Covering a wide array of topics from Long Term Food Storage, Beekeeping, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, to whatever you would like to see. We are located in south Louisiana and have good weather pretty much year round. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to voice your opinions, concerns, corrections or comments. Remember, their is NO dumb question, only the ones we have not answered yet. We were born with the ability to learn, not the knowledge. Thank you for taking time to watch our videos. We hope you have picked up a tip or two or shared something with us as well.
Thank you for all the detailed Info....I did 'fix' all the possible vacuum leak areas as you instructed. The vacuum test never went below 1300 in a 30 min. period AND not below 750 after several hours. I went ahead and ran a batch of pear chunks and it took 40 hours to finish. Wondering if the long processing time is an indication of a leak or a problem with the pump or another problem? Do you have any suggestions? Thankfully it never said "loss of vacuum". My FD is 5 years old and I have a Premier pump.
Hi, you do not have any problems as I can see. It does take time to freeze dry. We freeze dry a lot of okra, we will pre-freeze the okra and even after that, it will take between 30 to 35 hours and we have machines that run very well (a lot of variables go into this as well, how much did you load in your machine etc). You might want to check your freeze ring, HR has a couple videos on how to do that. If your freeze ring is about half or more, you are good, if the freeze ring is less than half, you wight get a HVAC person to add a little freon. Peaches have a lot of water in them, the more water, the longer it will take. We will do the mixed fruit from Sam's Club and it takes about that amount of time (35 plus hours) to complete. We have 8 large freeze dryers and 1 EX large, that all work about the same. I do not like doing the "test" for vacuum as much as i like doing a batch of candy, fruit or even a bread run to check the vacuum, if that make any sense to you. Doing a batch will give you the true vacuum of your machine I hope this helps !... Thank you for watching !!!! Oh it is a great time to be prepping!
@@stevenducote7466 Thanks so much. I am thankful for your willingness to read your comments and questions and answer my questions. I have no one else to talk with about this.
After 3+ years of service my freeze dryer started having vacuum problems. The vacuum test would only go to about 850 after 30 minutes. I followed you instructions about using the liquid tape with sealing tape 24 hours later and it worked like a charm. The 30 minute test now is at 380. Thank you so much for your advice and this simple video.
It sounds like you buy a new machine, and then you have to rebuild it to make it work properly. Some people obviously enjoy the challenge as much as the product of the freeze dryer. Harvest Right has been producing freeze dryers long enough that these quality control and engineered problems should have been taken care of. I have no idea how many of their machines don't work. It sounds very much like they don't care either.
hi, not all the machines were bad....I am an aircraft mechanic by trade and we would strip brand new aircraft down...do our mods...easier to do them up front and have the machines cruise along...HR has always been good to work with....some of the machines o have worked perfect out of the box...... I am happy with them.....thanks for the comment!
@@stevenducote7466 I just yesterday for the first time stored some flour in mason jars with oxygen absorbers. I don’t think that’s exactly how you demonstrated in your video, it was late and I watched quite a few videos.
How is that 90 degree mod working. Seems dangerous to me. If you leave the door open too long and the fan is off because of LID detection, seems like it could back-draft and ruin the billows
since I got my stick burner, I don't use it that much, but never had an issue with it...I guess it is like anything else...If you don't pay attention ...things can go sideways....thanks for the comment!
Here is an DIY idea to Store a Bag of Rice or Ext You cut the 2 liter bottle (Empty) Just the Top Part (can be where the sticker starts) & You put the top part of Bag directly into the Soda bottle & then you Tie the Bag & Add the Lid It works Really Well. It is So Easy when you use the Rice again. Thank You
Its the same with olive oil...heatreated over 30 degrees..adios enzymes.. So cold pressed olive oil or honey straight from the hive..preferably 'wild'...
I have tried so many things I don't know where to begin! First I installed new software hoping that would help but it didn't help the leak my machine would finish a cycle with the high mtorr but the product was shriveled but dried and tasted good. Then I tried your advice with the liquid tape and the other black tape on all the areas you suggested. Unfortunately, my mtorr was still around 900-1000. I decided to try a different pump that I had received from the company when I first received my FD because I was having leak problems then but later found out it was the valve that you close when you're ready to start a batch. No better with the other pump.Also as I defrosted my machine, it wouldn't drain well. The water from the ice came out through the door and only a little from the hose. I also purchased a new Upgraded 6' Harvest Right compatible Vacuum Hose that was suppose to increase the mtorr because it hasn't got o rings, and is fluted and is larger from a company called "FixMyFD.com". I lowered my mtorr slightly but was still not able to keep a vacuum under about 900 mtorr. I gave up and figured I would just have to live with the long slow cycles, bad draining and shriveled product. I then thought that maybe the ice not draining correctly might have something to do with the leak. I was afraid that the liquid tape was sucked up into the drain valve keeping it from draining well so I removed that liquid tape and black tape and found no obstruction so I reapplied the liquid tape and black tape and tried again. As I put my machine in a vacuum to seal off the drain hose again with the new liquid tape, I noticed my pump had some debris in the little window where you check the oil and even though I had just barely put brand new oil in the previous cycle to help the mtorr, as I drained it it as really dirty and dark! I was afraid I had ruined my pump so I switched back to the other pump. However now, it inadequate vacuum alarm kept going off so I figured being in the middle of a cycle to just put continue over and over. It is finally in the drying stage but my mtorr is at 1250! I just don't know what to do next? Could it be my sensor? Any advice would be so appreciated! I love my FD but it driving me crazy!
Hello Sir, Would appreciate some help on an issue we have with our medium freeze dryer. My wife was using the medium machine last night for some ice cream and the power went out on the machine. I look at the back where there are 2 black modules connected by small wires. One of the wires melted then snapped. The wire is connected to the bottom of the top module and left on the bottom module. Why would this happen? was this a fail safe to prevent a fire? Would I just need to order 2 new modules and the wires? Thank you kindly.
not sure...I would call or fill out a ticket with harvest right and send them pictures. unplug the machine from the wall socket for sure. But it is best to contact Harvest Right..that is very important wiring. ty!
I took my relay board off when going into my freeze dryer for this vacuum test stuff I'm not sure where it went to put back on and how it goes can you help me
yikes!, ok, my suggestion, go to Harvest Right and look up their support page on how to replace a relay board, follow those instructions. You can also look on you tube, they have good videos there as well. Relax, it is not hard as long as you do each connector one at a time. First thing is to reinstall the relay board using the brass screw and plastic spacer, the other hold downs are plastic snap in place fasteners. I hope this helps, if we need to, we can do a phone conference call and walk you thru step by step. Steve
Excellent video! I have a dryer I purchased in September 2016. Things got busy and after COVID (I’m an ICU RN)I finally retired and opened the box in 2023. I set it up and have not been able to run a batch as I can’t get the meter on the front to register <2500 torr. I have vacuum, the door seals very tight but it won’t register. I’m thinking vacuum sensor but not sure and to just buy and replace expensive parts and hope for the best isn’t feasible. Is there a way to test the vacuum sensor ? At this point I’m not sure if it’s the vacuum sensor or the main board? Thanks… Chuck from Texas…
Hiya Chuck, no easy answer on that, if it were me, I would seal up the machine like in the video, upgrade the software, get a new hose that goes from the pump to the machine, and do a couple of bread runs. sorry for the delayed response...what part of texas are you?? and what size machine??
@@stevenducote7466 -- Would love to know how to order from Trinadad Benham? I realize the video is eons old-- but I am trying to find sources for BULK purchasing-- besides Azure Standard... I have alot of young families waking up and starting to prep on a budget, and its difficult to find good sources.... Appreciate any information you might have still laying around....
Our machine is not giving frost rings or freezing and can not find videos to help us diagnose this issue. Is there any advice that you have as to what we can do to track down our problem and fix the issue?
hi...I can try, open the door and go to function test, turn on cooling or freezer, door open, let it run for about 30 minutes then check the freeze rings, also, when the unit comes on the freeze test, listen for the fan running, if you are not sure, get a flashlight and look to see if you can see it, also, check with a flashlight the front of the condenser, ensure there is nothing blocking it like dust, dirt, etc, sounds silly, but it moves a lot of air and it does pick up a lot of hair, dust etc, check the freezevring, should be at least half to full freeze line. also listen for the compressor to come on....let me know the results, ty!
Hi...look on the video, they have a picture of it and you can buy it online and any home improvement store, ty!!!...I don't have the wrapper anymore....
Amazon- Hercules Megatape Gray 1/2 in. W x 260 in. L Thread Seal Tape, or 3M Temflex Rubber Splicing Tape 2155, 3/4 in x 22 ft, Black, General Purpose Self-Fusing Electrical Insulating Tape
@@stevenducote7466 We did a batch of ice cream yesterday, $50 worth, the temp didn't really go above 22 F during the drying cycle, then when final dry kicked in, the ice cream melted then boiled. What a mess.
sounds like you have a faulty relay board, that would be my guess....if you do not get a vacuum error, vacuum is just fine...but from what you told me..I would check the relay board.....easy fix though...
Thanks, have everything ordered. Will be working on it as soon as the supplies arrive. My error said not vacuuming …but also said In a later message that the sensor may be bad. Trying this first.
I had a leak problem in my H/V frz dryer that i could not find ,then i saw your video and used your method .Viola !! it solved the leak !THANKS so much !!!
Excellent video. Wish I found you months ago. I am trying everything you suggested using the same product suggested. Running my FD now for 24 hours and see what happens! Thanks sooooo much
@@stevenducote7466 So I ran it for 24 hours and the lowest Mtorr was 1018 so there is still something going on. It should get down to 500 with no problem. The tech from HR is supposed to call me today. thanks again
I know what you mean. Too bad that the pump manufacturers have to be so secretive about their lubricant design criteria. Are you using parafenic mineral oils or synthetics? Do you have any idea what viscosity oil the Premier pumps need? The most common are #32, #46 and #68, (Dairyland and Cloverleaf available at TSC) are #68 parafinic mineral oils, identical except for the name and have absolutely no detergents, as many folks believe. I think almost all of the common brands are nearly the same oil except for added dyes and intended viscosity. Sadly the pump people want you as a captive oil customer customer, so they claim that their oil is especially designed for their respective pumps. Frustrating! Dan
Steve, which pumps are you using? I was just about to retire our standard pump and purchase a Premier XL from Harvest Right or maybe Navac 12-CFM, but I'm researching any and all pump option. Any suggestions?
Dan, we use the premiere pump, I have tried them all and settled on the premiere. in my opinion, the big oil less are a waste of money...I had about 8 of them and after a time they can be rebuilt only so many times....you have to rebuild the motors as well along with the pump....I like the premiere with regular oil changes using FRESH oil each time, I do not clean and reuse the oil.....it is too cheap and pumps cost too much to take a chance on a few cents worth of oil.....
I'm running the original Harvest Right Standard for now. I've got less than 80 batches on it. I may have to hook up my secret weapon. I happened on a 5.5 CFM Welsch vacuum pump at a local government surplus auction and I'm thinking it will perform better than this old Harvest Right model. Still tinkering with vacuum line filtration and moisture traps!
Absolutely appreciate your prompt response. I just removed all the panels and will star the long clean-up of each and every fitting that could leak any pressure off the chamber. Hopefully this effort will cure my leak and I can get caught up on a couple freezers full of goodies. I'll let you know if I achieve your level of perfection. Have fun, Dan
Hey Fellow Techy Fix-it Guy!!! Please tell me; have you ever needed to remove the seals made with liquid and rubber splicing tape? I'm about ready to perform all your suggested sealing tips but worry a little bit about getting to the harness in the future. Also, do you have a parts list anywhere of the replacement parts you use, especially drain valves and fittings? Thanks for your hard work and willingness to share.
Hiya Dan, nope, never had to remove all the stuff, but....if I would, a good pair of needle nose pliers would do the trick I would think. If you need drain valves, Harvest Right has some nice ones, the vacuum hose is from HR too and orings.....You can use a 3/8 gas valve from any Hardware store, bring the old drain valve with you to match up the ends....last machine we sealed up, held a vacuum for 72 hours....and was still holding, but we needed to use the machine.....good luck and thanks for the nice words. .
I have done every single thing you have mentioned to do in a repair for my freeze dryer. In the past when my freeze dryer was working fine. Then There was an issue where I had to send my freeze dryer in for repair. After it was returned to me I couldn’t keep a vacuum every so often, and I would crank my valve as hard as I could shut, and then it would finish the batch. Little by little, it became more and more frequent that I could not keep vacuum. That’s when I ordered a new valve from Harvest Right, installed it and nothing changed. I couldn’t keep a vacuum. My vacuum pump stayed home while it had repairs. I have changed the valve to a gas valve. I have used the liquid tape and the stretchy tape you recommended and used the that you recommended. Also check the door the tray inside the freeze dryer for adequate space. The only thing I haven’t done is adjust the door and I don’t think it’s necessary because it looks like I have a seal around the ring. Does that make any sense?what would you do if you were me.😢 I have a no oil pump . I will do a full freeze dried bread test. Just in case you’re tired of answering these questions.
When you say seal the heated tray leads, do you mean inside the machine word attaches to the wall or where exactly? I’m really troubleshooting this vacuum that I have. Also, should I be able to pull a vacuum before I put the stretchy tape on? And do I put the stretchy tape on everywhere that I have put liquid tape?
yes, I usually pull a vacuum before I put the liquid tape on.....let it sit for an hour or two...then put the stretchy tape on......except for the wiring harness...I do not use the stretchy tape there...just the liquid tape....under a vacuum....
Can I check for a good vacuum without putting the stretchy tape on? I’m afraid if I put the stretchy tape on I might have to take it off to do more liquid tape? Or I could just put on more liquid tape and wait and put the stretchy tape on. What would you do? Thank you for your help.
I did what you said to do, I got it down to 500 the first time I did the test. I put everything back together and now I can’t get it down below 700. I am getting so frustrated. I feel like throwing this freeze dryer out the door. Do you have any suggestions on what else it could be? Or what I can do?
wow...I can sense the fustration....ok.....try another bread run....just trying to pull a vacuum might not work....let it go the entire process....check the mtorrs at the end. let me know....we can get it fixed...!!!
Do you put the nylog on the O-ring or just on the thread? also, what you’re callingRTV. I have opaque on top of a foam like washer on top of the piece that goes into the breeze drawer. How do you get that stuff off the wires without damaging it? Do I really have to get that hardened opaque glue off the wires?
I put the nylog on the threads and a little on the face that mates with the oring....rtv is a rubbery substance usually surounding the wires where they come out of the plug....i am not sure what you have...my appologies....
I have a number 10 chuck on my 1502. Should the rollers on the left and right actually be touching the chuck when they come in to do their parts of the sealing? To what degree should they be touching the chuck, if any? Thanks.
hi....the manufacturer has an excellent adjustment guide. it does touch, that is why they tell you to remove one side when adjusting. you can go to WAF Wisconsin aluminium foundry website, look up that model and it will have a maintenance manual with the instructions for adjustment. I hope this helps, if not reach out for more help....no problem.....ty!!!
Do you have a video on how to take the side panels off the back panel and the top panel came off fine but I need a little instruction! I will share your channel for for sure❤ if you have Venmo, I’d be happy to pay you for a little technical support
Hi, thank you for the offer...Harvest Right has videos on how to remove the side panels...they have 2 screws on each side, one lower at the back and one upper in the top front, you will need to remove the power plug panel to access the one on the bottom. I do suggest while you have the panels off, clean the condenser coils with a soft brush. and thank you for the offer again...I am here to help if you need...no charge!
check to see if you have a one piece vacuum connection from the panel to the drum...if so, their is nothing to seal....if you have a fitting like in my video, you will have to seal that, not the brass vacuum hose....
Hi...I cannot answer that.....I have some machines right out of the box that works fantastic....and some that needed help......like in the video, just like anything else.....but I can not answer that question.....thanks for watching!
@@stevenducote7466 I have a 3 month old machine that's already had lcd and electronics board replace, now a water in vacuum pump and 1500 Mtorr probably vacuum leak. Harvest Right wasting my time by "helping me" diagnose the problem. Such a poorly made machine.
Hi, yes, except for the big plug on top...the big plug on top, remove all the rtv, make a tape dam and ensure a vacuum is pulled on the machine, add the liquid tape until it covers across the top of the plug, leave the vacuum for a couple of hours. .
@@stevenducote7466 thank you so much. You have been a great help and even though you hadn’t videoed in a long time, it was still very helpful. Thank you. I’m gonna give it all a try and see what happens.
I like the use of the liquid tape but I am curious why you don't use the self sealing silicone tape for the overwrap vs the rubber sealing tape. I think silicone tape would be better
I want to thank for for this video. We had tried multiple things to fix our $4000 paperweight with no resolve. There were vacuum leaks that even harvest right was zero help in resolving. We just put only the liquid sealer on all the joints you specified and turned on the pump and after about an hour we have finally reached 450 mtor and slowly going lower. We couldn't get the freeze dryer anywhere close to 500 before we followed your video. You sir are awesome!
Thank you for the kind words!. .glad you got it fixed...sometimes even the best equipment needs some TLC, good luck with your freeze drying ...if you need any help, please feel free to ask! ty for watching!!!
