, we never got that in the US, this must still be a Canadian model.

 

Last BD Washer ?, Hi Todd, not really as all US built washers [ including FL machines ] were still BD till the cabiro came out around 2004, except of course the most produced, most popular washer of all time the WP DDs.

 

John L.

 

[yogitunes]

by this time, GE used one transmission for ALL machines, an extension was added to the agitator for the larger capacity tubs....

that filter pan is far superior at filtering....the agitation movement makes it capture more.....as for the RimFlo, once the holes get filled, its done....wash a load of towels and you will see the difference of what it can capture...

personally I prefer the filter pan....and the mini-wash option

only TOL machines got an automatic soak cycle......all other machines offered a manual soak...as in let it fill, agitate for a few minutes, shut the machine off for your desired amount of soak time, and then pull the knob back out to continue....this could also be considered a Pre-Wash cycle if you choose...

 

[potatochips]

All the literature Ive read for this year production shows this is a BOL machine in the GE lineup. In Canada, in the late 80s and early 90s GE switched to being a MOL to TOL producer, with marquees like McClary and Moffat selling the one dial wonder machines. So this is a BOL machine.

As I stated I have the RimFlo parts as I havw two RimFlo machines.

I have two FF ramps with no holes.

Yogi, it saddens me that the RimFlo performance is lack. And I also get sadder when the water inlet valve flipping trick doesnt work on them compared to the FF. I only like RimFlo for its clear and unobstructed washing view.

Metal back panel, John? It is neat, all of the machines Ive had or encountered had metal back panels, even the one from 1983. Interesting to note, most Canadian machine rear panels were only half the size of this one since the Canadian frame is different.

 

[bradfordwhite]

We learn something new everyday. If this is GE's bol for that year, so it shall be.

It's not unlike the current Sears Kenmore bol washer. The Kenmore bol from 25 years ago would have been 1 cycle, 1 level, 2 temps, and one knob. Not anymore.

But look at the water action of a FF. It's part of the fun. lol.
No other washer offers that.... (besides a belt-drive kenmore/whirlpool with either a filter or dispenser).

I don't care for the mechanicals of a FF because it's a water hog, but love the recirculation..... and the GE smell.
Each to their own.

Share pics of your conversion. Cleaning up the underside from the oil leak isn't going to be fun. You'll need rubber gloves and a lot of paper towels.

 

[yogitunes]

water hog?.....nonsense.....you get 2 or 3 lined up and you Suds Save one into another.....

you can never have too many Filter Flos or accessories....

 

[potatochips]

Hahaha more like Suds-line-saver Yogi. 

 

Now, this is what confuses me greatly now. I found a tag on the inside that said it was assembled in Mexico in Feb of 1992. But the serial number on the side says Feb of 1993. THEN to top it off, the model/serial tag says it was made in the US? Unless that tag just denotes when the wiring harness was made, and where it was made. 

 

[yogitunes]

well nothing says that is the exact control panel to that exact base....

many times we have changed out control panels to upgrade with options...

one nice thing about many vintage machines, you can just about convert it into any machine you want, start with a good base, and go from there

my middle machine now features a few more options and Mini-Wash...it was not born with that feature...

plus many times smaller parts are assembled in one location, yet the final product is completed somewhere else...

 

[fan-of-fans]

When did the monochromatic consoles and dials come out? I thought it was by 1993, looks like it must have been 1994 then. I know by the end in 1995 they were all white or all bisque with matching knobs.

 

[bradfordwhite]

"...2 or 3 lined up and you Suds Save one into another."

Funny thing is, when I started refurbing, I did that. I used a topless avocado GE for lack of a laundry tub.

Those are some sweet GE Yogi. And those filter pans and mini-baskets are art.
Loving that traditional 50s/60s basement or where ever that traditional decor is. Paneling and 9x9 floor tiles.

 

[yogitunes]

FYI.....thats one part of my laundry room.....Party in the front room, Neptunes in the back!...

 

[yogitunes]

I prefer this style of monochromatic......

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Yes...monochromatic!
Nice washer Martin.

 

[bradfordwhite]

What's going on here?

Special window inset?  Looks interesting.

 

[yogitunes]

you really are behind on the times....

that is my result from a door that was damaged, rather than toss it away, I created a Demo/Test window.......as so many members wanted to see what goes on inside during the events....

it pops on/off in a jiffy....

I am going to add plexi-glas and possibly LED lights for a highlighted view....