Refurbishing a 1986 Filter Flo V-18

[stuftrock1]

A few days ago I bought my first washer, a 1986 GE Filter Flo model WWA8320GALWH. It’s in alright condition, but pretty dirty. I’m gonna begin the long tedious process of refurbishing it. I’ve never done anything like this before so I have zero experience, so I apologize for any dumb things I say, do, or ask.

Here are a couple pictures of it before I started doing anything.

 

[stuftrock1]

The agitator was stuck on there pretty firmly but after dumping too much WD-40 on it and pulling with more muscle than I could muster it finally came up.

When I got it, I made the mistake of transporting it on its back and the boot separated from the tub, so to fix it I have to remove the inner tub. However, the agitator bearing, the black plastic cap overtop the bolts is REALLY stuck on there. I’ve had WD-40 sitting on it for over an hour and it still won’t budge. On top of that, the plastic is pretty brittle. Any suggestions?

 

[yogitunes]

first things first....

picture number 4 and 5.....your filter flo hoses are on backwards....reverse them so the filter flow works during agitation....

as for the lower plastic bearing, there is a little tab on top you have to push in order for that to lift off....

the bolts holding the tub must use a 12 point socket.....

this of course is in hindsight....but you should have secured the suspension before transporting.....i have never had one of those boots pop off from laying a machine down, but it does happen....

but here is an idea for next time.....

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?33408

 

[yogitunes]

spray those tub bolts with true penetrating fluid.....

WD40 is not as effective.....you dont want to snap one of those off!

 

[stuftrock1]

I know there’s a tab on the plastic cap. Even then, it’s still completely solid. Like, fused onto something underneath solid.

That transportation idea though is actually brilliant! I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.

And how in the world did someone manage to put the recirculation tubes on backwards??

 

[stuftrock1]

UPDATE: I finally got the cap off. There was so much yuck underneath that it had actually fused with the agitator shaft. So I got that and the inner tub out, and that inner tub was a lot heavier than I was expecting.

 

[stuftrock1]

And got the boot off.

 

[yogitunes]

New Boot!

one of the few things that are still available....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WH08X10018...066552&hash=item1efe442c7b:g:S~wAAOSw-jFZ~LR~

 

[yogitunes]

and pumps....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WH23X42-4-...052686&hash=item1a7c26204c:g:~f4AAOSwvApZ552L

 

[yogitunes]

searching the archives will give you some insight that some of us have added little tricks of making the fill flume spray on the clothing...bypassing the lid switch...taking the restrictor out of the inlet valve...

 

[jons1077]

Machine looks good

That machine is in very good condition. Review some of my threads and you’ll see how much worse it could be. I tend to go with the motto “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Check for rust and POR15 it. I always replace the big rubber gasket on the outer tub with a new one so I get a good seal when I close the top. Beware of new boots though some aftermarket versions don’t work and are not pliable and will dislodge or leak. Your old boot may be just fine and need to be cleaned and more securely installed.

 

[stuftrock1]

Thanks! My boot feels very dry rotted and stuff so I’ll be sure to snag that one on eBay. I don’t think I need a new pump though. Mines a little yellowed and dirty but appears to be in overall good shape. Thankfully tub gaskets and splash guards are still available because I definitely need replacements. I would also like to replace the bleach dispenser too because is is extremely brittle and yellowed. The surface is also completely covered in micro fractures and chips.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[geextrarinse]

That’s a great machine!

And as you will find, these are very user friendly and easy to repair. I agree with Jon- clean that outer tub really good. Scrape the rust spots with a wire brush to see if you get any holes. If you do, use some plumbers putty to fill them and let it harden- works great! The get some POR 15 and do the whole inside of the outer tub. Rust is the worst enemy of a good filter Flo! Once that is dry, then install your new boot. If you should need new clamps, they are also still available. I’ve restored several of these machines. I’m working on one right now actually, from that same model year as yours!

All of these extra steps will ensure your machine runs like new for many years! You will love this machine! Good luck and have fun with it! You’re in the right place if you should need any help!

Happy washing!!!

 

[geextrarinse]

NOT PLUMBERS PUTTY! SORRY

Welding epoxy putty is what I used. It’s the best!

I used Steel Stick by JB WELD

 

[stuftrock1]

Ok so I apologize for the long delay. I’m in college so I don’t have a lot of available time to put towards this. But fall break finally came and went and I was finally able to finish this.

The condition of the outer tub after cleaning it was absolutely fantastic. Very little rust and the original paint was fully intact and smooth as a baby’s bottom.

 

[stuftrock1]

Applied 2 coats of POR-15 and got the new boot on. Took a couple attempts to get that boot secured without any leaks!

 

[stuftrock1]

Got the inner tub cleaned up and put back on. The plastic bits like the filter spout, bleach dispenser, and clothes retaining rink have yellowed significantly and are very brittle. They were also extremely difficult to clean and I couldn’t get all the dirt off. After I got the inner tub in, I put the rest back together with the new splash guard and upper tub gasket.

 

[stuftrock1]

And now it’s finished! It works and cleans great! It is a bit louder than usual and I think the motor needs some fresh oil. I also noticed that my 2 speed clutch has lost its 2 speed ability as it doesn’t agitate any slower on gentle. However, I have absolutely no idea how this clutch works, let alone know how to repair it. So hopefully I’ll never have to wash any delicate items then.

 

[pulltostart]

Very nice job!  These are great machines, but are only "quiet" for the first month.  After the "new" wears off, not so quiet anymore.  Enjoy your new Filter flo!

 

lawrence

 

[stuftrock1]

Thanks! I absolutely love this thing, and I’ll gladly sacrifice quietness for very clean clothes. The agitation and rollover is fantastic, even when overfilled. I’d even go as far as to say the ramped Activator is probably the best agitator ever designed! If only GE still made them like this today.

 

[stuftrock1]

I still do need a fabric softener dispenser though, and any advice on the clutch would be much appreciated

 

[yogitunes]

Great Job!....

as for the clutch, you need to inspect it, or for the most part, is the little actuator there, and functioning....

for the most part, these are rather quiet machines, its the filter flo that sort of makes all the noise....i didn't realize that until I pinched off the hose, and realized how smooth a machine it is...

now if you get a lot of chatter with the hose pinched off, it could be the clutch, or something simple as the clutch loose on the shaft...

I had to modify an actuator for one of my clutches....but as long as it works, who cares...actually with this spring setup, it may never fly apart again...

you may want to modify a few parts...such as removing the restrictor in the water valve...and altering the fill flume either way to spray on the clothes...and a cable tie on the lid switch...

the ramped is about the best agitator, but I also like swapping out different ones for observation of wash actions...

also, secure the tub should you ever have to transport it...

keep us posted....

 

[stuftrock1]

Thanks for the advice! I actually don’t need to modify the fill flume as it already sprays on the clothes, and it doesn’t look modified at all.

I honestly think most of the noise isn’t coming from the filter flo pump. The noise it makes is way too non uniform. One moment it’ll be clanking loudly like 2 things are hitting each other, the next it’ll be relatively calm (uniform loud hum), then it’ll start vibrating at a frequency that causes something else to resonate and really amplify the noise.

I haven’t actually looked yet but when I select gentle, nothing happens. Not a single noise. No buzz, ding, clank, or anything. Complete silence. So I’m pretty sure the actuator arm isn’t doing anything.

Also, this may be nothing but it takes absolutely forever to get up to speed on spin cycle. Even when empty, the acceleration is just so slow compared to the Maytag DC LAT4914.

That is a really nice collection you have there! Any idea where I can find one of those fabric softener dispensers for a reasonable price?

 

[aircub]

stuck agitator

I have a filter flo that needs a boot as this one and I cant get the agitator off and am afraid of breaking it...…..Help!!!!!

Darren

 

[stuftrock1]

Stuck agitator

Spray some wd-40 underneath the cap into the bell housing and let that sit for a bit. Spray some more and let that sit also. Reach your fingers underneath the base of the agitator and pull up sharply while twisting it side to side. Keep doing this and applying wd-40 and you’ll eventually work it loose.

Unless you’re a body builder or something you shouldn’t worry about breaking the agitator. That thing is really strong so don’t be afraid to use all your strength.

 

[aircub]

thanks

No I am a pipsqueak...….

Thanks and I will try it.....

Darren

 

[elvis]

I have this washer too!

Hey Yogi!
I need some assistance How do you fill on the clothes and how do you remove the flow restrictior?
Thanks, Bill

 

[miele4life]

made in April 1986.

 

[tomturbomatic]

After using the machine, leave the lid open for about a day depending on how moist the machine's setting is. With GE washers, unlike a WP-made machine, there is no airflow between the top of the cabinet and the outer tub. GEs can rust through the top where that outer tub gasket meets the top of the machine so try to give it ample opportunity to dry out. That will also keep it sweet smelling inside. My mother and many women who were used to wringer washers always kept the lid of their automatic open with a folded sheet covering the machine to prevent dust etc. from settling on it.

 

[yogitunes]

Bill

look back through Reply #21...there info/pics you seek is right there....