When did GE start to go bad?

[cfz2882]

it is a cinderblock with 2 notches so it can bolt to the motor/transmission frame opposite the motor to counterbalance the motor-i think the cinderblock started about 1968,before that the weight was a black cylinder that may have been filled with concrete.I have saved these cinderblocks from every filterflo i have junked-use them as paverstones for backyard paths.The pulleys and cable suspension goes well back into the '50s

 

[gelaundry4ever]

spin sound

Who remembers the spin sound at normal speed when the machine would just thunder? This was especially for loads of heavy items like towels and jeans.

 

[combo52]

GE washer, suspension, etc.

Hi Dave regarding post number 117 I never saw GE washer with a side opening lid except some later hot point models.

GE went to the unusual cable system suspension in 1961 when the perforated basket filter flow machines were introduced.

The suspension they had before was much better in the solid tub machines. It allowed a much faster, spin Speed without excessive cabinet vibration and walking.

Hi Brendan, I’m glad you found a clever use for those concrete blocks. I’ve used things like that when I pour foundations as part of the fill, the steel cans that were used before were filled with iron filings and other metal industrial byproduct, and we’re fully recyclable with the machine. GE also filled the ballast ring on their washer tubs with iron filings Frigidaire solid tub machines did the same thing.

John L

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE filter-flo vibrations

I remember hearing the GE filter-flo vibrations all throughout the house. You knew it was spinning. The agitation sounded similar. You'd swore it was a rock band playing due to that motor grumbling when set to normal speed.

 

[johnb300m]

Wooooowwwww. A rock band.
Now that’s the sign of a quality washer. (Not).
What a hot piece of noise polluting garbage those must’ve been.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

bass sounding agitation

Don't forget about that bass drum sounding agitation with that ramped activator with a detergent that produces suds. This is when set to small with that ramped activator and the filter pan on top. I'll never forget that, even when the machine is set to cold with colors on the normal speed. Maybe it's just me. Chet, what do you think?

 

[cfz2882]

hate to veer away from original subject,but...

..you will get some heavy metal guitar if you find a single speed filterflo with worn clutch shoes More on subject is the background vibration of a filterflo from the way the clutch yoke is clamped to the motor shaft with a u-bolt-usually there is several thousandths,sometimes 30 or more,of runout(wobble)of the heavy clutch assembly causing vibration-I corrected this condition on one of my "daily driver"filterflo washers.Also the aluminum pulley groove of the two speed clutch wears rapidly-especially if the belt gets slack and slips-machine action slows as pulley diameter is reduced from wear...

 

[Chetlaham]

Jerome, here is some ear candy. A GE filter flo with the back cardboard cover removed while the dryer runs with the vent hose disconnected. Looks like some laundry room cleaning/maintenance. The video absolutely gets me, the washer is so beautiful inside.

 

 

 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

heavy metal

That's what the filter-flo reminds me of with that worn out clutch, especially on normal speed. That's what it reminds me of. Or, it would sound sound like a guy saying, "Move over there! Now!"

 

[gelaundry4ever]

to cfz2882

I get your analogy.

 

[cfz2882]

off subject.but...

...good washer listening is my '82 Speed Queen "Marathon":No-nonsense-water of whatever temp you set flows right in and agitation that sounds like a couple bearded woodsmen sawing a log with one of those double handle saws begins:steel clutch belt idler rattles a little,motor hum with a slight ringing,ri-flo filter trickle,water thrashing in reverse turning drain pump.When spin gets to speed,kind of rattles like a radio flyer wagon

 

[gelaundry4ever]

chetlaham

I'd kill to have that set. I had one that was a decade newer in the 2 speed model.

 

[Chetlaham]

Jerome, I know how you feel! The longing and the bereavement is overwhelmingly painful. That video in particular gets me, it just hits the all the right buttons for me.

 

That set is a true perfect workhorse. Harmonious sound, excellent cleaning, great cycles, clothing care, beautiful control panel, top notch quality control, built with care, no nonsense, fast cycles, easy service and long life. That washer would be absolutely ideal for me. It was peak GE, their magnum opus of all time. 

 

A GE DDE5300BAL or equivalent electric dryer would be my perfect match to the washer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE!

Like I said, that GE filter-flo could clean anything from knits and delicates, to the filthiest sturdy cottons of all colors, in all temps - even in cold water. I could use cold water for colors on the normal speed and regular cycle.

 

[Chetlaham]

GE filter flo was the only washer that could provide total fabric care with a single speed motor. GE should have just stuck with a single speed clutch on all models.

 

[johnb300m]

Oh ghaaaad move it to the Imperial section already.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

chetlaham

I completely agree. But what did GE decide to do? Play stupid games. No wonder why they fell to stupid crap in short order. The hydrowave in my opinion was the worst of the worst. I've seen them in laundromats, only to be gone in a short time later. I've used on in a college dorm and I was highly disappointed. That is an insult to washers everywhere. At least the model T with the gentle power agitator was somewhat decent.

 

[Chetlaham]

I personally believe GE just no longer cared other than extracting the remaining wealth out of their reputation. There are many, many companies that do this. Guys come in, take all the money, then run. Easy way of becoming rich and/or retiring comfortably. 

 

Regarding the gentle power agitator, there was nothing gentle about it. GE managed to produce a wash system that for the level of clothing wear inflicted produced sub par cleaning. Kenmores did less damage despite being called shredmore with superior cleaning in every regard. 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE!

I still think GE doesn't care! These people are thugs! Look at how they blamed their customers in an aggressive attitude! I wish I would've taken them out for target practice! Their dryer would just bake your clothes on cottons as if it was a batch of cake! GEEZ!

 

[egress]

and now we're threatening to shoot people. fascinating how this goes.