The Ice Machine and Refrigeration Repair Blog
Real World Problems and Solutions by Field Technicians
Hoshizaki Ice Thickness AdjustmentHoshizaki ice machines come equipment with a ice thickness control. This part actually know as the float switch. The question regularly asked is “how do I adjust the ice thickness?” Fortunately the answer is easy. Continue reading “Hoshizaki Ice Thickness Adjustment”
Many Hoshizaki ice machines have built in safety measures that stop the ice maker when faults or problems are detected. Once one of these faults occur the unit will stop producing ice and will alarm you with a high beeping sound.
The alarm will sound off a number of beeps, pause, then repeats the number of beeps. This number represents the type of fault that equipment has detected. Therefore it is important to determine how many beeps the alarm is giving you before resetting. Let’s take a look at the three most common the faults and what potential issues may have caused the them. Continue reading “Hoshizaki Ice Machine Beeping”
One of the most important services and upkeep of an ice machine is keeping it clean. Cleaning involves removing scale buildup and or removing slime. Either type of debris can clog hoses and spray bars slowing, even stopping, water flow. Scale can collect on important sensors causing decreased production as well as equipment failure. The most common service call is Continue reading “Scotsman Prodigy Cleaning Procedure”
In many cases we are faced with a service call in which the client believes the ice machine is not making enough ice. It is difficult for the client and sometimes even the technician to determine if there is an underlying problem, especially when the unit is making ice consistently. So how do you know if it’s production is up to par. There is only one way and that is to determine the ice machine’s production.
Most manufacturers will provide equipment specifications such as size, refrigerant charge, voltages, etc. In that documentation you will need to locate the equipment’s ice production capacity. Not all ice machines are create equal, so you will need to narrow it down to your model number. Let us look at an example. We will say you have a Scotsman Prodigy C0530 – air-cooled ice machine. First find the manufacturers capacity in the specification documents. Most manufacturers will have this information on-line. To the left is an example of what you would find. Next you will need to determine the water temperature being supplied to the unit and the ambient temperature where the unit is located. The ambient temperature is the space temperature. Continue reading “Calculating an Ice Machine’s Production”
What does it mean when your Scotsman Prodigy ice maker is off on error code number 8. The Prodigy error code indicates that the Prodigy has gone through short freeze cycle, a few times. If the ice machine’s harvest cycle is triggered before 6 minutes into the freeze cycle this error code will occur. Understanding the sequence of operation and component functions will help you understand how to diagnose this problem and how to solve it. One of the first components to look at is
Continue reading “Scotsman Prodigy Error Code 8”
Model# ID0606A-261
Technician Notes:
Customer stated that his Manitowoc ice machine won’t turn on. I found the ice machine unplugged and water valve at the wall was shut closed. I restored power and water to test operation. Turned unit back on and found unit operating in freeze mode. After a about a minute unit the shut off. After a second attempt I found the unit’s condenser fan motor was not running. I turned off ice machine and placed my stubby gauges on high side of the system. Restarted the unit and noticed the head pressure went up rapidly then shut off. Continue reading “Manitowoc Ice Machine won’t Turn On”
Model# ICE0606HA5
Technician Notes:
Upon arriving at the location I found the ice machine turned off at the disconnect. I turned the power back on and watched the unit’s operation. I found the unit stuck in harvest mode, and it would not go into the freeze cycle. After further investigation, I saw the harvest assist assembly stuck in place and not rotating, which was causing the unit to stay stuck in the harvest cycle. I confirmed the harvest motor was receiving 120 volts of power then manually rotated push rod wheel back around to get unit to go into the freeze cycle to confirm that the unit would make ice. Then removed the harvest assist assembly and installed a new one. Once new harvest motor was installed I re-applied power and tested operation. Unit started normally and timed two batches of ice, both with out any problems in the freeze or harvest cycle. The cycle times were approximately 17 minutes each which fell with-in factory specifications. I also noticed the drain was slowing draining water during purge, indicating it was a little clogged. Vacuumed the drain lines with shop vacuum to pull out any blockage. Purged ice machine water to test the drain and saw improved water flow. No other problems found.
The customer also reported a sandwich cooler not keeping temperature. The cooler was holding 45*F with all major components operational. The condenser coil covered in debris blocking airflow. I cleaned off the surface debris and sprayed the coil with my battery operated sprayer to rinse out thoroughly. After completion I allowed the system to resume normal operation. Soon afterwards the temperature starting dropping and the unit cycled off at 38*F. Lastly I vacuumed out condensate pan and condensate drain tube. We recommend maintenance once every third month for all the refrigeration equipment. Please review the maintenance program for further details about our program.
To see further information on the Ice-O-Matic ICE0606HA click on the pdf link below.
The client stated that the ice machine has not had a cleaning solution ran for at least 8 months and was concerned about the cleanliness, since the clean light had been glowing yellow for sometime. I removed the front panel and pressed the harvest button to remove any ice from evaporator. I pulled off the evaporator panel I found debris, scale and some slime buildup. Placed the unit into clean mode and added descaling solution. Allowed descaling solution to circulate for 15 minutes and then placed unit into purge cycle for 5 additional minutes. Checked the clean reminder setting and changed it from 6 months to 3 months. Emptied reservoir and pulled apart all washable components and cleaned thoroughly. Cleaned out the reservoir and other stationary components. Reassembled all parts and put the unit back into ice mode. During the water fill cycle the water valve would not shut off due to the water level sensor not reading sump full. Replaced the sensor with a new one and restarted. Vacuumed out the drain line and timed two complete ice cycles. Both batches were approximately 14 minutes during the freeze cycle and less than two minutes for harvest. The water filters were not dated last change, but seemed to be working properly. Customer said he replaced them about 7-8 months ago. I recommend that they should be changed as the life is generally 6 months for the Everpure filters and a few months for the sediment filter. Cleaned out the air filter and recommended the unit be placed onto a maintenance plan. Added a sticker on the unit and completed service.
To learn more about this ice machine click on the PDF link here: Prodigy-Maintenance Manual
To learn more about this ice machine’s controller settings, check out this video: Scotsman Prodigy Manual Purge and Clean Cycle
Found unit off on “max harvest” error code. Reset and tested unit. During the harvest cycle the harvest assist rod was not pushing against ice. This would create a longer than normal harvest cycle exceeding the 3 minute safety. Determined the harvest assist was getting power during the harvest cycle. Discussed issue with client along with cost of part. Also explained that the unit was Continue reading “Scotsman Prodigy C0522MA – No Ice”
Arrived at the location to find the ice machine’s evaporators were completely frozen up. The evaporator plates were a solid block of ice and water was splashing into the ice bin. Turned the unit off to allow the ice to melt overnight and explained to the customer the severity of the ice buildup. Returned to location and found all ice had melted off the evaporator plates. Customer had explained that unit had recently been installed and should still be under warranty. Began my diagnoses and the first thing I noticed was the Continue reading “Hoshizaki Ice Machine – Leaking Water”