Ice Machine Service Support
Koolaire and Manitowoc Float Parts September 23 2014, 3 Comments
Manitowoc float valves are not the same as Koolaire float switches. The terminology can sometimes be confusing, but there is a difference and they are not interchangeable. The biggest difference is that Manitowoc will use a float valve, where Koolaire uses a float switch. This means that water does not actually pass through the Koolaire float, it will only read the level in the water trough.
Float valves are also typically only used on older ice machines or undercounter models. Modular units and modern Manitowoc ice machines rely on a separate water inlet valve, that provides a higher rate of water flow. Because they can bring in more water and operate on cycles, they are more energy efficient. A water float valve will simply let water in, anytime the float drops, wasting water. The Koolaire ice machine uses a combination of the two technologies.
Manitowoc Dump Valves - When to Change? September 18 2014, 4 Comments
Manitowoc dump valves come in only 2 different types, a 115v and a 208-230v. This makes keeping a spare part on hand easier, limiting the amount of stock. In addition, it makes it easy to know which ice machine part your maker needs, since we only need to identify if you have a 115v ice machine or a 208v machine. But let's look at why it may be necessary to replace a dump valve on a Manitowoc.
Typically, a dump valve requires replacement if you have a blown fuse. What happens is that the top of the valve will leak, causing an electrical short. This blows the fuse on your control board and can only be fixed by replacing the dump valve. A valve leaking bad enough to cause an electrical short will be obvious, as you will see water spurting from the top of the valve and usually a large amount of calcium build up. The calcium build up will look similar to the corrosion on a battery terminal in your car.
Ice Thickness Float Switch Adjustment on Koolaire August 13 2014, 7 Comments
Ice machines require the proper ice thickness or bridge thickness, to properly harvest. Setting this thickness allows for faster harvest cycles, depending on condition and customer preference on cube size. Manitowoc and Koolaire recommend a 1/8" thick bridge on all of their cuber ice machines. Adjusting a Koolaire ice thickness is unique, because harvest is triggered by a float switch and not an ice thickness probe.
To adjust the float switch, you will need a 3/4" wrench. Use the wrench on the float switch located on the left, as you are facing the front of the machine, to loosen or tighten the nut located right above the white plastic float. Turn the float switch clockwise to increase thickness and counterclockwise to decrease.
How To Diagnose A Manitowoc Ice Machine August 07 2014, 12 Comments
Commercial ice machines can be intimidating, even to experienced service technicians. They can also take a long time to properly diagnose and isolate the problematic ice machine part. I'll cover some basic techniques you can use to troubleshoot your Manitowoc ice machine, before calling out an expensive service tech.
The first step is to understand how a Manitowoc ice maker works. Experts in commercial refrigeration and ice making equipment recommend following a sequence of events. This sequence of events is a layout of exactly what the ice machine should be doing at an exact time in a cycle. For example, newer modular Manitowoc ice machines will purge the water from the trough before beginning a freeze cycle. This should tell you exactly when the dump valve should be energized. Service literature is available for free from the Manitowoc Ice website, where you can find specific service help for your model ice maker.
QY0134A Manitowoc Ice Machine Parts August 06 2014, 6 Comments
The Manitowoc QY0134A or Q130 Series ice machine was an under counter machine. This was an extremely popular ice machine that was made, almost unchanged, for than 10 years. It was designed to fit in small places, where only a modest amount of ice was needed. Great designed, coupled with the bin being part of the ice maker itself, made it popular in bars and small restaurants.
Over the years, parts on this machine tend to break down, requiring replacement. Thankfully, there are many parts available still and at discount prices, that make fixing it yourself an option for most people. Generally, a float valve, ice thickness control, or water pump can be changed and put you back in ice. These parts are easily changed and can save you money on a service call.