I for one got great value off of this video. Sometimes simple is best. That being said, when you unsweat those 2 joints just made me feel a little foolish for all of the time i have struggled to do exactly what you talked about. I mean i do it with evaporators on units but never thought to do this on an ice machine. Im loving your videos. Im telling all my guys from school and work about you. We need your numbers up.
I’ve been battling with a 20 yr old large Manitowoc ice machine for two yrs…. I’m almost sure it a harvest valve now…. Great video thank you for the education….!
Great video 👍 !!over many years of moderate calls on ice machines the vast majority of the Manitowoc’s I’ve worked on have been water side problems, the occasional refrigerant leak, the occasional bad water pump.
That tip you left about removing the line set where the harvest valve is located to make the job easier sure does seem easier. I had to replace one of those before, it was a pain. It was my first time brazing copper to whatever the valve is made out of (aluminum?). It didn’t go good. I burnt a hole on it.😅
Stainless Steel. One of my least favorite things to do is weld copper to stainless. I’ve blown a hole in one or two and I’m never really confident about the welds. Removing it makes things a bit easier.
. No pressure like have Los tocunas de Norte on blast playing in the background while you braze .Good call on removing the whole line and brazing off equipment. I have a neo under the counter with this same harvest issue . Ice won’t come off evaporator .
I wish someone would explain the significance of the music playing in the background. Also those Neo ice machines have had a rough run of bad harvest valves.
@@IceMachine411 I work on residential hvac but would love to get into working on ice machines . Good thing I came across your channel . I already seen so many useful tips .
Is there a way to flow nitrogen through the pipe when you had it removed from the ice machine and brazing in the new valve? If not, is there a way to remove the carbon from inside the pipe after we are done brazing in the valve? Is there a product we can use to remove the carbon from inside the pipe and valve? Sorry for the many questions but I am trying to learn as fast as i can so i am more productive and do things right.
You make a very good point. I was not flowing while brazing the parts that were removed from the machine. I tapped on the copper to remove the majority of the carbon. I’m not sure a product that removes carbon. I assume a small clean brush may be helpful.
@@IceMachine411 I see, I thought a higher silver rod might be required since it’s stainless but when I got the valves I realized they were copper coated on the inside. They were sticking open sometimes. Swapped them out and everything worked great. Thanks for the advice!
So I've found a bad HGV on their new style UC unit (the one where the bin removes off the refrigeration circuit) first time I diagnosed one and it would actually get stuck open! So never made a batch of proper ice. I used a solenoid magnet to exercise the valve but had no success. Never got to go back to replace it, I think the repair was more than they were willing to pay and they probably ended up replacing the unit lol!! Great video man, I like how you went ahead and unsweat some joints further down the circuit to keep the repairs easy and clean! Great job. How many years in refrigeration do you have?
Oh ya I know what you’re talking about. I’ve had one of those myself. They’re a pain sometimes but actually pretty easy to work on. I’ve been in refrigeration for about 3 years. I use “refrigeration” light because I really only work ice machines. “Work smarter, not harder”
@@IceMachine411 I had disconnected the wire of that gas valve and started ice machine in the ice making mode the pressure was 35 psi on the low side then I manually energized that gas valve for a few seconds by 120V will the cord (simulating the harvest mode) the pressure rised up to 60 psi but after removing the 120v it didn't drop back to 35 psi, so I suppose it's gas valve, the txv seems to be good.
It did I gave my harvest valve some percussive maintenance and it started giving me 1.5 minutes harvests. I did not replace it bc I’m not a beast like you. If it acts up again I will.
Quick question brother, what if no ice is producing I'm new to this field. I've been told headmaster, thermostatic bin control switch, compressor, txv, & board.. I had power, it was not low on pressures had my solenoid magnet & hot gas valves were working fine. Any chance i can get some feedback?
Of course brother. I will admit that it’s extremely difficult to diagnose a machine through the comment section. Most manufacturers have a tech support team that will be able to walk you through the process step by step. What is the make and model of your machine?
It could be. There are other things that could cause thaw mode. Bin switch is one of them. Dirty evaporator, control board relay and refrigeration system are possible causes.
Oh that’s a good question. Im trying to think back. Im going to guess 4 hours. Pulling Vacuum is the longest part of the job. Four hours is enough if everything goes smoothly.
Off topic I bypassed the timer relay on the indigo next model on the condenser but it was already replaced and same thing happen again what else could be going on. It’s also under Warrenty?? After by pass it made 3 good batches of ice
I for one got great value off of this video. Sometimes simple is best. That being said, when you unsweat those 2 joints just made me feel a little foolish for all of the time i have struggled to do exactly what you talked about. I mean i do it with evaporators on units but never thought to do this on an ice machine. Im loving your videos. Im telling all my guys from school and work about you. We need your numbers up.
I really appreciate you. Your comments mean a lot. I’m glad these videos have helped you.
I’ve been battling with a 20 yr old large Manitowoc ice machine for two yrs…. I’m almost sure it a harvest valve now…. Great video thank you for the education….!
Pretty cool that you have a machine that’s 20 years old and is still working.
lol same, q series! Gave it a little knock and, wallah! Harvested ice😅
Learn something new every day Thanks for the video
You’re welcome!
Literally had this same issue today. Repairing it Tuesday. great video! Was very helpful
Enjoy your 3 days off brother.
You are a blessing to the ice machine techs 😅
Huge compliment. Thank you for that.
Great video 👍 !!over many years of moderate calls on ice machines the vast majority of the Manitowoc’s I’ve worked on have been water side problems, the occasional refrigerant leak, the occasional bad water pump.
Same here. Most calls are water related.
Great info and explanation! Thanks Jeff! 🧊
Thank you for diagnosing it ahead of time John!
Im about to do this same job today. Awesome video, I will try removing the line. that's a good idea. Thanks for the video
Good luck! 🍀
That tip you left about removing the line set where the harvest valve is located to make the job easier sure does seem easier.
I had to replace one of those before, it was a pain. It was my first time brazing copper to whatever the valve is made out of (aluminum?). It didn’t go good. I burnt a hole on it.😅
You literally said what the material of the valve when I unpaused it after leaving the comment.
Stainless Steel. One of my least favorite things to do is weld copper to stainless. I’ve blown a hole in one or two and I’m never really confident about the welds. Removing it makes things a bit easier.
how much youcan charge for a visit like this in sacramento?
$120 an hour
this is basically magic
. No pressure like have Los tocunas de Norte on blast playing in the background while you braze .Good call on removing the whole line and brazing off equipment. I have a neo under the counter with this same harvest issue . Ice won’t come off evaporator .
I wish someone would explain the significance of the music playing in the background.
Also those Neo ice machines have had a rough run of bad harvest valves.
@@IceMachine411 I work on residential hvac but would love to get into working on ice machines . Good thing I came across your channel . I already seen so many useful tips .
Appreciate your tip, smacking it with a screw driver really works to unstick them during testing🤣
Yes and it’s a good way to know for sure that it’s a bad harvest valve.
Good job man!
Thank you bro! 😎
I started dancing when la chona song came on 😂. Just stumbled on your page I’m definitely subbing
lol. Not super familiar with La Chona. Working in taquerias around Sacramento exposes me to la Raza.
Thanks 🙏 you for sharing
You’re welcome!
Best one yet
Thanks bro!
👍💪❄️🇺🇸 great informative video thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Shine! ✨
Super when u avoid to do brazing that hot gas valve in the tight space
Work smart!
Congrats 🎉
Honestly man that’s a great job
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!! Outstanding.
You’re welcome.
Great video thanks
Thanks
Is there a way to flow nitrogen through the pipe when you had it removed from the ice machine and brazing in the new valve? If not, is there a way to remove the carbon from inside the pipe after we are done brazing in the valve? Is there a product we can use to remove the carbon from inside the pipe and valve?
Sorry for the many questions but I am trying to learn as fast as i can so i am more productive and do things right.
You make a very good point. I was not flowing while brazing the parts that were removed from the machine. I tapped on the copper to remove the majority of the carbon. I’m not sure a product that removes carbon. I assume a small clean brush may be helpful.
You doing great.
Thank you. 😊
Awesome information.
Thank you.
I’m starting out in this field and even though there are others putting content yours is easier to understand.
Can’t wait for the next episode! 👍👍👍
Thank you .
You’re welcome!
Great job 👏
Thank you.
What rod are you using on that stainless valve to copper connection?
Harris stay-silv 15 silver brazing alloy.
@@IceMachine411 I see, I thought a higher silver rod might be required since it’s stainless but when I got the valves I realized they were copper coated on the inside. They were sticking open sometimes. Swapped them out and everything worked great.
Thanks for the advice!
Good content!
Right on bro!
So I've found a bad HGV on their new style UC unit (the one where the bin removes off the refrigeration circuit) first time I diagnosed one and it would actually get stuck open! So never made a batch of proper ice. I used a solenoid magnet to exercise the valve but had no success. Never got to go back to replace it, I think the repair was more than they were willing to pay and they probably ended up replacing the unit lol!! Great video man, I like how you went ahead and unsweat some joints further down the circuit to keep the repairs easy and clean! Great job. How many years in refrigeration do you have?
Oh ya I know what you’re talking about. I’ve had one of those myself. They’re a pain sometimes but actually pretty easy to work on. I’ve been in refrigeration for about 3 years. I use “refrigeration” light because I really only work ice machines. “Work smarter, not harder”
In my machine Manitowoc QM45A after harvest it stuck at 60psi, I suppose it's the same issue with the gas valve.
Maybe. Call Manitowoc tech support to verify. Would hate for you to change parts before knowing 100% what the issue is.
@@IceMachine411 I had disconnected the wire of that gas valve and started ice machine in the ice making mode the pressure was 35 psi on the low side then I manually energized that gas valve for a few seconds by 120V will the cord (simulating the harvest mode) the pressure rised up to 60 psi but after removing the 120v it didn't drop back to 35 psi, so I suppose it's gas valve, the txv seems to be good.
Smart!
Thanks for your knowledge. Its OK to put fan cycle switch on manitowoc remote condenser fan motor if HEAD MASTER is not bypassing in cold?
If your head master isn’t working properly the right thing to do is to replace it.
Great video dude
Thanks. Hope it helped.
It did I gave my harvest valve some percussive maintenance and it started giving me 1.5 minutes harvests. I did not replace it bc I’m not a beast like you. If it acts up again I will.
lol. Nice. 👍
@@IceMachine411yup and now I’m back… watched again.
Quick question brother, what if no ice is producing I'm new to this field. I've been told headmaster, thermostatic bin control switch, compressor, txv, & board..
I had power, it was not low on pressures had my solenoid magnet & hot gas valves were working fine. Any chance i can get some feedback?
Of course brother. I will admit that it’s extremely difficult to diagnose a machine through the comment section. Most manufacturers have a tech support team that will be able to walk you through the process step by step. What is the make and model of your machine?
My ice machine keeps saying making ice and then goes into safe mode?
Water level probe is my first thought.
Awesome 👍
🤛
Great job 😮
Thank you. Hope you got some value out of this video.
Can the damage hot gas solenoid be the cause of my machine going in thaw continuously
It could be. There are other things that could cause thaw mode. Bin switch is one of them. Dirty evaporator, control board relay and refrigeration system are possible causes.
What do you use for welding copper to stainless?
10% silver solder.
Was that the second replacement of that valve? Looks familiar
First time for me…on this machine.
Do you do jobs out of state? I have problems with my AC in New Jersey. Do you travel? I will pay travel costs
I’ll do anything for the right price.
What kind of witchcraft is that?😂 you absolutely did some majic👍
Abra kadbra. Ha. Welding copper to stainless steel is tough. I’m not skilled enough to weld it in place. One day though….
@@IceMachine411 as muford majic words.. a la peanut butter and sandwiches.. poof!🌈💥
Where are you located
I have issues with my ice machine it harvest but doesn't drop ice and starts to make new cycle and just builds up more ice slab
In Sacramento.
I'm in Merced ca
Icemachine411@gmail.com
what tip are you using in the torch
It’s a Zero.
Great content with explaining the process. Question... how long would that normally take you to complete? I'm just curious. Thanks
Oh that’s a good question. Im trying to think back. Im going to guess 4 hours. Pulling Vacuum is the longest part of the job. Four hours is enough if everything goes smoothly.
Off topic I bypassed the timer relay on the indigo next model on the condenser but it was already replaced and same thing happen again what else could be going on. It’s also under Warrenty?? After by pass it made 3 good batches of ice
I think Manitowoc has a service bulletin out about this. Here’s the technical support phone number. 800-247-4520
I’ve replaced one myself. Haven’t had two in a row though. At least it’s under warranty. Hope that helps.
Will see what happens when we put it back in
good job
Are you Ice Man Mike from the Sacramento area?
@IceMachine411 yes what can I do for you?
You’re a legend! I’ve heard good things! I’ve been asked a few times if I know Ice Man Mike. Nice to finally meet you!
Tq sir.
You’re welcome
Nice
👍
Great video. Thank you for sharing
You’re welcome.
Hey, what alloy you are using for refrigeration brazing?
15% silver solder.
@@IceMachine411 same as resi