I've had a freeze drier for awhile and I would have been clueless. Thanks for such useful information. Would love to see more freeze drying how too's.

@danielturner9832

2 жыл бұрын

mine is losing vacuum but never thought the valve could be the problem.

I replaced my o rings in the hose and it works great now. Spent $1.67 at Ace Hardware. 7/8 OD 3/4 ID 1/16 W

Thank you Phill. I am hoping to get my machine soon and I'll be turning to you for advice in future.

You should not make excuses for harvest right choosing cheap parts. I'm putting mine together for the first time and ran the vacuum test 3 times before fixing problem of no vacuum. 1st was a loose 90 where the vacuum hose connects to the harvest right. 2nd was a piece of plastic that got sucked into the mouth of the vacuum hose from the chamber. 3rd was replacing the 3/8 drain valve. All this and I just received it new never ran a single batch, couldn't because 500 could not be reached. Harvest right needs to have better quality coming from factory in parts and quality testing before it reaches customer. Now I get 500 in 13 mins 39 sec. That you for helping solve my problem.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help

OMG!!! THANK YOU!! I was going crazy looking for the leak. This was the problem. THANK YOU!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Where was the leak?

On my second month of running my large HR FD around the clock...just got this error message...looks like it also the drain plug valve. Going to get a replacement today. Thank you for this video!

This was very helpful information. Thank you Phil!

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I think the solution for me has been to replace the drain valve with a WOG600 rated ball valve, and then I taped every connection from hose all the way over the fittings to the threads with Silicone Self-Sealing Tape. The only connection that is not completely sealed with that tape is where the hose connects to the vacuum pump. I had my first successful bread batch and bottomed out below 80mT last night. Thanks for the support and your helpful videos.

@95manneya

Жыл бұрын

80 mt’s!!! Wow!

@mi.terpology

Жыл бұрын

Damm amy advice 80 mt

That was My problem as well! Appreciated the colored water test! Got a new ball valve

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear.

I also live in the South, TEXAS North of Houston, and we have a lot of humility. I have my Dryer in a room, (we live in a modular home, super mobile home) I was having the same issue of it getting to hot in the room. Like hot enough you could dry meat in HOT. I put in a window unit and and have a high powered fan blowing on my vacuum unit. It works great.

Wow! Thanks so much for such useful informations!!!

Wow you are very thorough !! I APPRECIATE your details and information is priceless ! I just got my machine , i 'm excided, but clewless..lol

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Don't be. FD is easy.

This was so interesting! My first thought was lots of freeze dried tomatoes, lemons, peppers, strawberries & all that. But TURKEY! wow That surprised me. So most food is acidic to some degree. Thank you for discovering their effect on the dryer. I'll be more thoughtful to avoid really vinegary things (like pickles!), or at least maybe stagger them with more alkaline foods like potatoes. Great video!!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for you comments. I couldn't believe how rusted the ball was.

VERY Informative! Thank you!

Phil--just ordered our HR med unit (Black Friday is awesome!) Checking out all your wonderful vids and appreciate your throughness. Checking Ph levels--who does that? LOL

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I can get geeky at times.

Very informative. Thank you.

Mine had that problem today, after checking all the basics, I just restarted the program & it worked fine.

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear

A thin thin thin layer of petroleum jelly on the black "o-ring" will help establish a good seal.

BROTHER!!! PERFECT VIDEO... Although I knew this... I failed to check the drain valve... LOL Thanks so much! You saved my Brain tonight... :)

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Hope it helps

Thank you, I'm going to check it.

My pump passes the vacuum tests and all of the leak tests, yet after it goes to vacuum freeze, it throws the vacuum error. Harvest Right takes their sweet time to assist, even blew off the phone meeting with me today and now seems I’ll have to wait until next week. Their support of far worse than I had ever imagined. I asked to escalate to a manager and they told me the person helping me was a manager. This has been beyond frustrating and it’s been down half of the time I ha owned it.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The same happened to me with the vacuum issues. There could be a third cause that I'm working on. The next time you get the "Inadequate Vacuum" message, press continue. You may have to do this twice. My unit continued with the cycle and got down below 400 Mtorr. The food came out without a problem.

@fleebin2794

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I did try that at first, but the error just kept coming back. I plugged in the flash drive and looked at the log files. After 4 hours, in the vacuum freeze cycle, the mTorr number just keeps going up. It odd that it only does this when it is super cold. But I can’t get it to reach the dry cycle anymore. If I figure it out, I’ll let you know.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@fleebin2794 If it passes the carburetor cleaner test I wonder if your vacuum is ok, but your Mtorr reading is incorrect?

@fleebin2794

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I was wondering that too!

@jocelynsadler6152

2 жыл бұрын

@Flee bin Did you ever get this figured out? I seem to be having the exact same trouble. I pass all leak tests, machine stays in Vacuum Freezing phase until shortly after 10 hour mark, then "Inadequate Vacuum" error appears..4 times already. This is my 5th attempt at a bread run. Any suggestions for me?

Good to know. Thank you

Hey, thanks! Good info!

Great video, Thanks!

I just got my freeze dryer a few days ago and was not able to get under 500Mtorr. After watching this video I took that ball valve off and it is already rusty and gunked up. It is brand new freeze dryer so how that valve is already rusted is beyond me. Thanks for the video though. Helped me find my problem.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear

@coleforee9466

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Hey Phil are these machines supposed to hold a vacuum. If I turn on the pump and pull a vacuum down to 500Mtorr and turn the pump off should it stay at 500Mtorr or gradually go back up? Probably a stupid question but I really have no idea and if anybody would know it would be you.

Great video, thanks.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Solved my problem…..too bad I can’t get this kind of help from HR. They have my pump and I am in harvest season with a newly purchased pump that I did not need. Thanks 🙏🏻

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear.

Thank you

Thank you very much Phil. I just went to Home Depot and purchased a new valve, and a new drain hose. NO LEAKAGE 💦 I’m redoing the Functional Testing for the 4th time. I’m keeping my fingers crossed 🤞 boy was I angry 😡 my daughter and I couldn’t loosen the old valve. I had to purchase bigger wrench 🔧 to get more tork on my grip. I will come back and let you know if my function test is a go. Oh by the way my grandson just named my freeze dryer “JET” he said, door reminds him of a jet window. I’m back successfully ran the function test. Now going to do the bread test bread 🍞

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Good for you!

also to the thread of this subject. Had a vacuum problem, pulled the machine apart to test for a epoxy leak, no leak there. The factory put the drain valve on soooo tight I had to have my husband and a new set of wrenches to get it off. Changed the valve and I did the test to see if it would get down under 500 mTorr and it did. I am running the other test now Fingers crossed.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Good for you

My FD just arrived today. I did the prescribed initial function test. It wouldn’t go below 500 mTorr even in and hour. The closest it would get was about 550. I tried a bunch of times and in the process the minimum mTorr got worse and worse no matter what I did. I went to Home Depot, bought a 3/8” female/female brass ball valve, and presto, problem solved. Now, it gets to 500 mTorr in about 10 minutes, and to 430 in 20 minutes. Prior to replacing it, I did the water draw test from the drain hose, and it didn’t drain water. The inside of the original ball valve was caked with crap. I think the reason it was getting worse and worse was the crappy ball valve it came with leaked more and more every time I turned the valve. For a $4000 machine, I’d expect more.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Wow, a new unit with a bad valve...Shame.

You’re the only guy on the entire internet that says the ball valve is 3/8”. Some people are saying 5/8”. Just got off phone with Harvest Right to be sure b4 I saw this vid. Lots of videos show how to do the change but NOBODY mentions what size it is!!

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

3/8" pipe size. Most people may not know how to measure or measure with a ruler.

@DaveSmith-cp5kj

Жыл бұрын

People are probably measuring the wrench flats when diameter is measured at the grove diameter of the threads for straight, and at the tip of the thread for tapered.

i've had Inadequate Vacuum ever since i got my brand spanking new FD & i DID get one load of sperlaine dry bcz it was such light weight stuff but, had to run it twice! now i'm trying to figure out how to do the thumb/flash drive test... you know... for support read out. i think you said the name of it & i thought i'd remember it but i guess i'm losing it for unfamiliar terms... i've had my FD for 4 months but, am disabled so even just doing tests & moving forward is a big process for this great granny. my 20# of carrots & some other stuff has long since spoiled...!

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

It sound like Harvest Right wants the log files form your machine. If so, Turn off your freeze dryer, insert thumb drive, and turn on. the files will download. When done remove thumb drive and download files (attach) to an e-mail to Harvest Right. As far as leaks, have you checked your hose and door gasket?

I haven't even done the drain valve test yet but I'm going to look there first. Ours is brand new and is having vacuum issues after only the third batch. It goes to 650mTorr and hovers there.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The drain valves corridoes after several batches due to the higher PH water. I would look at the fitting first.

@JPGtampa

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I guess I'm just surprised it would do it that quickly. In any case, I'm heading home from Lowe's right now with a new heavy duty ball valve

@JPGtampa

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

We couldn't pull a vaccuum no matter what we tried. Harvest Rite poured over the data and determined a new pump. We didn't get a single batch out of it from brand new. How did it leave the factory in such condition. For the 4000 bucks I spent, I expect better value right out of the gate. We got a new pump and tracked down a steady supply of high vacuum oil, and it's running the way it should now. Use a good quality oil and get yourself some self amalgamating tape and wrap every fitting.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Shipping company damage about 20% of freeze driers shipped out.

Hello! I have a problem. My HR watching me problem #9. What can I do?

We have had our FD for seven years and love it. I put a better pump on years ago. Now i do have a vac problem BUT it holds a vacuum over night.... im puzzled

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

Can you get down below 500 Mtorr?

If it's under warranty they should send you another valve.

Great video, have you considered adding a small amount of baking soda once and a while as a prevent treatment to balance out the pH? Probably simple to just replace the valve every 3 years.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Pouring a solution of baking soda down the drain could be helpful. Good idea.

@mpugliano

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Being married 35 years my wife's never said I had a good idea thank you very very much

I think this is my problem ty

@Philat4800feet

7 ай бұрын

Hope you find the problem

How too's about how to freeze dry foods

what do you do if the door does not have a full circle of that line?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

1. I would clean the seal. 2. Check for door alignment. Harvest Right has a video. It's pretty simple.

What about the inside of the freeze dryer? Does the acid have any affect on it.

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

The inside of the FD chamber is stainless steel. Most ball valves will be brass and plated polished chrome.

pipe threading has always confused me. are they 3/4 thread or 3/8?

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Pipe thread is measured by the inside diameter of the pipe. The Harvest Right ball valve is a 3/8" thread, because a pipe with a 3/8" inside diameter, threaded on the outside, will screw into the ball valve's threaded fitting.

Did you leave the towel in the freeze dry drum while testing the drain valve?

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, to catch any water sucked up.

@NightSky777

3 жыл бұрын

I didn't and whoops, got a reverse spray of the colored water flying in! ;)

Can you give me ideas for door seal? I have to pull mine practically off of the drum and then close and lock the door before I get the thin strip around

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Is the cord behind the trays keeping the unit sliding all the way back? Try rotating the shelf unit CW/CCW

@mrshappytexashomestead6578

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet thank you for the reply. I did have that problem at first but now it sits back and I have to almost pull the door seal off to get a thin seal. Once it starts vacuuming, I do get the wide strip.

I have my FD in my spare room which has one window. I'm in sunny FL so the room gets beastly hot. I open the window but it doesn't really help and our A/C runs constantly to the point of freezing up. Do you have any ideas on ventilation that might help? We don't have a garage, we are in a mobile home.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I see two problems. 1. AC system only freeze up when air slowly passes through the A-coil. Either your A-coil is plugged up and needs cleaning or your intake filters are dirty. The air needs to pass through the A-coils at a faster rate. 2. Your freeze dryer will display a message when its too hot. I believe it's 80 degrees. A medium FD will produce about 1500 watts of heat. What direction does the window face? (NSEW). Is your AC window mount or central?

@cheryls3777

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet We have central air a brand new unit and all filters new too. They put dye but it didn't show a leak, they did wire it to the dehumidifier above the thermostat not sure if that would do anythimg to make it freeze.

@cheryls3777

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet The Window faces West so gets the aftermoon sun. Ugh. The pump sits to the rear of the FD on the cart, was thinking of rolling the cart in front of open window while running to let the heat escape maybe put a little clip on fan too. Your thoughts?

@DaveSmith-cp5kj

Жыл бұрын

@@cheryls3777 IDK if you are actually on the move, or if your trailer park might have issues with thieves, but you may want to consider buying or making a small shed to put outside for your freeze drier. This is what I do for my bitcoin mining farm which has the same heating issues as the freeze drier but on steroids. You can put some fans inside to keep air circulating if needed.

I've done about 45 batches in a medium freeze dryer. Very few problems, does throw a vacuum leak every once in awhile but we just hit continue or whatever and it's fine, we don't even do anything.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The vacuum issue is why Harvest Right came out with their new software update.

@denverbasshead

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet oh okay, I haven't messed with the software since I bought it but that was only like September of last year

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@denverbasshead Should be 5.X.16

@denverbasshead

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I'll see what version I'm at tonight

@denverbasshead

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet I'm at 5.1.15

What type of valve did you replace it with? Looks much more robust than the HR one supplied!

@NightSky777

3 жыл бұрын

I went to Home Depot, called a "Ball cock" I believe, you'll need to get one that is 3/8ths inch, plumber's tape, & a couple of Wrenches

@carybarron5821

2 жыл бұрын

I get it needs 3/8 pipe thread. But 3/4 int pipe? Wish you posted a Home depot link.

@adamroper5259

2 жыл бұрын

3/8 fip. (Female)

@carybarron5821

2 жыл бұрын

@@adamroper5259 do you see the one you bought on Home Depot’s site?

@carybarron5821

2 жыл бұрын

@@adamroper5259 I guess I am an idiot, unless u can find a link to one that I need. :( sorry Adam

Our ball valve didn't even last 6 months before it started leaking. Disappointed in harvest right for not using a better valve

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

The problem is the water draining out of the chamber is acidic on the PH scale. Unless the valve is 304 SS or better any valve will fail with time. It may take several years.

I can't get anything to work. I'm going to try some tape, but its really bad I can't get anywhere close to 500 now.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

There are only three locations for the chamber to leak. 1. The door gasket 2. Drain port 3. Wire port We need to make the assumption your pump is not the problem. Go the the leaf icon and find the touch switch to turn your vacuum off and on manually. When testing for leaks run your vacuum for about 3-4 minutes and turn off. before beginning, place a loose wad of tissue paper in the drain and wire port. Run the vacuum, Spray some colored water around the outside of the chamber where the pipe and wire enter the chamber from the outside. You'll need to remove some of the outside panels. The idea is the colored water will be sucked inside the chamber and will stain the tissue paper. this will help isolate the location of the leak. Use soapy water on the door gasket.

For what it's worth, I don't trust the MT readings. Test with tray holder and without and get a big difference. 760 MT without tray rack and 390 MT with tray rack in. That means it can only be electrical.

@Philat4800feet

10 ай бұрын

There is a lag and difference between my gauge and the display

My problem is that I am able to get to under 500 m torr in 20 mins but only if i take the tray rack out of FD. When is in is sliding towards the door gasket pushing into it and it only goes to 650 750 to torr . Anybody elese having this issue? Unit is brand new.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I wonder if the wire harness is keeping the tray rack from going all the way in?

@ioansmarket

Жыл бұрын

Phil at 4800 feet thank you for the reply ! Well, I did the test with the racks in without testing the freezing cycle first. As soon as I started the vacuum the trays were sliding slowly toward the door. I managed to get under 500 M thor with trays in after the freezing cycle done. Still they were moving towards the door tough :).

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

@@ioansmarket Could they be moving forward just from vibration? You might want to shim the base of your freeze drier and level the shelves. This would be beneficial when you do liquids.

What size is the valve

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Can I get more info on your question?

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Should be 3/8 FMPT, Standard ball valve.

@Philat4800feet

3 жыл бұрын

Female Pipe Thread

@rogerdat5361

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the info!!

Hi there…again, I had went over the tests-drain hose (liquid doesn’t pull up) Gasket is clean, looks good and good seal Sprayed carbon cleaner and numbers do not go up so not an epoxy leak(I’m assuming) Oil seems cloudy(even after I changed it-w harvest right oil). Vacuum doesn’t go lower than600 Any ideas? Thanks

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

There's another option. Maybe your drier is just fine and the vacuum pressure board is faulty. Have you tried doing a load, and pressing "continue" when prompted by the low vacuum message? Try doing a load and see what happens.

@kmgentil5291

2 жыл бұрын

It can also be where the vacuum pump hose connects to the freeze dryer - you have to take apart 3 of the 4 side panels (leaving the front panel) and tighten the connection from the inside of the unit.

I suggest a replacement valve be "vacuum rated" for the longest service life. HR uses vacuum rated valves. I have not found any valves at a big box store that are for use under vacuum. Their valves are for pressure. There is a difference.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

I've had an after-market valve for two years. no problem.

They need to start using SS instead of nickel plated

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I won't argue with that.

I can answer the question, because Harvest Right ships out an assortment of Chinese made parts without quality control.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

During a tour of their facility, I saw them going through the imported units before being shipped out, however, Fed Ex still damages about 20% of the units to some degree.

Harvest Right's units start at $2,200...so WHY would the customer have to go out & buy parts to fix that HARVEST created?? What if the customer doesn't know how to do all these additions???? I was about to buy the medium sized unit. I think I will pass on this.

@Philat4800feet

Жыл бұрын

I haven't regretted buying a freeze drier. Over the four years it has worked well. I have had very little problems. My videos are for those who have had bigger problems. With a new technology there will be some issues. Give it a year and review your decision.

Chill your barrel before drawing 15 mins.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, the chilled air works much better

I wish a bad drain valve was our issue. Replaced it with a beefy one like yours. Still can't get below 1000 mTorr. POS.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

So only a vacuum issue? How about the tightness of the inner fittings?

It can be the valve even if it doesn't suck up water. My machine recently started getting the error and would have a hard time hitting 800 mTorr. Replaced the valve and I'm hitting 300s again.

Hi Phil, do you have an email or Facebook adress, do you offer also some help or infos for money? I need help with my freeze dryer, all the time vaccum problems. Thx

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

What software are you running? What kind of problems are you having?

@azadmozaffarin6012

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet Funtional Test is successfull, but when i put my fruits (tomatoes) the vacuum freezing stops at 2500 and says: over 2500. I tried the hose tests, cleaned the rubber ring, put first the vaccum so that it is closed. But 3 times now the same problem, and I cannot move forward. 🙏🏽 Software: 5.0.14

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

@@azadmozaffarin6012 5.0.16 was issued to help with inadequate vacuum messages. 5.0.18 was issued to help with vacuum problem from inadequate freezing. You should download and install. This may help.

@Philat4800feet

2 жыл бұрын

The downloads are available on my video 5.X.18 (below the description)

@azadmozaffarin6012

2 жыл бұрын

@@Philat4800feet thank you very much. Is is at all possible, that I have a leak, when the functional test is working? Some say, it is at the epoxy plug. Can this be? 🙏🏽