Repairing a GE Filter- Flo

[toggleswitch]

Today I picked up my first "Collectible" washer. YAY!!

I got my hands on a friend's GE filter-flow that was headed to the street, then to the Krusher. Appears to be early 90's with a red, black and white control panel.

Will update with pics and model numbers after the convention.

Seemed that the pump was sticking and causing the motor to hum and lock. There was pair of boxer shorts stuck between the 90 degree clear elbow that the drain water "falls" out of [leaving the outer tub] and the rest of it was tangled around the drain pump. slowly with a needle nose pliers I slowly pulled it all out (no, dear... the underwear....LOL ROFL LMAO)

Now come the three interesting questions. After I opened her up and wiped out all the mold and muck...

1) Which way does the water trough go that recirculates water through the filter-flo. Open side up is my guess.

2) Why does my garage's GFI kick in and turn off the power
when the fill solenoid is energized? Weird huh? considering the motor is still kinda wet you a thunk that woudl have done it (smart ain't I to plug it in wet!!!) Did I skin a wire as top fell out of my hands?

3) I accidentally pulled out the clear elbow that feeds the drain pump, and goes to the pressure sensing tube for the water-level switch. There is some kind of read sealant there. Will I need to re-seal this and what is it?

It was amazing to me to see that the outer tub is fixed and the inner tub moves. Very different than the Maytag I grew up with! The GE seems to be suspended from the top as is a WP/KM

ALERT *PAGING* LAUNDRESS I will need a filter-flow filter and (I thought I'd NEVER say this...) a mini-basket! Would ya do me a solid and have peeksie on flea-pay TKS.

Thanks all.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Lint Filter and Mini-Basket:

Hey! toggleswitch, is the Agitator on that GE Washer a Curved Ramp? If it is, I've got a Mini-Basket and Lint Filter you can have, if you'll pay for the Shipping and Packing Supplies. They are both White and just like new. The Mini-Basket is approx 12-High by 12-Wide and the Filter fits in the edge of the Basket.

Peace and Happy GE Filter-Flo Washing, Steve
[email protected]

 

[toggleswitch]

Steve:

Yes, it's a deal!

[email protected]

Will write to you later, after work today. Let me know what your expenses will be.

Thank you very much. How can I return the favor? What can I ship you from NYC or LI?

Best regards,
-Steve

 

[toggleswitch]

Anyone know about the red sealant, and do i need it?

 

[toggleswitch]

By-passing the lid safety switch

Bypassing the switch turned out to be so simple- with the top up a twist-tie secures the tiny metal rod to another piece of metal. Simulates lid closed, plunger in. VOILA. No electrcial work

 

[toggleswitch]

There's no place like home

As much as I love my F/L, I must say my GE T/L reeks to me of home, tradition, and brings back reminders of my first apt. and relationship.

*SIGH* my youth, my wild days, my lost innocence,

(yeah right.. LOL)

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Hey! toggleswitch:

Hey! Steve/toggleswitch, I'm glad that I'm able to help you with the Mini-Basket and Lint Filter. They should give you lots of good use, since they look to me like their new. They don't really have any Mechanical operation anyway, so they should be able to look new and last quite a long time anyway.

Peace and Happy GE "Mini" Washing when you get the items, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Answers to your Questions:

Hey! Steve, I see that no one answered your Questions, so I will try to see what I can tell you.

1} You are correct if you haven't found out yet, the Flow of Water is with the opened side Up on the Spout.

2} It is most likely as you mentioned about the Motor getting wet, that your "GFI" is preventing from "Curling Your Hair" and not causing any damage to the Washer as well.

3} As far as I'm aware, if the GE Tube is like the WP/Kenmore Washers, it is just "Friction" holding it onto the Post of the Hose end, as well as the Post on the Water Level Switch in the Console. The Elbow although is something different, it might need some kind of Sealant, but I'm not sure which one, other than it will have to be Water-Proof. Someone else no doubt can help you there, or even at a Hardware Store, or Home Depot or Lowes.

4} The 2-Tubs in the Maytag {might be better explained by someone else} were both a Solid Outer and Perforated Inner Tub, connected together by a few Large-Head Screws at the top of the Tubs. The Washer however also does have an additional Outside Collector Tub, that is quite a lot larger, that the Wash and Rinse Water gets "Thrown Out" over the top of these Tubs during the Spin, into the Outer Collector Tub, where the Drain Hose to the Pump is located at the Bottom of the Collector Tub. It is similar to the Solid Tub Frigidaire, Hotpoint and other Branch Models of those Machines, where actually their Outer Tubs were that Outer Cabinet housing as well. That is why with the Frigidaire and Hotpoint Washers, you could hear the Water hitting the inside of the Outer Cabinet, because they weren't Insulated, at least not like Machines are these days, to reduce operting noises, so they can be located in living areas of residences.

I hope that this helps you and others, please if anyone has more explaination or if I've gotten something wrong, feel free to help me, so I will further know for sure also...

Peace and Happy GE Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[westytoploader]

Hi Steve,

Congratulations on the new aquisition! Those "old school" GE's certainly are fun!

The GE Filter-Flo machines have a perforated inner tub that is suspended separately from the large outer tub. Instead of using top-mounted suspension rods (WP) or a bottom-mounted damper (Maytag), a rubber boot below the inner tub flexes during spin to balance the machine. This is one of the reasons why GE's are such water hogs; the space between the inner and outer tubs (called the annulus) is so darn HUGE!! This also explains why a powerful pump was needed--to get rid of all that water at a fast rate, and from experience, it does too! If your drain line is slow, I'd watch it at all times! (LOL)

If a solid tub with a perforated liner was used like Steve (SactoTeddyBear) mentioned, it would really cut down on the water usage, IMHO.

--Austin

 

[kenmore1978]

and when

that rubber boot tore for whatever reason, ALL the water was dumped from the machine onto your floor.

 

[Extrarinse2]

need any help - or just a wash in partner?

I've not a done a wash in a filter- flo for some time and I live in Manhattan and have a car - if you'd like to meet up - I'd love to see your new find!
Plus I'd love to hear all about the convention from someone who's been there!

I hope you are taking LOTS of pics!

thanks!
Matt

 

[launderess]

Mini Basket On Order

Sorry for not responding sooner, but have been in my own particular vintage appliance (Hoover TT)"hell" for a bit.

Will certianly keep my eyes peeled for a GE Mini-Basket and filter. Of course these items have been off an on fleaBay for months now but when you want one.........

You might check a source another member recommended to me "Sunberg" (sp?) appliance parts. They are huge and seem to have parts for washers long since out of production. A few tips: they do NOT seem to be the nicest of people if one does not have an account (read appliance repair person/parts dealer) with them, and will absolutely be of no help unless you have the exact item number for the part in question.

Best of luck with your new toy, and remember to play nice.

Launderess

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Mini-Basket and Lint Filter Found:

Hi! Launderess, check out the prior Threads above. I've got the Mini-Basket and Lint Filter for Steve "toggleswitch" and have arranged to send them to him. I had them hoping to find a GE Washer some time, but I had "opportunity knock" to help someone out with my Mini-Basket and Lint Filter, so I decided to offer them.

I'll probably get "Fifty Lashes With A Wet Noodle" for saying this, but I'm not that fond of GE Washers, I prefer the Frigidaire's, Kenmore's and Maytag's better than the GE's. I also really like the older Hotpoint Solid Tub Washers and I hope to locate one of those {even if it is a Penncrest/Badge} besides an older "GM" Frigidaire Washer sometime as well.

Peace, Happy Washing and Drying in our Vintage Machines, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[fixerman]

The sealant I use for hoses is 3M 800 Sealant. Don't know if this is exactly what is used from the factory, but it will work for this purpose. Also using a small hose clamp would work just as well.

 

[partscounterman]

Launderess

I used to work for Sundberg. They are a bunch of hardboiled appliance people-they know thier stuff but do get a bit of a crust from dealing with the ignorant general public every day, so its best to have model info at hand so you sound like you know what you are talking about.

I've had a few crusty days myself!

 

[toggleswitch]

Quote: need any help - or just a wash-in partner?

LOL- Sure, I love to meet new people, especially, as I have learned, this washer club variety.

Who am I to say no to someone who wants to tinker with my toys?

I'll shoot you an e-mail.

LOL who me? social? I was told I sure know how to "work the room" by a very dear new friend. LOL ROFL LMAO.

I really did have the time of my life at Convention 05!

Love ya, mean it!!!!

 

[toggleswitch]

Autsin:

Annulus? How ever did you learn that one?

 

[peterh770]

Steve,

You never had any innocence to loose. I do believe you were born guilt...

Meanwhile, filter pans and mini baskets are a dime a dozen. Is this washer the standard capacity (has little swirls going down the ramps), or large capacity (has little scrubbing ridges going down the ramps), or is it the long neck large capacity (the standard capacity agitator with an extention to make it taller)? Depending on which one will determine which mini basket will fit best...

-ph

 

[toggleswitch]

Oh my, I never noticed if my agitator has bumps along it and if so what they look like.

Somethign else for the doctor to look at I suppose.

keep smiling...It melts glaciers.

-Steve