I did order me a new pump today and then I seen your video. I went downstairs and flushed my pump with a little more oil than you used and the mTorr went down to 400 mTorr in 5 minutes and before that it would only go down to 1470 - 1530 mTorr in 20 minutes and then it would just hang there. I turned it off and watched your video. Awsome job sir!!!

This was a great idea that worked. Felt very frustrated with pump not working and throwing vacuum error. Yay, back in business. Thank you so very much!!!

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and Thanks for the feedback

I want to thank you for this video. I thought my pump was fried, but I back flushed it and the vacuum is back to well under 400 mTorr. I actually back flushed it five times using about two cups of oil each time. I tested the vacuum after each back flush and the vacuum kept getting better and better until I was satisfied the fifth time. It took nearly a gallon of oil, but that was cheaper than a new pump. Thanks again for the info!

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was of some use

@arnthorsen8491

2 жыл бұрын

5 times? okay, I have done it once and testing now. If it gets better, I will keep doing this flush. I would have not thought about doing it again and again. We ordered a new pump last week so if this works, we will have a spare.

Great info ... Thank you for all your videos 🤗

Love all the tips I can get!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Having problems with my pump. Getting ready to start figuring out what the problem is. This will help a LOT!!

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

As a last resort I hope it works. It did for mine and still going strong

@ohwhatelse

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs ... well, i'm sad now... thanks! LOL. i have an HR Premier pump. any way to flush those?

Hi. Thank you. I’m going to try the flush. I noticed your oil is blue. If it is dairyland I suggest you also stop using dairyland. It WAS the recommended oil but no longer. It contains water which will rust out your pump eventually. I’m working on the issue with mine now but I can’t wait to do the flush. Thanks.

After purchasing a harvest right freeze-dryer with oilless pump I had to send back both of them after trying to get them to work properly. I received another pump and they fixed whatever was wrong with the freeze dryer, they worked for a while but now after only using it several times I keep getting a vacuum pump error. Of course, the expensive pump is now out of warranty. Since I live in a hot climate I can only use it when fall hits. So far the freeze drying investment has been a total bust.

@deeannharoldsen2705

2 жыл бұрын

I have had the same problem. I have owned my freeze dryer for 14 months, have bought 2 pumps, had them replace 2 more oil less pumps. Took it into Harvest right to have them repair it. Brought it home and it immediately had a vacuum pressure error. I am searching videos to see if there is anything users know that harvest right doesn't. I sure feel like its been a waste of money. If you are not handy with tools and want to spend a lot if time fixing it yourself, I dont know how you can ever get your money worth. John has made some great videos and I would love to try some of the things he has done, but I have lot hope.

Thank you for your video. Very useful.

You can also fill the pump up to the max and then a quick open valve run and it should give you the same result. 👍

Thanks again John 👍

I've been reading through some other freeze dry forums about the standard pump becoming corroded inside. Their resolution was to use Dairyland oil. Dairyland has detergents that keep the internal motor clean inside and helps to control moisture.

@dsbennett

2 жыл бұрын

The Premier pump specifically warns against using Dairyland oil.

Thank you for the info!

Absolutely outstanding! I have jb's, so I will remember that thanks!

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

This is the video I got the idea from. It is made by JB and is specific to their pump kzread.info/dash/bejne/mJt-pLtmd9Csp84.html

Thanks for the tip!!!

excellent information

Great tip

Thanks so much!

I was having the same issue with my oilless pump. After going through a number of tests at HarvestRight’s request, they sent me an older version of the software. This stopped the error but resulted in doubled batch processing times. Instead of +/- 25-30 hours it now takes 50-60+ hours. They said I need a new pump but it has been “out of stock” for months. They wanted to ship me an oil pump, but I declined because I am not interested in messing around with oil changes, plus I paid a serious premium for the upgraded pump. They reply to my emails, except when I ask about an ETA for my new pump. I am disappointed with HarvestRight customer service. For the cost, I expected far better.

@Agnegerasima

2 жыл бұрын

Same here, very dissapointes. Drying time for pineapple takes 5 days!

@JamesBond-qv2ht

2 жыл бұрын

@@Agnegerasima They did end up sending me a new oilless pump. I still need to contact them for a software upgrade because dry times remain very long even with the new pump. Also, I have found that food with a high sugar content takes much longer to dry than low sugar food for some reason.

@Agnegerasima

2 жыл бұрын

I am from Europe so for me it is too difficult to contact them. They are ignoring me! Dissapointed and don't know what to do.

@Michael-s2p3p

Жыл бұрын

@@Agnegerasima wonderful, I need to change my BBB review and they can have their free Mylar bags back.

I went through 5 JB pumps in two years. I think it was because I did a lot of pizza sauce and the acid ate the seals but HR says that can't happen. The 5th one which I still have is boxed up and is my emergency spare. It took me a year to pay it off but the oil less pump is so much better. It's been running strong for the last two years. It's so nice not having to drain and filter oil every batch.

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

I never had the JB pump but have really been happy with the standard pump. I have the dave ramsey philosophy, If i can't buy it cash I save until I do. I hear the premium is fantastic, but I can't afford it.

Have not had to do this but its good to know

O. M. G. !!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! I have not tried it yet but I am pretty confident that it will work. I could not get below 700 mTorr just like you said and I futzed with the giant gasket on the door and monkeyed with the drain valve and finally decided to change the oil. I drained it and even tipped the pump all the way to make sure I got ALL of the oil out! I added about 450ml of fresh Robinair clear premium VP oil and fired up the vac test and NO DICE! I still could not get much below 700mTorr. I then looked at my brand new oil and it was ALREADY CLOUDY?!? What the heck is going on?! I will definitely try the flush technique if this load gives me an error.

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

By all means try this, but cloudy new oil is indicative of a leak somewhere. If you are confident the drain valve and door seal are not leaking I would check both ends of the vacuum hose that goes from the pump to the machine

@zachreyhelmberger894

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs OH! Good point! I notice that when I turn off the pump and watch the mTorr display it goes from about 700 up to 10,000 within about a minute or so. I assume that is not good. I heard that you are supposed to finger tighten the vacuum fittings and then give it 1/6 of a turn with a wrench. I will try this next. I pulled off the giant gasket and spritzed with my squirt bottle to get flecks of metal out. I also used a fine diamond file to flatten and smooth and dings and burrs on the stainless drum that the giant gasket mates to thinking that might cause a leak. I checked the drain valve to see if it was sucking up water at all and that was a negative test. I am running my 5th or 6th load right now since getting it and was able to get a good vacuum (500mTorr in about 15 minutes at 7,000 feet elevation) when I fired it up for the first time.

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like your pump is still under warranty. The procedure suggested in the video is for the standard pump only and I wouldn't do it if your pump is still in warranty as I wouldn't want to jeopardize that. Keep at it sounds like you have been pretty thorough. As a side note that is why I like to have a known good spare pump. I can swap it out and if still no vacuum then I know it isn't the pump

Thanks I’m having same issue not achieving vacuum at end of freezing cycle tighten door seal down but still not achieving vacuum.I will let you know if it works thanks

I found one on offer up for $60 . I’m gonna use it for refrigeration.

Will this also work with the Premier Pump? I don't know if there is a difference in the pump chamber's design and construction.

Didn’t work for me, worried that all the nightmare scenarios I’ve heard about Harvest Right is now going to happen to me.

John: my standard oil pump is out of warranty (almost 2 years past shipping date, much more than the 6 months covered by warranty) and I’m now unable to pull a deep vacuum (can’t get below 1000 mTorr). I’ve gone through the checklist a couple of times, with no luck. I also don’t have a 2nd pump to verify that it’s the pump that’s the issue (though I’m fairly certain it’s the pump). I’m thinking I’ll try this method of flushing it out. I typically use Dairyland oil, but do you think it would be OK to flush with the oil provided by HR with the machine, and then go back to Dairyland for regular use? Didn’t know how the residual cheap oil used in flushing would affect the Dairyland oil.

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

I would use the non dairyland oil as well. Hope it helps. Worked great on mine

@abroling

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, John! I’ll see if I can find another person locally that will let me do a vacuum test with there’s to confirm it’s my pump, and then try flushing it out with the non-Dairyland oil. I’ll report back!

I just bought a medium freeze dryer with the standard oil pump that comes basic with the unit. I have not passed the mTORR test yet after several attempts it is now stick around 700 mTORRs. I changed the drain valve as my leak was definitely there. The door seals, and all connections checked out okay. I changed the oil every time after the test. The oil was like pea soup color so I kept putting new oil in. I had to order more. 5 days in and I still can't pass the vacuum test. I even tried this flush even though its new. Still stuck on 700 ish. I was wondering if the demister unscrews on this oil pump. I know it does on the oil less green one but what about the standard oil pump. I try but it stops. I don't want to break it if I force it off. It doesn't seem to be seated tight as I can move it back and forth. Do you think this will affect it? Thanks for any info. I don't have an appt with HR for another 4 days. Frustrated is an understatement.

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry not much help. I would not do the procedure in my video if your pump is still under warranty, It is only as a last resort before buying a new one. I don't think the black filter would have any bearing on a vacuum leak. I would wait for HR. They will sort you out.

@lindapoworski2597

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs thank you. I was worried about warranties too, I did let the test run longer today and it finally got to 499mTORRS after 1 hour,28 mins and 41 seconds. It didn't say I couldn't run after 30 minutes, it just said run the vacuum between 20 and 30 minutes. Ill try to send files but no where on the screen did it say files were transferring to the thumb drive so Im doubtful I have anything there. I remain frustrated but optimistic. I just wish I could buy another pump locally to see if that is actually the problem but Im in Canada

Wow, I pray this works. I haven't been able to use my freeze drier is weeks because the HR tech has been has us running around trying all kinds of stuff. Can you tell me what pump you purchased at Harbor that works on the freeze drier?

...So that pump flush method doesn't result in oil getting in/remaining in hose once reconnected?

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

If the check valve is working correctly this will not affect it. In fact if there is some debris on the check valve this could actually "clean" the little ball in it.

My mtorr until around 1800 if dry test. After flushing several times, until no more milky color, but still the same, no improvement. Should u go on flush out more? More than 20 times?

@JohnInBibs

8 күн бұрын

In my opinion you shouldn't have to do it more than twice. This video was a last resort. If it didn't work I would look for other problems

Hi John Can you put more than just the 1 cup through the pump? Will it come out cleaner if you do more? I am on pump #3 & my unit is in Utah with my newest pump trying to get it fixed.

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sure you can, I would however turn it off in between cups so that it isn't ever running without oil flowing thru

@sekon57

2 жыл бұрын

Did you get yours up and running? I am on pump 3 in 18 months. I just did the flush and when I reconnected everything, there was a slight change in pump noise (as in quieter). John, I do think I will try this flush with the 2 previous pumps? I’ve had them stored full of fresh oil since going with the next pump.

@jaydeemarie

2 жыл бұрын

@@sekon57 Mine worked well when I got it back so I have not needed to do the flush but I also have pumps stored so will eventually try it as well. Good Luck, hope it all comes out well for you.

We have that Same pump. Our problem has been "Vacuum Test" with Empty FD (Tray Unit removed) passes, but once we have a batch going, still get the "Inadequate Vacuum" message. Rechecked and rechecked, just kept pushing "Continue" (b/c same Error msg kept showing back up) and able to finish a batch. Has anyone noticed the door gasket goes Beyond the Top Corner of the Tray unit, but the Bottom Corner prevents the Door Gasket from going all the way in?

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you are not getting your Tray Unit pushed all the ways back. When putting the tray unit back into the chamber I hold the wire harness up on top of the tray unit. If you don't do this the thickness of the wire connector can and most probably will stop your tray unit from going all the way back. Try that and see if this solves the problem of your door seal not gully seating on the bottom with the tray unit in.

How do I get that black fliter off the top. I try twisting and it just stops

@KootenayColdsmoke

2 жыл бұрын

Just got my new unit and noticed the Same thing happened , feels like it would only rotate a few inches, but it will, you just need to use more force to twist it and once past that resistance point is spins off easily

@staym925

2 жыл бұрын

Put something in the hole of the piece closest to the metal, and hold that in place, while using other hand and turn the oil filter looking housing, they have a rubber o ring in between them, so the plastic ring stays in place and oil filter housing turns, and threaded into the alluminum housing.

well, i'm sad now... thanks! LOL. i have an HR Premier pump. any way to flush those?

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry I don't know if there is

We were also using Dairyland vacuum oil but I spoke to the JB Industries senior tech and Matt said Dailyland oil is crap and DON'T use it. We are now using Nu-Calgon Premium vacuum oil as per Matt's recommendation. Also, change your pump oil REGULARLY-we're changing it every 10 cycles. We STILL get "Failure to achieve...." messages on occasion but significantly less now with the Nu-Calgon oil(bought through Refrigerative Supply here in Canada but I'm sure you can find it stateside at any reputable HVAC supplier. Gonna try the flush now and see what results I get. BTW, HR's tech support dept is f#@%ing USELESS. More info found on KZread, ffs!!

@JohnInBibs

Жыл бұрын

I also changed from dairyland to black gold. I still run one load a month with dairyland to clean the pump out. We live and learn and I learned that dairyland will hold the moisture in the oil which will give vacuum errors

@victorbunch1442

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs hey John, tried the pump flush procedure, refilled w/new oil, ran mToor test AGAIN. Results: mToor would not go below 6000 after 20 mins. I suspect, like many other HR parts, they used the cheapest crap they could find. My HVAC guy said the refrigeration motor brand is cheap and extremely prone to failure. We had to replace 2 so far. We use these machines(6), 5 days a week and had them now for about 5 yrs We dehydrate a salt based oral rinse powder, which, if oil isn't changed very regularly, will result in corrosion/rust forming on interior of pump & its oil chamber. Consider taking the oil Reservoir cover off the pump itself and do a thorough cleaning inside, use brake clean, whatever you need to do. I have found a myriad of nasty stuff inside. For me, I'll just carry on having a frustrating day, Cheers.

Does anybody know where I can get the rubber ring That's goes around inside of the pump?

@dakota5815

Жыл бұрын

I'm assuming you mean the o-ring that goes between the tank & the main pump unit. You can confirm by looking at the pump manual which you can find online by searching on the pump model number. The manual has an exploded view and parts list. If you have the standard pump like in the video, then Harvest right sells them. I just ordered a couple for my pump. It's item #39 on the standard pump parts list. They're around $4.5 each as of this response.

What type of oil do you use for your pumps?

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

Dairyland for the standard pump

@Thisisit120

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs thank you.

@NightSky777

3 жыл бұрын

@@Thisisit120 but Dairyland is Not recommended for the newer 'Standard' nor the Premier pump. Robinair is preferred.

Can this method be used on the new little white oiless pump.

@JohnInBibs

2 жыл бұрын

No this is for oil filled pumps

@bootlegger4267

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

i have the premier pump can i do this on mine.harvest right just wants me to buy a new one.

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think so, surely the answer is no unless Harvest Right recommends it.

@ashyslashy5818

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs THANKS JOHN.

Im so frustrated with my machine. Its less than a month old. Yesterday I tried to FD spaghetti. I got an error message 8x and gave up. All my seals are good. My hubby did the water test. I have the brand new oilless pump, the white one. I looked online and did everything they suggested. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear this, the heart I click it to show you I read your comment, please don't think it is because I love your problem. I hope you work it out.

I am so disappointed. I just purchased our Harvest Right and I keep getting this message. We were literally doing the initial bread run. I am trying to work it out with Harvest Right CS. Nevertheless, thanks for the video.

@greenMan6210

2 жыл бұрын

I just received my brand new small stainless steel model and same thing. I followed the manuals exactly to set up the unit and pump. It passed the vacuum test no problem but soon as I try to run the first burn batch with moist bread it runs forever but will not go below 1000 mTorr then starts messaging inadequate vacuum error. Took it all apart and put it back together all connections tight and drain valve closed. Repeated and exact same thing happening. Super disappointed for the price I paid and had a bunch of food prepped. Have not been able to complete a full batch. Have contacted harvest right but have not heard back.

What type of oil is that?

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

Dairyland Vacuum oil

@raydeenjaques2048

3 жыл бұрын

@@nanmaco personally, I had no idea you could not use Dairyland oil in the Premier pump. Good to put in the back of my mind. I have the HR standard oil pump and a back up pump.

@NightSky777

3 жыл бұрын

@@raydeenjaques2048 yeah, I learned that too, "Robinair" is one that is recommended

had problems from the day I got my freeze dryer with not achieving vacuum - I struggled and one our of 5 (maybe) batches would work. Finally, I bought the oil free and it would not work at all - finally THEY made me pay to pack up and ship the whole system back and they repaired it, but some damage when returned - but working finally after years of calling. If you have a problem - get it settled right away - I was too nice - finally had to get some people with pull to help me and got it fixed - I had a problem with my last load of ice cream - water coming out while under vacuum - WHAT? I put the trays in the freezer and cleaned it and checked it and started over and it ran for 20 hours and did a good job. Only thing I can figure is that even though, I completely melted the ice cream and spread it on the trays, that coconut ice cream has too much fat in it compared to cows milk ice cream - so will just use freezer for that in the future. My struggle was worth it as I try to use it as much as possible right now because food is becoming scarce and prices are going up. Also, I want my freezer as empty as possible - sure is not right now - so, more batches lined up to go in to it. Right now, doing last years winter storage crops - cooking up dishes and freeze drying in service sizes. I just pray that that oil less pump keeps working. I am disabled and the oil thing was too much for me and heavy.

@JohnInBibs

3 жыл бұрын

I have had mine for two years and never had a problem with anything. I am hoping now that I flushed this pump it will last another two years

@marthaadams8326

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnInBibs Yes, I had mine since the beginning of time with this company. The newer ones seem much more reliable. Yes!, you have to clean that pump and I had someone who knew how to do it and it was like brand new and then still didn't work great. I love my oilless and hope it works until I am gone. I enjoy your experiments with so many different kinds of foods in it and you have given me the encouragement to expand. I still want mostly single foods packed away - but lets fact it, having everything in one bag is not a bad idea. I found some things work better if cooked first and some better if raw - and I have to leave the garlic out until rehydration because my dog does not appreciate it :-)