Just want to say that the “Felix Fix” cured my freeze dryer! I was not able to complete a batch due to vacuum failures. In an attempt to resolve it, HR had me recalibrate my vacuum sensor to -120 mTorr, and sent me a new premium pump. This fixed it temporarily but after a few batches I was getting consistent vacuum errors again. Then came the Felix fix. When I took the vacuum sensor off, I realized immediately that I found the failure. The thread tape used to seal the vacuum sensor never made it to the threads and was crammed against the sensor base. Three wraps of mega tape and I was down to -10 mTorr!!! 😂. With that, I recalibrated the vacuum sensor to +50 mTorr and ran a “empty” batch successfully (I couldn’t before the fix). Afterwards I ran a “meal” batch and this was also successful!! Thank you for taking the time to make the video. You saved my HR Freeze dryer!!

Such a shame that Harvest RIght doesn't back their own product with quality Customer Service. Ironic they now are offering another size and you can expect to have the same issues with that and the same lack of care for their customers.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I believe they are trying the best they can for how big they have grown. Crossing fingers they will authorize 3rd party repair services

Excellent! Direct, unaltered, honest and professional.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kevin.

Thank you! You make this seem less daunting with this straightforward video.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

God Bless you and Felix. Since meeting Felix and watching ur videos I finally have hope mine will finally be up and running after years of it not working right. Thank you both very much

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

You can do it!

Thanks for all you’re doing Donald. YOU Are the support team for HR. I haven’t gotten past getting my unit to cool yet, but I’m sure I’ll be buying your vacuum tube setup before long.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

Hope you get back up and running soon thanks so much for the support

Thank you!!! We have had our HR since January 2021 and never had it pass the vacuum test. Today, we got down to 500 mTorr in under 10 minutes.

People need your help man, this would be a great side hustle! Thanks for this video!

Great instructional video! Thank you. We went through the "inadequate vacuum", "adding more freeze time" loop back in Sept, 2022. After more than 40 emails back and forth to 2 different techs at HR, they admitted my pump was bad, and just barely still under warranty. I mailed it to them, it was repaired and I got it back Nov 24, 2022. I've been happily freeze drying since....until.... Yesterday. The loop started again. You and Felix are a Godsend to all HR customers with a vacuum leak. I just heard about the "Felix Fix". Unfortunately, we had to figure it out on our own. Lucky me, my husband is an electrician. Keep up the support.

@mirandasalas1747

Жыл бұрын

Did your keep having a message pop up that said there’s a vacuum seal issue? Mines keeps going off over and over every 5 mins I just got it 3 days ago it’s driving me insane!

@susancoulange382

Жыл бұрын

@@mirandasalas1747 Mine was doing the: "more freeze time added" loop, repeatedly. An HR tech supervisor told me that's an indication the pump is going out. Yet, still put me through the "send your log files, and all the "watch this repair video", "watch that repair video", which of course was not the problem. It was my second oil free pump (which I had paid for) and was still under warranty. If your machine is still under warranty, Insist they take it back, no cost to you. If they drag their feet, tell them that you are contacting the BBB and the Utah AG.. that usually does the trick. It's maddening. I would NOT do the felix fix, it could invalidate your warranty.

Great info...the black oval cannister is the compressor, the condenser is the rectangular component on the opposite side of the machine that has cooling fins. Vacuum it out from the fin side that faces out. Thanks for the video!!

Thank you for your time and efforts in helping all of us.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I have found a small wire brush works great for removing Teflon tape. When taping, it helps to wrap it in a CW direction so that the threads don't try to unwrap the tape while tightening.

I'm so glad I found your channel. I just purchased a Harvest Right - Medium on Friday. A friend has one. They bought theirs about six months ago. They have not had any issues. I'd read that some were having problems; however, I decided to buy one since I had seen a lot of tutorials. Yours is the most informative. Of course, I'm hoping I never have to use them; however, I know where to come if I do. Subscribed!

Good job Donald!!! Glad to see you do this utube video! Thank you for all your help!!!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome

Thank you for this video! I just received a new HR medium unit and it would not pull a vacuum below 500 mTorr. After the repairs, and a new vacuum line like you are selling, I am hitting 147 mTorr in under 20 minutes. And I used a product called Nylog Blue on the JIC fittings, just get a bottle, Amazon sells it... So, $300, and a week later, I finally have this brand new medium Harvest Right Freeze Dryer working as advertised! What a nightmare, for this much money, these units should work right out of the box, and there is no reason they should not, as there is literally nothing to these machines. Poor manufacturing, and cheap parts. I bet the packaging costs more than the entire machine. Even the sealer, it needed to be repaired too... Really disappointed in this company. Bottom line, if you are not mechanically inclined, or do not mind waiting weeks or months to have a new unit repaired or replaced, I would recommend Alpine Freeze Dried Foods.

Very good information! I’m fortunate to only have a minor issue so far. I found your video and Felix information extremely interesting and beneficial to many people. Thank you for all your efforts helping so many people! I like knowing how things work and in the future I may be able to fix a problem now with your generous help. 💖

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I appreciate you doing this “raw” video!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

More to come!

I would like to see how to adjust the door, cause mine does not fit as tight as it should, cause I tried to adjust & didn't really know what I was doing. Ty for your maintence videos they are very helpful.

Great video!!!!! Much better than HR's videos. It seems that they want to jump through hoops just to get you to go away for another day with the hopes that you don't call back.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I will be adding more videos as well.

I bought a medium in September 2022 and have still yet to run a successful run. I am so glad I found the facebook group and these videos! I'm going to start fixing it today!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Glad you are getting the fix started. Please let me know if you have any questions.

@nikkebirde

Жыл бұрын

@Donald’s Freeze Dryer Support and Reviews If I have some I definitely will, I am beyond discouraged with the amount of money spent and still not being able to use it.

Thank you for making this!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

My bottom fitting for air out, I didn't want to take that fitting off as you said could be hard to remove from the chamber so just went to undo the brass fitting to it, only to find out the steal fitting un screwed when trying to take off the brass hose fitting and the steal fitting was full of rust so buying a new one might also change it out for a new brass fitting if they have them. Tip: check this steal fitting anyway especially if it at least 2yrs old and used a lot.

This video saved my machine!!!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

YAY!!

You and Felix are amazing peops!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!

How about adding a little pipe dope over the Teflon tape? As a plumber I’ve been taught to use both to guarantee no leaks.

Yes, VERY HELPFUL!

this channel rocks!

U can use a cheater bar over the adjustable wrench when removing the upper drain nut connected to the tub. Gives you plenty of leverage.

Appreciate the honest reviews while also maintaining hope the system will work. I recd one and did not get past 1260mT. Did all the recommendations- sent it back. Got a replacement- down to 1200 did the joints , new valve , ensured door set well - other than. Silicone on wire harness area I am running out of hope - wife and I are disappointed- wonder how u could help me ? Pat Lenney

Thanks for this information!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

You bet!

By far the best video I have seen regarding how to fix items..... You have given me the confidence to go ahead and purchase my HR FD. Always worried about the horror stories I constantly heard of. Not sure if you guys know yet but with the new XL FD have these issues been corrected? Thank you both and looking forward to watching more videos!!!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I heard they are being shipped and some people have them however that doesn’t mean the issues were corrected

@gatorbaitbaby6805

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport Understand all and TY you guys again!

After doing a couple runs after doing the Felix Fix, I have observed that my oil is now staying super crystal clear. My assumption is that although my pump could pull a good enough vacuum to work with a small leak the small amount of moist basement air being pulling in would cloud up my oil and I was having to change/filter it often. This might be another tattletale sign of having a minor vacuum, almost undetectable, leak is if you oil keeps gets cloudy. I always dry my chamber between runs.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

We have heard this from some other people as well. I think it also gives a smaller chance of water getting into the pump ensuring that moisture doesn't have a chance to go other places.

I'll probably be doing this tomorrow

Thanks for the video. It's not so scary now if I have to do this. Both my machines are older about 2017. Only one major problem with each of them. My major main problems I keep having is with the pumps. I've gone thru 6 standard pumps with the oil going black with crud in it and the pumps not working any more, and HR not fixing them. So last year I bought 2 premium pumps and now one of those pumps the oil went black with alot of crud in it. I flushed it cleaned it out of all the black oil and crud. So far it's still working but the oil is no longer clear. HR says it's the food I'm putting in it but then why isn't the other pump affected? I do the same food in both of them. I went to this video cause the comment was repairing your pump along with the felix fix. But no pump fix. If I could just find some one or a video to repair my standard pumps i have just lying around I could have a back up. Thanks for the video. You guys are awesomely.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Glad we could be some help. Pumps are one of those things that go bad and so many things can be wrong with them. I was told they have a 1 year warranty so ensure if you are having issues you are making a ticket with Harvest Right.

Very cool you guys are helping and educating folks. What psi is the vacuum on these things?

@michaelwright1602

9 ай бұрын

With the newest software version the lowest mTorr you will be able to get is around 150. The older versions of the software had a hidden menu to adjust the mTorr or "PSI" up or down. That feature is no longer available. I can get my machine down to 147 mTorr after doing the fixes in this video and purchasing a new vacuum line like Donald is selling.

YES I feel that I should just return it also, they are already having me send it back, and I want to tell them "keep it and give me my $$$ back" especially after your video on how they were treating you - my gut says they are in trouble with the construction & workmanship of this machine, and it's only going to get worse. Thank you for replying, you have put my mind at ease on what to do!! BTW are you in the Seattle area?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I right now live in Alaska as I am military. I am from the Vancouver WA area originally. Visiting family right now in Oregon for the rest of this week.

the clear hoses being a problem, does that apply to the drain hose as well? Because the drain valve is free floating any time it gets tugged on is causing side torque of the fitting where it connects to the chamber. After doing the "Felix fix" i will be taping the drain hose to the support brace to prevent that from movement on the chamber fitting

@natem3152

Жыл бұрын

You can put a grommet on the drain line at the panel exit, that'll support and prevent chaffing

Will pipe dope work on the treads?

Oh and did you post a list of supplies?

Donald, I honestly thought I was the only person servicing the machine on the floor. How do you like the Ryobi soldering iron? I have a soldering station I use all the time but I need a good alternative for cordless soldering. I have tried a few different butane irons but they perform less than adequately if there is even a breeze where working. Any thoughts you have to share about it would be appreciated. I'd also be interested in more information about the reason/need for the thermistor bypass operation and what that may resolve. There is a bit of confusion (in my case) about this part. I have seen comments that lead me to believe the part is a thermal circuit breaker but I also see it being called a thermistor, which to me indicates it is a resistor that changes value based on temperature. Can you advise?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

The soldering tool I have is battery powered so I would try something like this. So Harvest Right calls it a thermistor. From what I was told there is a couple of sensors that will work together to get mTorrs readying correct. I do know this should help with the huge temp jumps people are seeing as well.

Hey Donald, Thank you for the feedback. 1.After the silicon treatment i tried running the vacuum +freeze and got very low mTorr around 156 after 45 minutes. At some point of the vacuum i have noticed the ice rings begin to disappear so i turned the freeze function off. mTorr went up. 2.When i tried the same process only with vacuum without the freeze - i got only 439 mTorr and it took around 1.5 hours to reach that level. Machine is less then a year old and I'm on v23. Does it make sense to you? Thanks,

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Yeah looks good give it a run :)

I wish hr had more parts online. I waited a couple months waiting for the relay board out of warranty.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

we are trying to figure this out it all takes time though. We have grown large ourselves with the amount of people having issues.

Thanks for the video! Ooo, I didn't quite follow what the issue was early in the video -- but now I get it, the teflon tape wasn't properly applied at the manufacturer -- so the vacuum seal was leaking? I noticed you use a specific brand, but is there some difference in PTFE types that make one better for vacuum seals over say... white PTFE? (and of course put it back on clockwise)... Thanks for the video.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

4 ай бұрын

White is not mad for gas so that’s why we use a different type. Yes they put them on wrong however I heard they have been getting better at this. And yes clockwise haha

Doing refrigeration instead of leak loc blue goo on threads. Nylog blue is a great thread sealant and doesn't harden. Note on refrigerant level, that unit is a capillary tube system. It is a critically charged unit that has to be weighed in precisely. Depending on ambient outside temperature, evaporator temperature the charge expands and contracts. Frost line to compressor will probably show after it's getting close to evaporator proper freezing temp. It's easy to overcharge that type of system and it can still frost to the compressor but will not actually achieve the -30 temp required. Frost just means the copper is below 32 and humidity is freezing on it. Lot of good info 👌

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Hope I was able to help some

Make sure your “certified” to do this part 😂

Great video!!! I'm wondering what error messages you would get to prompt this repair? Or is this maintenance?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Good afternoon, many times people will see a vacuum error message. Some people like to do it to try getting mT as low as possible

AFTER ADDING BRAND NEW OIL ,I RECENTLY HAD SOME MID BATCH HEAT FAILURES. MY HEATERS WORK. AND I NOTICED THE SIGHT LEVEL OIL LEVEL WENT UP SOME. ITS STILL IN RANGE BUT IT WENT UP BEYOND WHAT I ADDED AFTER JUST 2 OR 3 BATCHES AND THESE MID BATCH HEAT FAILURES. WHAT COULD CAUSE MY OIL LEVEL TO ALSO GO UP AT THE SAME TIME I COINCIDENCE OF MID BATCH HEAT FAILURE? IDK?

Donald, could you post a link for the certification no the freon? Thanks Great job!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

ww2.epatest.com/608-open-book Type 1 these machines would fall under

May I ask what size/quality of ball valve is needed to upgrade the drain? The stock one seems cheesy and I plan on doing everything I can to make FD # 2 (first one is being replaced under warranty) work as good as possible.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

3/8 is what you will be wanting. I look for gas rated

@SkyDrifters1

Жыл бұрын

@freezedryerrepairsupport Thank you Sir!

👍👍👍👍👍

Donald, thank you for “pulling us all through the knot hole” in this endeavor! I’ve got a 2022 machine and am going troubleshooting my vacuum error problems. I noticed in your video that at minute marker 9’ (when you remove the top cover) that your main relay board is already removed and placed on the opposite side of the cabinet. Mine is somehow attached right behind the LCD control panel. I see two Philips screws that seem to attach the board’s relay panel to the front of the cabinet, but the bracket does not want to move. What would you recommend please? Thank you!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

8 ай бұрын

The video was done with an older machine. You have a newer one. I would remove those screws and then take off the top panel. They wanted to make it easier to replace parts by doing the way yours is set up however it needs much work for that to happen

@stephenkirby1514

8 ай бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport Good afternoon friends! A little while after I’d written that reply to you, I realized that, although the display screen was screwed to that bracket, the whole thing was one assembly that merely set atop the front panel! Without any drama or fuss, it simply lifted straight out (kind of like they’d engineered it to be that way)! I’ve just started the third and final “post repair test load” the. I’ll button her all back up! Thank you, Donald!

Donald, thanks for the video! One question. At about 38:10 in the video, where you are taping the vacuum hose with the silicone tape, there is a cast iron fitting above where you are taping. I see a bunch of factory Teflon tape on that fitting. Is there a reason you don't remove that fitting, clean the factory tape off and re-tape it like you did the other parts? Wouldn't it be a potential source of vacuum leak too? Thanks!

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. We haven’t seen many leaks come from the fitting. I have only seen 2 the whole time I have been helping people and they have been after this video was made. It can be a source for sure. The two that I helped fix decided they were just going to get rid of the fitting all together and do some mods to the machine for this

@alphawolf9219

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport Got it! Thank you again

@n7hkl

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport In my large FD, I found the o-ring in that elbow was bad, so I replaced it.

Ya know if you take those back screws off from bottom to top you won’t have to fight the panel at the end :-)

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Its the only fun thing I get to do all day HAHA. Thanks for the advise

What a shame owners need to go through all this. HR is out selling their ability to sell a good product. Why should we have a vacuum leak with a new machine ? Please work on the number of UMMs you say, Thanks for your help.

What’s the type of new black hose I need for the vacuum pump?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

You would have to see what the company has in stock that you are trying to get made. We are doing research to find these in bulk or where we can send people for ones that are better quality

Where did u get the new hose from, if harvest right sends it out wont it be the same bad hoses?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

The new hose I had custom made here in Alaska at a hydraulic shop. HR has good hoses that work and sometimes they have bad hoses that come in

Have you thought of using a fine wire brush to clean the old teflon tape from the threads?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Great tip!

@stephenkirby1514

9 ай бұрын

Good call on using a brush. I was worried about using metal and opted for an old toothbrush to gently wipe things down. In addition, I had a vacuum cleaner hose right below where I was working to remove the dust/lint. Worked like a champ!

I have only had my freeze dryer for one month and I went to open the valve and it shocked me then I unplugged it and now what do I do

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

The drain valve is connected via a plastic hose and not other metal so it must be static electricity would be my guess as electricity is not able to move through plastic.

Can you give me a list of the materials you used. The type of silicone, the two tapes etc. I live in the boonies and will have to try to find these on line. If you have a link where I could order, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

www.fixmyfd.com we have them

Thank you for these. Tried to refer a frustrated HR customer to your fb group, but couldn't find it (haven't seen it lately, but I've been very busy) Did give them this link, but are you gone from f.b.? Do you have a website (as contrasted to a you-tube)?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

my website is www.fixmyfd.com

Hey Donald what was the purpose of the demister and what kind of a problem did it cause?

Great video. Who is Felix?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

10 ай бұрын

Felix is who presented the items to be fixed to HR to show issues they were having with the machine. She was paid for her time and the information from HR

so i have done most of the things mentioned here and in other videos...even changed out O rings on the hoses. bottomed out to below 55 mTorr, then it creeps back up to 2500...I have used other pumps and still having the same issue. have spent 6 months on the phone back and forth with HR and still have it broke down and unusable. Suggestions?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

That hose sucks and needs to be a JIC fitted hose we have them on our site at FixmyFD.com

For the thermistor bypass, is there a reason we can't just use a wago connector to connect the two wires together rather than soldering fresh wires? I'm getting a problem where the temperature sensor of the tray is reading like 130-140F when the machine is just sitting idle. I fixed it once with hitting the reset button on the back, but that isn't working now. Does that little sensor go bad? What is the thermistor bypass doing?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

Likely the thermocouple is bad and will need to be replaced. You will need to contact HR to get a new one unfortunately

Hi Donald. I have a problem with my vacuum readings which I hope you can help with. My mTorrs never get below 2700-2900. The vacuum gauge I installed gets down to about -29 inHg which should translate to about 700-750 mTorr. I have a large 8 tray pharmaceutical dryer, ver 5.1.25Pd. I tried the thing with 4 taps on the upper right corner, then the leaf, but didn't get the screen you showed on your 56 minute video. So I am running about 2000 mTorr too high. Sure would like to factor that out. I've done all the vac leak fixes. I know the problem is in the software. Yes, I know that my horizontal oil free pump is worn out but that is a second issue. btw: Do you sell pump rebuild kits?

Any idea on one with total power loss. Called harvest right who quickly sold me another screen and board but after installing I still got nothing.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Are you getting any light on the CPU?

@captainchaosfpv5188

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport no nothing

My leak is on that top part you taped on top of the machine but under the foam. We dug down to get to the leak which looks like you did too. Applied silicone and eventually foam to reseal and it’s still leaking. How can we fix that part?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Ай бұрын

If it’s under 3 years HR will fix it however you will have to ship back to them

I do hvac refrigeration sometimes. You should not be using Teflon tape at all. Using it will cause leaks. If you have the correct hoses with the correct fittings you should only need Nylog at the most. Are the using the wrong fittings on their hoses? I have not purchased a HR FD yet and am trying to educate myself on the machine before purchase.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

9 ай бұрын

Unfortunately HR uses the wrong fittings for the machine they make lol. I sell hoses with the correct fittings and if someone uses the hose I sell I tell them not to use Teflon tape.

@myrandabrown

9 ай бұрын

TY

@michaelwright1602

9 ай бұрын

The Nylog Blue was key in getting my new medium HR unit to pull a vacuum, no tape, along with having a new vacuum line built locally to replace the cheap line that came with the unit. I have close to $300 invested in parts and repairs to this built in August of 2023 unit. I did all of the work myself, and it now functions as it should have right out of the box. Even the sealer, it was unusable, and I had to fix that too by purchasing the correct 5mm heat strips. I just ordered a new sealer direct from Impak as I do not believe the HR sealer will last very long before burning out its weak transformer. Now, let us pray...

I have a medium Freeze dryer that shifts gears. I turn it on, and about 1 minute in, the gear lowers, preventing this from working correctly. Does anyone have any experience or know what is going on with the machine? I have had it for 2 years.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

7 ай бұрын

Send me a email at admin@fixmyfd.com please attach a small video on what issue your having

My large freezer dryer came up and said heat not detected. I went through trouble shooting guide - nothing. The night before I turned it off to defrost but next morning it had not defrosted. Ran load on candy mode it never came off warming trays. Even though it was -20. Any idea?? Manual states it needs new relay board. I just bought in April-May but didn’t get it installed and running until end of august -September.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

8 ай бұрын

It likely has some wires that are not pushed in all the way on the pig tails. I would check that first

@terryhuggins8529

8 ай бұрын

I checked them and did paper clip test. HR is supposed to send new pig tail. Thanks.

The radiator looking thing is the evaporator, the compressor is on the opposite side, it's the roundish cylinder which does the work.

Do the FD run out of freon? And if so, how can you refill it

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Sometimes they are low when you get them. If they have a leak that would need to be fixed. If under warranty make a ticket with HR. A HVAC company can refill this for you.

@nickpound5043

Жыл бұрын

So they *shouldn't* refrigeration systems are completely closed loops and without a leak should never lose a charge, but thats in a perfect world with no leaks ;) Theres always been talk that many of the units develop extremely small, slow leaks from the evaporator (wrapped around the drum). Its fairly hard to diagnose and according to HR impossible to repair. Mine is certainly one of them, weve "core sampled" for lack of a better term lol around the drum by cutting small holes in the foam insulation than using a gas detector, with hits coming from a couple specific places on the drum that coincide (ahah) with thinner spots in the ice rings that form on the cold trap. Anyways, long story short, I foamed the holes back up and about once a year I let the pixie fairies huff on some r410a and weigh in a new proper charge. It maintains proper performance, and its like 6oz of 410a or something, its on the plate, so even the little 28oz bottles you can get will give you multiple fills, and thats that, you have to deplete the system, vacuum it, then weigh in the proper charge, no way around it. That said, one of these days, when I have a second machine, Im gunna tear this one down entirely to try to repair the evaporator

Any idea why in the function test for freeze test it turns on and off constantly?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Ай бұрын

Screen might be too tight and in turn they call it pinched. You can try to loosen it to see if that help or maybe a software glitch that would need an update

how is this for an idea to test or confirm a vacuum leak? Take a 'good' machine, go to the test screen and run the vacuum until it gets down to 200-300mT. Then focus the camera on the screen and turn off the vacuum. I would assume on a good machine we'd see the mT slowly rise if at all, were on a badly leaking machine it would rise quickly. This would give people a base line of if and how bad of a leak they have.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

All machines are going to go up once the pump is turned off they don't prevent air from coming into the machine when off.

@natem3152

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport agreed, you would need a check valve on the pump line

will this void the warranty? also can you spray something on these fittings to see if there is a leakage?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

This will not void the warranty. Windex is what I use just make sure you have it on freeze and vacuumed as much as possible

@johnbailley4468

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport thanks

Hi Don, I recently bought a Harvest Right machine, and after seeing your KZread videos I am now very concerned about keeping it. I bought it in March of this year 2023, and did not set it all the way up as I needed to get a rolling cart, which my father built. So, I recently got it in the house, upgraded the electrical wiring, ran the "bread test" and the machine over heated, would not complete the drying procedure, and had to turn it off. I contacted Harvest Right and after trying their "software upgrade" which didn't work, they are having me ship it back to them in Utah. After seeing your issues with the company, I do not feel confident that I want to keep it, as I am not a repairman, and do not want to keep replacing parts that are defective or inadequate to run this machine. What has been your latest feelings with them, since you were not being reimbursed for service rendered? Thank you, Beckie

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Good morning Becky, If you can I would just get a refund and go with www.StayFresh.com I understand they have a wait but everyone I have talked to said it’s worth the wait and I feel that way as well. The software update HR keeps pushing most of the time doesn’t fix machines. It hides problems I personally believe. The best software they have for some reason they don’t share with people and I can’t share it because they contacted a lawyer to let me know haha. I am sorry you had issues with the machine it was likely a stuck relay board

Where do I where do I get that 1/8 drill bit

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Home Depot

What is the Felix fix for? What the problems you were having that you did this fix? Thank you so much.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

11 ай бұрын

Use it to fix the vacuum leaks. If you are having an issue with the freeze loop or even trays not heating correct you could have a leak.

@ml3110

11 ай бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport thank you. It's just freezing freezing and never going to the next cycle. It gets like negative 31° c or something crazy! I guess I will call customer service today , as I can't seem to find anyone who has had the exact same problem.

Have you tried to put air pressure into the chamber to check for air leaks?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I have not can you please explain and Ill give it a try

@lonnieschafer6099

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport if you can find a way to adapt from the hose end that screws into the vac pump to an air fitting and regulate air pressure to maybe 10psi you should be able to go around and check for air leaks with a soapy water solution like out of a spray bottle. You would eliminate the pump but there shouldn't be a reason to check it for leaks.

@natem3152

Жыл бұрын

@@lonnieschafer6099 I would not recommend putting high psi into the chamber as it was designed to be pulled under vacuum. Also the door seal wouldn't hold together at the attachment points. Furthermore, the 500mtorr vacuum is equal to 0.00966839psi. You would probably damage some components of putting positive pressure on the system.

@lonnieschafer6099

Жыл бұрын

@@natem3152 No, you won't damage anything. I'm not talking 100psi, 10 psi would be more than enough to get bubbles from a soapy water spray. Really, not hard at all to do. But probably it's not a good recommendation to those that don't know what they are doing. With no regulator or air gauge I can see how some people would overdue it. I have noticed reading on this site that a lot of hand holding is needed.

My harvest didn’t dry my blueberries…it did get hot. Where do I start?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I would always start with this fix here. Extra dry time is always your friend as well

Excellent video Donald! I used this last year to fix ours. Unfortunately, here we are one year later and I’m having the same issue. I would assume that I don’t need to go back and do the same fix after only one year, but maybe I’m wrong? I saw here that someone recommended replacing the vacuum line. Any other thoughts as to what could be preventing a seal? -Scott

@freezedryerrepairsupport

4 ай бұрын

Good evening, we sell upgraded hoses now due to the ones that came with the machine are not JIC fitted and we feel as low quality. If you are needing one we have them at FixmyFD.com

@scottalexander9765

4 ай бұрын

Thank you, I may go that route. But before I single out the hose as a potential issue, I’m trying to troubleshoot. Have you heard of anyone else having an issue after doing the Felix fix? I did the Felix fix this time last year and it worked great for an entire year. Unfortunately I’m having the same issue as last year…Error #9. Any thoughts?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

4 ай бұрын

I haven’t had people have issue that’s I am tracking unless they skipped a step in the process. Sometimes people do a couple things and than it works so they just stop finishing it. That being said do you have an oilless pump? After about a year or so people have issues with how low the vacuum will go.

@scottalexander9765

4 ай бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport ok, good to know. Need to go back and watch the video again to make sure I didn’t skip a step. Our pump has oil. I assume that’s the better one?

I have only had my $3,000 harvest right freeze dryer for three months. It doesn’t work after 14 times of use. The people I have been working with so far have been great. But over a month of it not working I want a new machine or my money back. I don’t think that is unreasonable. Is this common for Harvestright?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

We fix many machines. Have you done the fox that is in the video?

@cherylhausam9981

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport mine is 3 months old. I hope they will make it right. Although I might have to go to BBB. I don’t have much faith in Harvestright.

how do i know that i have to do this? odered med freeze drier 3/15/23. what is the windex for?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I do it to all machines I have owned just to make sure everything is running the best it can. However if you are finding your having a hard time getting vacuum down likely this would help

@johnbailley4468

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport what is the windex for? and where to i see what the mtors are doing on the machine?

@johnbailley4468

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport thanks

@johnbailley4468

Жыл бұрын

thanks

Have you had any experience the unit not cooling? I’m trying NOT to send the thing in for repairs because it’s out of warranty.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

Many people are reporting to start having some of these issues. How long have you had your machine as the cooling parts are covered for 3 years however they will require you to pay shipping

@Arouth249

3 ай бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport It’s right at four years old so no dice on help from HR 😅 I just bought it second hand for half price. As I was loading it up the seller told me they had to send it in the first year because it wouldn’t cool enough, but it worked fine after. It sat in storage a while before I picked it up from them. I got home after driving 12hrs, wired up my dedicated circuit, plugged it in and sure enough the temp doesn’t budge. I’m kinda jealous watching people fix their vacuum issues because I haven’t even gotten that far lol

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

Does the condenser turn on when you try to freeze? If so I would call an HVAC person and ask them to fill it for you and see if that works. Unfortunately I have seen a lot of people who buy 2nd hand and have issues like this.

@Arouth249

3 ай бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport yeah that’s the plan if I can get someone to work on it. Everything kicks on fine. After running it for 20min the compressor gets up to 150* when it should never go above 115* which indicates low/leaking Freon. Luckily I only paid half upfront ($1300) to have the opportunity to test it out. If I don’t return it I’m planning to deduct the cost of repair from the second half or keep it for what I’ve paid so far since it’s technically a broken unit that was sold as working. I know most people junk them out of anger or leave them in storage when they break down and HR refuses to help them. I’ll take on the headache if the cost makes sense.

Is the oil free pump a good investment? I feel like I’m seeing some mixed reviews in this comment thread. I just received my machine (with the oil free pump) and the vacuum wont go below 930mTorr on the test run. I have a phone call with HR tomorrow because they say I may have a DOA unit. Wondering if I should get a refund and buy another with the premium pump instead

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

The oil free pump is the worst investment. They are not made for what we use them for. What they are claiming is a DOA unit is a unit they failed to fix when it it was made and shows the lack of QA they have at HR. If you want to fix the unit I sell the parts and bet we can get it working however will take you some time and money. However what I would do is send it back and order a StayFresh unit. Much high quality and they have amazing customer service

@taylorr9632

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the advice and quick response! I am planning to return and will look into StayFresh.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

3 ай бұрын

Let me know if you have any questions

So do you not cover the free online back up again? The black hose that you took off.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

What free online backup are you talking about?

@jamesross8704

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport sorry I was trying to talk instead of typing it. The copper line that you took the insulation off of. Do you not put the black insulation cover back it?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesross8704 yes you will put it back on after checking it all out

@jamesross8704

Жыл бұрын

Ok thank you . I thought so but I just didn’t see or hear you say anything about it. Thanks a bunch. I have not done the ff yet because I went to 2 different places today and they didn’t have the tape. What does it mean when I’m getting frost ( ice ) build up on the black insulation part that covers the copper line? It’s where it curves to the left .

Have you tried the paste version of megatape?

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

I have not. Have you tried it?

@wileymarm0t

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport I considered it, but went with mega tape that you used instead.

Where do I order your hose donald

@freezedryerrepairsupport

11 ай бұрын

Good afternoon, we have them at FixmyFD.com

oh, I see you are a Seahawk fan....

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Go Hawks!!!

Donald what is your take on Leak Lock thread sealant It’s not Loctite

I really need your help. I bought my machine year-and-a-half ago and I never used it was just sitting in the garage and recently I started a business thinking that machine would work as it should because it's brand new it's not working the bottom and the top trays do not work is there anyway I can please send you the machine so you can work on it I'll pay you whatever please I need it for some events coming up I have a medium that works perfect so I figured when it was time to use my large it would be the same that is not the case at all I'm very stressed because I signed up for the County Fair to be a vendor and I don't want to tank my business

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Where are you located?

@silverkidd237

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport im in ukiah california

@silverkidd237

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport i purchased the 40 dollar video chat will it be through facetime? or how? want to get this resolved ill do whatever i have to do

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

@@silverkidd237 I’ll FaceTime you after I get done with Church today :)

@silverkidd237

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport I was wondering if we can do the video chat tomorrow because I left the house already where I have the machine. I already left we’re headed to the park, so if we can do that tomorrow I can anytime I have day off tomorow

What is the name of your fb group. My page was hacked and I lost everything

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Freeze Dryer Repair Support

WHAT? I don't feel qualified to tear a machine apart. I'm thinking, Harvest Right needs a Maytag-type Repairman. This is a major appliance, and customer repair should reflect that.

@stephenkirby1514

9 ай бұрын

It’s always a little bit scary when you try something new. This video is good because it gives us a peak as to the “mystery” inside the box. Once you remove the screws and actually see what’s inside, it makes it easier to understand how the thing works. Donald and Felix do a great job helping us to be participants in this whole journey! ;-) Good luck!

You wrapped the Teflon tape on the threads backwards.

You are wrapping the thread tape in the wrong direction.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

10 ай бұрын

You are correct I have addressed this as well in the description of the video. I am very sorry

Been wrestling with mine for a month trying to get a deep vac.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Have you completed this fix? Also check how many ice rings you are getting

@dabslabs6116

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport no I just seen all this today when I started looking for solutions . That’s a lot of work to perform on a new machine but it beats paying to send it back. It’s a newer unit built may of 22

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

@@dabslabs6116 it is a lot of work however since HR isn’t doing the fixes people are having to do them so they don’t have to ship everything back

@dabslabs6116

Жыл бұрын

@@freezedryerrepairsupport I’m gonna make a Home Depot list and try n get er done over the weekend .

@dabslabs6116

Жыл бұрын

Anything different on the pharmaceutical unit to note?

just one concern, you're wrapping all the Teflon tape backwards.

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Yes I added to my description that I suck haha

Looks like he kicked it a few times that's what I Wana do with mine

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

HAHA I remember my mom kicked a computer when they were just coming out. Broken toe later. Becareful

@mi.terpology

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha I don't blame her. did function test and bread run went good so far. I have the pharmaceutical 7 tray modle and I'm using to make medicine for cancer patients I'm pretty nervous to put 10k dollars worth material in this thing and it fail on me. Pray to error gods and load her up or do one final test batch of skittles or something? Any advice

@mi.terpology

Жыл бұрын

I wish they gave more information in detail like you are about every aspect of these machines

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

@@mi.terpology I would make sure you do a few runs. Also please send me log files I’ll look at them to see if I think everything looks what I believe is normal. What you are doing is stressful for sure!

@mi.terpology

Жыл бұрын

@Freeze Dryer Repair Support thanks how do I go about doing that or possible better contact Facebook maybe? My question is could sense dry run ok with skittles then timed dry cause errors?

You wrapped the thread tape the wrong direction!🤦‍♂️

You wrapped the Teflon the wrong direction. Please google the proper way to wrap Teflon. Especially if your trying to help people

@freezedryerrepairsupport

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information we are trying to see how to write over and explain I did it wrong.