There is no filter in a F&P smartdrive. Has this problem just started recently? If so has anything changed such as the brand of powder you use etc.?
Are you putting in enough soap powder to clean the clothes? Best way to tell is lift the lid after it starts agitating for the soapy first wash & check the amount of soap bubbles on the surface of the water. Should be a light covering of bubbles. If most of the surface is water & no bubbles then add more soap. One other thing it can be is that the outside of the stainless steel bowl is blocked up with soap residue & dirt which will block the holes in the wall of the bowl. The lint wont be able to pass through to be flushed away. The bowl would have to be removed to check & clean.
Lincoln Appliance NZ
February 2009