Thank you. You have broken down each step simply enough for a non mechanical novice to follow.

Phil’s advice on the dye in water was the trick. I did go into the test mode and chill the drier and let the vacuum run down until it wouldn’t pull any more m tarr (about 460). I then placed the drain hose into a quart jar with green dye and water. I waited about three minutes and started to see the green water slowly advancing up the drain hose. Stopped it after it advanced about 5 inches. Stopped the test and took the drain shutoff vale off the drain line. I inspected the valve and found rust inside. Replaced the valve with a brass valve and ran the vacuum test again. At 6:32 into the test I was at 460 m tarr (it was taking 18 minutes before). Continued the test until the 15 minute mark and the machine drew 241 m tarr. Thanks Phil for the great advice. My freeze drier is only 2 1/2 months old and I was really concerned I had a internal problem. Valve went bad after 49 batches. I replace with a brass replacement.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

You must be drying some really high PH foods. I'm glad you found the leak.

Thank you for an outstandingly complete video that took a good deal of effort and time on your part. Thanks!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

That is a great video. I am new to FD and have had NO trouble yet but I have read a lot of post where people are having trouble obviously they have not watched your video. Thank you for making such a great video

Thanks for appreciating, and addressing, some of the safety hazards inherent in the (reckless) Harvest Right videos. There are safe ways to work on these things.

yes, thank you for showing alternative ways to check, isolate, greatly Appreciated!!

What an outstanding video! Wonderful job! Extremely useful! Thank you!

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video! Looking forward to the sensor test video.

Very fine video! Thanks for taking the time and sharing! Like to see how to properly change the O rings and specs on the ring.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Here you go: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aZ2DytiBfMTHg5M.html

Thank you for all the tips... from Quebec

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Merci. Je te souhaite le meilleur.

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make this! My favorite part is the ending. I've been troubleshooting a "vacuuum leak" on my brand new machine for 6 weeks! I've been thinking for many weeks now that sensor/board may be lying to me and I'm chasing a ghost! After doing the methods shown here, I now have the confirmation in my head that I don't even have a leak. It would have showed using your methods! I need a sensor and or pressure switch board because I've tried everything else and convinced it's just fine! Great instructional video!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I'd like to know the outcome.

@Forthejoyoflife

2 жыл бұрын

I’m also experiencing a low pressure error during the drying cycle. Machine is under 90 days old. Harvestright support has not been helpful. I’m not impressed with their advise. If you talk to two different people you will get two different contradicting answering. I will try Phil’s advise.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@Forthejoyoflife Keep pressing the "Continue" button. The colder the chamber, the better the vacuum. Also make sure your oil isn't old.

@Forthejoyoflife

2 жыл бұрын

Phil’s advice on the dye in water was the trick. I did go into the test mode and chill the drier and let the vacuum run down until it wouldn’t pull any more m tarr (about 460). I then placed the drain hose into a quart jar with green dye and water. I waited about three minutes and started to see the green water slowly advancing up the drain hose. Stopped it after it advanced about 5 inches. Stopped the test and took the drain shutoff vale off the drain line. I inspected the valve and found rust inside. Replaced the valve with a brass valve and ran the vacuum test again. At 6:32 into the test I was at 460 m tarr (it was taking 18 minutes before). Continued the test until the 15 minute mark and the machine drew 241 m tarr. Thanks Phil for the great advice

@coleforee9466

2 жыл бұрын

@@Forthejoyoflife I just got my freeze dryer about a week ago and couldn’t get under 500Mtorr. After watching one of Phils videos I took off the drain valve and it was already rusted and corroded and gunked up on a brand new freeze dryer. I guess its a common issue. The drain valve it comes with is also very cheap and pretty much any valve you can buy from a hardware store is going to be better than that piece.

Can't wait to watch it. It says I am Ray, but I am the wife Karen, Ray doesn't even know how to do the computer. The wifes job is to worry about things before they happen,Right? Thanks again

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO!

Thanks Phil for the information. Most of the fitting you have to add yourself, so I don't think vibration or shipping has anything to do with leaks I think I would check all that before I used it. Might change the Ball Valve, it is a big leaker on others I have watched too. Thanks again an Happy Freeze Drying. I just hoped you had secrets.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I'm working on another leak video. Should be easier.

This isn't an endorsement, but if flammability is a concern, "CRC 03070 Industrial Non-Flammable Contact Cleaner" has a comparatively faint but discernible odor that might be useful. Thank you for your videos, Phil!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Thank for this! I’m going to have to try this tomorrow. New machine. I’ve had all vacuum errors after the bread run. I can get down to the 180’s but my three hour test has me at 508 at 1 hour, 741 at 2 and 749 at 3. I’m kinda stumped.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Did you test the vacuum pressure without the trays being loaded or in a room temperature chamber? I have found I can draw a deeper vacuum in a cold chamber.

thanks we followed your test system ,we ended up taking back off, following dye test procedures, not until we tested senor wires did we found the leak in side sensor tube on the inside, called harvest right, last day under warranty they said tech will call us monday 10 -03 -22 we will see it's a large freeze dryer i hope they back it up . thanks again

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Good luck. Let me know.

I was thrilled to find this video and was optimistic it would help diagnose my vacuum leak. I followed all the steps in video and even tried a brand new Premium Pump I had purchased as a backup. Ultimately I performed the leak test twice on each component once with each pump. I can not find a leak for the life of me. I am concluding that perhaps it might be that circuit board you mentioned at the end of the video. Thank you for a great video. Ideas on how to diagnose that circuit board ?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Circuit board are complicated, and since Radio Shack is out of business components are harder to find.

Thank you

I'm chasing a supposed leak, but I use a break bleeder hand vacuum pump with gage. I plug lines and hand pump to 25 inHg and let it sit. Able to test the vac hose, drain valve and line. I ordered a new pump because it worked flawlessly for years, and this problem arose right after I cleaned it thoroughly, maybe I knocked sludge into the vanes?

I'm chasing a supposed leak, but I use a break bleeder hand vacuum pump with gage. I plug lines and hand pump to 25 inHg and let it sit. Able to test the vac hose, drain valve and line. I ordered a new pump because it worked flawlessly for years, and this problem arose right after I cleaned it thoroughly, maybe I knocked sludge into the vanes? It still draws 30 inHg though, maybe my vac sensor is broke as well?

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Leaks can be a pain. Thanks for watching

Thanks for your video, very informative. I got my dryer about a month ago was able to successfully do 10 batches, now nothing😔. I’ve gone through every functional testing the HR recommended, still not working, my machine gets to -54 -and the mTorr’s don’t get low enough to switch to drying cycle. Not sure what to do now😥

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Don't get too hung up on reaching -54 degrees. The important part of freezing is to have your food solid when the vacuum turns on. How low are your Mtorr? What software are your using?

For the massive price this thing costs, I'm rather upset that this is going on. My FD is in 'delivery' and now I'm learning these issues are occurring as early as 2 months of usage?? I'd expect HR to compensate, buy/send new brass valves for every current purchaser as well as put them on stock models asap. And pay Phil to train HR's QAQC team!

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. Don't give up. I've had very good luck with my FD. I run it hard, almost every hour of the day. I'm glad I made the purchase and i would do it again.

@homer97027

Жыл бұрын

Mine leaks right out of the box. Have hours of troubleshooting and HR has failed to respond. Wife not happy with her Christmas present. Now I have something else around the house to repair constantly.

Ok, this might sound stupid, but how do I test to see if I've fixed the leak(s)? Do I have to run a full cycle, or is do I just turn on the vacuum for a certain time? Great video! Appreciate all the work you put into this and your willingness to share your knowledge.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

If you find dye inside a joint, and the joint isn't loose, I would inspect it for damage. Check the O-rings, replace Teflon tape, inspect mating surfaces, etc.

@nellcovington4001

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thanks, Phil. We had found that the touch board is messed up and are now waiting for a new one. Ugh. Only got one load done so far and it's already having problems. Hope this will be the only one for a while!

okay..dumb question. new to freeze drying. plus all this is way over my head. What would the freeze dryer be doing that would make you suspect a vacuum leak to begin with?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

If you have a vacuum leak your FD cycle may not be completed. Here are areas prone to leaks: Your drain ball valve is subject to Acid PH corrosion. Ice, in and, around the door gasket. Fittings that become loose from moving the vacuum pump around. It can be common to have leaks. Part of ownership.

would you use a loctite product on any of the threads. I use 545 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Fittings Thread Sealant at my work which if I ever had to take this apart I was going to use.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't use any permanent thread locker. You'll still need to remove the side panels someday.

Also- when you turn the pump off in test mode, should the vacuum stay at the mTorr number it got down to? If it starts to rise shouldn’t that indicate a leak as well?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The chamber may be totally sealed, but there are gaps between the rotors, vanes, seals, and check valves inside your vacuum pump. There can still be small leaks in your chamber that the CFMs of your pump can keep up with.

I suspect that as a result of the harsh repressurization of the chamber at the end is a very stressful change in physics and thus causing strain to all of the weaker parts in the vacuum system. It should be a slower equalization process at the end.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

It would be interesting to measure the drum with and without vacuum. A competitor to HR is the 'Cube". They have a rectangular "drum" just like our Navy subs that have a rectangular hall

This is what I am struggling with. Passes all vacuum tests, but the batch run throws an inadequate vacuum error before reaching the dry cycle. Upon inspecting the chamber during this time period, the ice only builds on the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the front of the chamber. So it seems I have a freezing issue on a new machine. Now Harvest Right says I need to ship it back to them so they can repair it. It took weeks for them to come to this diagnosis. What a nightmare.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

So sorry

Sounds like the sniff test would only detect the first leak and not any subsequent ones unless you extensively cleaned the machine between tests.

@Philat4800feet

Ай бұрын

Correct. Just trying to help where I can.

Hi Phil, Thanks for the great video on finding vacuum leaks. I have a question. I have the same standard vacuum pump as you do. Mine is about 6 months old, and has run about 10 batches. I have found that after two batches, the oil is totally opaque, and has a very negative affect on the vacuum pressure. I filter it each time as well. The oil will not clear up or water separate from the oil, and I have to throw it out. We are not freeze drying liquidly food, and are using Robinair oil. Have you been experiencing the same trouble? Our old JB Eliminator did not have this problem. I have contacted Harvest right 3 times in the last month on this, and have not received a call back, or help yet. Thank you in advance for any help you might offer.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I use Black Gold oil, and purchase it at a nearby HVAC Supply House. After I run a batch, the old oil stays in a covered container for about a couple of weeks, until it comes up for rotation again. I'll pour off the top into the filter system and put the bottom waste aside for freezing. The creamy color of your oil is "homogenized" water and oil. Sometimes time will separate your oil and water. Try a different brand of oil.

@mjmj5709

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thanks for the quick reply. The last drained oil from two batches that I did over a month ago, still has not separated at all. The first two batches when the pump was new was dairyland, it turned opaque as well. I blamed it on that oil, and went to Robinairs. Do you think I should still change to another brand, or is it possible it's the pump or mist separator? I checked the separator today, and it didn't look plugged or dirty. Have you heard of other people having similar problems with this pump? As I mentioned before, I didn't have this issue with the JB pump, which did wear out.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Never had any experience like that. Something I will think about.

@mjmj5709

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thank you!

I ran the vac test for TWO HOURS last nite and it was at 1700 mTorr when I shut it off. I am not finding leaks outside, so looking to take the panels off next. We're ticked cuz this machine is brand new.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

If you wiggle the JIC fitting (elbow), that comes out of the rear of the machine is it tight? Also try running a vac test with the freeze unit on.

@kellycarver2500

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I was trying to run a load and after 24 hrs the screen came up saying it was a mid cycle unable to achieve vacuum, and was beeping. I tightened all I could and pressed continue and it did it again..etc

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@kellycarver2500 What software are you running? It's at the upper right of the screen.

@kellycarver2500

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet v5.1.16

Hi Phil, I know you get lots of questions about vacuum leaks, I have one to ask, I have not gotten my Harvest Right Freeze Dryer yet, what I want to know is what should I do to mine to help keep the vacuum leaks away, I have been reading lots of negative comments about the Harvest Right Help line or support line. A little worried now that I bought one, and going to have to repair it. I watch your video almost nonstop, enjoy your videos. I think you would be honest and truthful. Should I get a better JiC hose that connects to pump an machine plus a better ball valve. My husband is mechanical and usually fixes stuff when it needs fixing, this is expensive it sound like from other KZread ers they HR uses cheap parts that don't hold up. If you can't say anything I understand just thought I would ask. Please keep the videos coming.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Freight vibration and jostling can loosen joints and connectors. I wouldn't do anything until you start up your new unit and see how it runs. Most people don't have any problems. When your unit is delivered, make note of any freight damage.

Thanks Phil. I’d like to eliminate the pump being faulty. I checked for leaks and don’t see any. Is there a way to do this without needing to order a new one?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Call a HVAC shop and ask if they can hook their gauges up to your pump or spend $130 for a micron gauge.

@rossstoneman832

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thanks Phil.

I it possable that you sucked dye in when you did the door seal test and that is why you are getting dye on both fittings of your pump

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I performed the test under a low vacuum. I don't think the dye could travel that far. I also loosened and took apart most fitting to cause a leak. I didn't see any dye at the time.

diluting antifreeze is quicker and place in a spray bottle. Look for spatter on the inside of the drum with a black light

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Antifreeze has a good dye, but antifreeze is not approved around food preparation (toxic).

anyone ever notice that when the shelving unit is in place & wiring on top out of way, the door gasket makes contact with it... and could THAT be an issue/cause? the gasket scoots back a bit farther in toward the chamber except for the two bottom corners of the shelf which seem to prevent the gasket from fully seating

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure that can be an issue

@carsthatlast441

Жыл бұрын

I wonder this as well

@ioansmarket

Жыл бұрын

I have the same issue

Can you please provide a link to the vacuum gauge that you use?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Not that easy. The tester is made up from three individual parts and then assembled. Do a Goggle search for Hydraulic Hose Repair in your area. They will be able to get you the parts. Here's what you'll need: 1 ea. 0-30 in/hg vacuum gauge, Stem (bottom) mount, 1/4 MPT 1 ea. Adapter- In most cases it will be a brass 1/4" FPT to 1/2" FPT 1 ea. Adapter- 1/2" MPT to male #12 JIC it would also be a good idea to get a #12 Female JIC x #12 Female JIC adapter. If you just tell them (the shop) you need a vacuum gauge to go to a #12 Male JIC fitting, they should be able to get you all the parts. Don't forget Teflon tape.

@timothyx9277

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I was able to find all the needed parts on Amazon. Hopefully I will have the problem isolated tonight

I can't reach 500 mtorr on vacuum test.. I tried to seal every possible leaking spot but hovered around 30,000 mtorr.(include 30mins freeze and vacuum and vacuum directly) Any suggestion please?

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

How old is your unit? There's only three locations for a leak: Door Drain Harness Chase-Vacuum sensor Check each hose, fitting, and component starting from the farthest away from the chamber, and working towards the Chamber.

I have a question for you. What do you think would cause about a 3rd of a cup of water in the pump, during dry cycle? I'm have extreme high mtorrs because of it.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Water in your oil comes from water in your food. When the water in your food is released through sublimation most of the water vapor is captured on the chamber wall by freezing it. Some vapor will be sucked out of the FD before it freezes and ends up in the vacuum pump. Is your unit getting down to -40? Is there an ice ring, in the chamber, from front to back?

@tughill1172

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thank you for the reply. I believe there is a freon problem that HR will Not address. I've explained to them that I've had to turn the pump off, because it would pull a vaccum at 23° because the time ran out. They keep sending me different software, think I have 5 now. Lowest I can get the freeze cycle to go now is -24° software V4. They sent another pump saying that is the problem, I'm like pump doesn't effect the freeze cycle. New pump high mtorrs. I literally have 4 standard oil pumps now. All acting the same. High mtorrs. The pump that would go down to 186 mttors is now above 530 mtorrs and up to 760 mtorrs, all pumps responding same. Looked for leaks nothing. I truly don't need another pump. It all started going down hill when the wires melted. Changed out wiring harness. I've also replaced, relay and motherboard. Worked great after that. My runs I'll use #10 can of peaches last year took 24hrs, 5 runs all 24hrs. The last run I took out over 50hr V5 and had to shut it off never went into final, high mttors. Every load has steadily increased since replacement of wiring harness in Oct 2020. I'm at a total loss of what to do. HR is not hearing what I'm telling them. Water test after water test. They always say the ice pattern looks normal. Any input is appreciated. Thank you

@tughill1172

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet If not freon, then it's the compressor. Freon would only continue to leak and be gone, compressor failing maybe. Thank you

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Is your FD in an overly hot or cold location? Is the condenser clean and lint free? If you lost freon, you would probably lose some of the freon lubricant (oil). Any oily spots inside the case? Here's an e-mail from HR: "Freon R410A pres. @ 70 degree room temp after unit has chilled down the low side pres 2-5 psi high side is about 250 or less psi there should be frost on the suction line near the access port if there is frost on the compressor there is too much freon and some should be bled out if the charge is correct the bottom center of the chamber will -55 degrees +/- 5 degrees " I hope this can help

@tughill1172

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Thank you for the reply. We purchased a gauge like you have I think. It a inHg, but I don't understand how to read it for say 186 mtorrs. What would the gauge read?

Ill have to try this test this weekend, but my situation is a little odd. It pulls a great vacuum while testing (sub 150mTorr) , but when running a batch, it looses vacuum. When the chamber gets around -20, the vacuum starts to fall off and slowly climbs up to the 700 to 800 range until the batch fails as it cools further.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

What software are you running?

@jasontaylor6468

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet 5.1.16

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@jasontaylor6468 Are you pre-freezing your food before loading in the freeze dryer or putting your food in at room Temp? If your food isn't rock hard frozen the moisture can sublimate too fast. The water vapor can drive up the pressure keeping the Mtorr high (above 500 Mtorr).

@jasontaylor6468

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Very frozen. Doesn’t matter if it’s strawberries or chicken noodle soup. It fails either way.

@joannoliver7077

2 жыл бұрын

Following

How and what guage did you install on your pump?

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

It's a simple micron vacuum gauge. I added a tee just above the fitting on the pump.

I have a Large Harvest Right Freeze Dryer that will only get to 520 and once there begins to rise and never again gets below 750. Things I have done. 1. Replaced the pump. Yes the pump went bad. It was an eagle. Now the machine will get to 496 and once there begins to rise and never again gets below 506. The replacement pump is my old oil pump but it ran fine when I replaced it. I opened up the pump and cleaned it out good. Put in new oil. 2. I taped both connections on the hose from the vacuum sealer and both connections on the drain line with silicone tape. 3. I replaced the drain valve with a brass valve. 4 I inspected the door seal and see nothing. 5. I want to spray the wires going into the seal on the chamber but am hesitant because I don't understand the mTorr numbers. When I turn on the vacuum they appear to be going up, something like 1758.297456. These are not the actual numbers. I cannot get the actual numbers because the numbers do not stay the same but maybe for 1/2 a second then jump to something totally different. When the pump runs, they appear to be getting larger, not smaller but when i run the program, the numbers make sense like 750 or 500. I don't understand it. The smell thing won't work for me. I have no sense of smell at all. Not even gasoline.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

1. Are you pre-freezing your food? If not, try this. Leave food, in your tray, in a freeze, for 24 hours. Get the food rock hard. Load the food in the HR once the temp gets to zero. 2. What program are you running? If not 5.X.16 you should down load. This program helps with vacuum problems. 3. If you get the inadequate vacuum message acknowledge and continue and see what happens.

@jesuschristismylordandsavi6108

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet 1. Am I pre-freezing my food? Yes I am. 2. What program? Last week I had Harvest Right send me the latest download. I cannot check to see what it is right now because the freeze dryer is running but Harvest Right sent me their latest version April 20, 2022. 3.I ran 20 lbs of ground sirloin 90/10 and it just kept running for 48 hours. The vacuum pressures were horrible, so I stopped and and restarted it. The next morning my pump (Eagle) had crashed. I took the meat out and it was all perfectly freeze dried. I have since put on my old original oil pump with new oil. I am trying to freeze dry grapes, tangerines, grapefruit, oranges and blueberries. It has run 38 hours as of now. I will look again in the morning. The temp is around 125 and the vacuum is 525. I do not get a vacuum message. I am going to release the pressure in the morning and test the food. It may be dried just like the beef. The time bar indicator always stops about 3/4 of the way over to complete and will not move any futher.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Your current load are some of the more difficult food to dry. Grapes and blueberries have thick skins (need to be cut in half, etc.) and grape are really sweet. The cells of your citrus will rupture and crystalize. Have you reviewed HR trouble shooting videos? Go to HR website, click, Click the Customer Support bar (upper right), scroll down to CLICK ON A CATEGORY BELOW, These videos may address your issues.

@jesuschristismylordandsavi6108

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet The grapes and blueberries are cut in half. I have looked at the videos. One of the last things I need to do is to spray carburetor cleaner onto the "sealed" port where the tray wires come out. The only reason I have not done that so far is because I don't understand the mTorr numbers when using the hidden button on the screen. They are something like this 1234.23456. They jump so fast (change every 1/2 second). The numbers go up and not down. They end something like this 5678.234. How do you get the mTorr reading out of that?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I had the same problem with the carb cleaner test. The number didn't change fast enough. However, during a mock leak test, there was a strong smell of carb cleaner in the chamber. Maybe you could barrow someone else's nose

Can food coloring work instead of pen dye??

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I used florescent pen dye so it would glow under a black light (UV light). Milk can show up well or any other dye. Food color could work.

I wonder if the smoke from something like an incense stick would suck into where the leak is? You'd have to be paying attention but.....

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

That could work if the smell could be localized..

@nated1971

Жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I was thinking more of watching the smoke and seeing if it gets sucked into any of the areas checked with you dye water. Mine will be here next week so hope I don't have to try the method....

The only reason I am aware if this product is I see constant complaints about it.

@boboscurse4130

2 жыл бұрын

You are correct. I make $40/hr at my job. But I spend $3000 on this product, and Harvest Right thinks I'm supposed to spend 50 hours troubleshooting their poor quality product...on my time.

Harvest Right will be more than happy to sell you a new pump without even asking if you checked for leaks.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The problem with leaks- they're not visible. The only way to test a vacuum pump is with a micron gauge. A friend or buddy in the HVAC business could test your pump.

@jackweber2791

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet thanks for your great tips, keep them coming

Why would anyone spray carb cleaner, knowing you can't get that smell out! On a food prepping machine, it's just dumb! And I think they are wrong to tell ppl to do this.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

They now recommend window cleaner.

@Brent-Nelson68

Жыл бұрын

It evaporates

@kellycarver2500

Жыл бұрын

@@Brent-Nelson68 No it doesn't, either. You gotta wash and wash to try and get it off..

Phil at 4800 feet , or anyone (please). I have the older freeze dryer with the screen toward the bottom right. I also have the same standard vacuum pump you are using in this video... It is very strange, when I do a small batch that doesn't form a lot of ice around the internal chamber, the freeze dryer works perfect. I am able to average 500- 650 mTorr both in the normal drying cycle and the final drying cycle. However, if I do a large batch and it forms a lot of ice around the internal chamber, I average normal 500- 650 mTorr, UNTIL the unit goes into final dry mode. In the final dry mode the mTorr go up to 900- 1400. At this point, I have to end the freeze drying process, take the almost done food out of the freeze dryer and put it in my chest freezer. Then I defrost the freeze dryer and reinsert the same batch of food. Finally I am able to start a brand new complete freeze drying cycle and it completes without issue. 🤔 ANY HELP would be much appreciated. Thank you for everything!

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

There are three functions to freeze drying. Refrigeration, vacuum, and heat. Refrigeration and vacuum are fixed. They come on and stay on. The only variable function is heat. Without heat the vacuum will reach its maximum potential (150-200 Mtorr) and stay there. When the heat comes on it "melts" the ice and the water instantly sublimates. The gas from the moisture reduces the vacuum. When the vacuum falls to 500-600 Mtorr the heater turn off. This cycle repeats over and over. It sounds like you have a heater problem. The heater is running too long and allowing the vacuum to get too low 900-1400 Mtorr. During the drying cycle you should be able to get down around 200-300 Mtorrs. My guess is your vacuum gauge may not be reading correctly.

@pacearrow4620

Жыл бұрын

​@@Philat4800feet I ordered a new vacuum gauge set($150) from HR. I hope those parts fix the problem... My Unit is running software version 2.4.3 If the problem ends up not being the vacuum gauge, then the only other thing it could be is the touch screen computer. I tested the relays and they seem to work okay...

I'm chasing a supposed leak, but I use a break bleeder hand vacuum pump with gage. I plug lines and hand pump to 25 inHg and let it sit. Able to test the vac hose, drain valve and line. I ordered a new pump because it worked flawlessly for years, and this problem arose right after I cleaned it thoroughly, maybe I knocked sludge into the vanes? It still draws 30 inHg though, maybe my vac sensor is broke as well?

I'm chasing a supposed leak, but I use a break bleeder hand vacuum pump with gage. I plug lines and hand pump to 25 inHg and let it sit. Able to test the vac hose, drain valve and line. I ordered a new pump because it worked flawlessly for years, and this problem arose right after I cleaned it thoroughly, maybe I knocked sludge into the vanes? It still draws 30 inHg though, maybe my vac sensor is broke as well?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

What' the highest Mtorr reading from your screen can you get?