This lecture covers the complete cycle of operating from freezing to harvesting.

DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIR WHILE IN OPERATION AS YOU COULD GET BURNT, CUT OR ELECTROCUTED.

Note that the times scales shown in this lecture are more or less values which depend on the model, volume and size of your ice machine and are only a guideline.

On start

1. The hot gas valve will activate to release any potential ice.
2. The drain valve will empty any remaining water in the tray allowing for fresh water.
3. The water pump will run to cascade and release any potential ice remaining and clear out the hoses.

Freeze cycle

After the Start-Up the machine enters the Freezing cycle

1. The Water Inlet Valve will activate to fill up the Water Reservoir to the maximum level controlled by the Water Level Sensor.
2. The Compressor and Condenser Fans will operate. Note that the Condenser Fans fans may operate for approximately 3 minutes.
3. Check: If the fans are operating and are not making any noises such as clicking or grinding. They may need to be replaced if the bearings have aged.
4. After approximately 30 seconds, the Water Pump will start.
5. Check: As soon as the Water Pump engages, check that the water flow is neither too fast nor too slow.If the water is too fast, tighten the clamps to restrict flow. If the water is too slow, loosen the clamps to increase water flow.
6. Check: Replace the deflector cover to prevent water spillage and close the front panel to isolate the freezing.
7. The ice cycle will begin creating the ice, note that the condenser fans may start and stop depending on the heating and cooling temperatures on the condenser unit.

6 – 7 Minutes

Open the ice deflector and see if there is any small portion of ice building up.

Remember that you have bypassed the sensor so you can open and close the deflector without interrupting the cycle.

The ice tray should start forming ice after approximately 7 minutes. This will gradually grow until a solid block forms.

12 – 15 minutes

Open the ice deflector to notice if the ice slab has increased. The ice will be forming and taking shape and if the slab is even and solid, it will be almost ready to harvest.

Check: Carefully lift the top panel and inspect the condenser compartment for loose wires, pipe vibrations or noises coming from loose components. Make notes of these issues.

Feel if the compressor is excessively hot. Using a thermometer, the compressor should not exceed 75 Degrees Celsius on the top section of the compressor.

15 – 25 minutes

The ice slab will continue to form in order to trigger the ice sensor. Note that you will hear a hiss as the hot gas valve opens to heat up the evaporator. The compressor will remain running to pump hot gas through the system to release the ice.

If after 30 – 40 minutes there is no ice or the system has not gone into a harvest, turn off the machine and check that all the components and parts have been correctly replaced. You may have to refer to the troubleshooting guide.

You may not get the perfect ice quality from the first cycle as the machine needs to settle in a full cycle.

Your second or third harvest will determine your ice quality.