HVACR: Hoshizaki Ice Maker Keeps Running Water (Hoshizaki Ice Maker Water Wont Stop Running) Fix

Summary

In this detailed repair walkthrough, the technician addresses a malfunctioning ice machine plagued by a faulty solenoid valve that continuously lets water flow, even when the machine is turned off. After diagnosing the issue, replacing the valve, and confirming it works properly, the technician uncovers further issues, including a dirty condenser and a lack of water filters. The video offers insights into troubleshooting and fixing commercial ice machines, while highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and proper installations. The technician recommends adding filters and conducting a thorough cleaning to prevent future problems.

Takeaways

• 😀 The technician is addressing an issue with two malfunctioning ice machines, focusing mainly on one unit.
• 😀 The primary problem is water overflowing from the machine due to a faulty solenoid valve that isn't closing properly.
• 😀 The solenoid valve should be normally closed and only open when energized during a fill cycle for ice production.
• 😀 The technician suspects the valve is stuck open, allowing water to flow uncontrollably even when the machine is off.
• 😀 After testing and confirming the faulty valve, the technician replaces it with a new, exact match to fix the issue.
• 😀 The machine is also showing signs of poor maintenance, including a filthy condenser coil and scale buildup inside the system.
• 😀 The technician recommends installing a water filter for both machines, as they lack one, which can lead to poor water quality and further damage.
• 😀 The technician finds that the water in the city is poor quality, which exacerbates the issue of the lack of water filters in the ice machines.
• 😀 The repair process involves both fixing the solenoid valve and addressing the lack of maintenance, like cleaning and checking internal components.
• 😀 The technician tests the ice machine after the repair, ensuring the solenoid valve now works properly, and observes that the ice production is functioning again.
• 😀 Although the ice produced looks acceptable, the technician points out that it could be improved with further cleaning and maintenance, such as descaling the machine.

Q & A

What was the initial problem reported with the ice machine?

The ice machine was overflowing water, and the only way to stop the water was by turning off the valve in the back. The user suspected a faulty water inlet solenoid valve.

What is the role of the water inlet solenoid valve in the ice machine?

The water inlet solenoid valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water into the machine during the fill cycle. It should be normally closed and only open when energized at the start of the ice-making cycle.

How did the technician diagnose the issue with the valve?

The technician tested the valve by turning the machine off, and observed that water was still flowing, which indicated that the solenoid valve was stuck open and not functioning properly.

What does the technician mean by 'the valve is bad'?

The technician suggests that the solenoid valve is malfunctioning and stuck open, causing it to allow water to flow continuously, even when the machine is turned off.

How was the faulty valve replaced in the video?

The technician disconnected the water inlet valve, removed the mounting screws, and replaced the old valve with a new one. The wires were reconnected, and the system was reassembled.

What additional issue did the technician discover during the inspection?

The technician noticed that the ice machine was scaled up internally, with a filthy fill line and dirty condenser coil. This indicated poor maintenance and the need for cleaning.

Why is it important to have a water filter in the ice machine?

A water filter is crucial for removing impurities from the water used in the ice machine. The technician noted that the absence of a filter in the machine could result in poor ice quality, with dirt and scale buildup inside the unit.

What did the technician recommend to the customer after inspecting the unit?

The technician recommended that the customer install a water filter to improve water quality, and also suggested performing regular maintenance, including cleaning and descaling the unit to ensure proper ice production.

What did the technician mean by 'scaling up' in the context of the ice machine?

Scaling up refers to the buildup of mineral deposits inside the ice machine, typically caused by hard water. This buildup can affect the performance of the unit, including the ice quality and flow of water.

What was the technician's final evaluation of the ice machine after the repair?

After replacing the faulty valve and ensuring that the water flow was stopped properly, the technician confirmed that the machine was functioning again. However, the machine still required further maintenance, including cleaning and possibly installing a water filter.