[newgage]

Howe Ice Flaker By Scotsman
Model: 2000 - Rl
S/N 13597 (1993)


I got a call to work on a Ice Flaker that had damaged distribution tubes. It turns out the "unit iced up". The guys on site - who are not mechanics - de-iced it and melted the tubes in the process.

So I replaced pretty much all the distributiuon tubes and set them up the recommended 1/4" gap from the cylinder. There seems to be a lot of water dripping down into the bin. This is the first flaker I have encountered so I am not sure how normal this is. I played around with the flow and the tubes but found it hard to rectify.

How normal is it for there to be more water than ice falling into the bin?

 

[smilies]

On the Howe's there is a ball valve on the outlet of the water pump that you set to the flow you want. The EPR has to be setup right along with the SH.

 

[jpsmith1cm]

Boy, it's been a while since I've even thought about a Howe.

Where is the water dripping from?

If it is from the top bowl overflowing, you have plugged tubes or you need to close that ball valve. If I remember correctly, I used to set it for a half full top bowl.

Is the squeegee wiping the ice dry?

I had one location with crappy water and no filtration that I had to tear apart and clean the tubes about every 6 months.

If it is from splash off of the evap drum, you're into a refrig problem.

That machine should have a pretty steady shower of hard, dry ice flakes.

 

[newgage]

Its definately not off of the top bowl. This might be part of the problem.

I have adjusted the ball valve wide open and can't keep the bowl more than 1/4 full. Without enough steady water flow to the tubes it dribbles and misses the cylinder. Even though the tubes are adjusted to as close as allowable.

I may have a fowled water filter. There was a 10psi drop across which sure seems excessive.

Not sure about the squeegee causing it but will check that.

I will check refrigeration end but it was freezing the ice fine.

I broke one if the fittings for the smaller feed tubes and have that hole plugged for now but if anything that should help keep the bowl more full due to less water leaving. My easy out wasnt helping me remove it so I will search for a different type.

 

[jpsmith1cm]

Pump trouble?

Low water level in sump?

There is the cause of the ice-up, too.

Find the water restriction and you have it nailed.

 

[newgage]

I changed the water filter and have the flow to the top resevoir pretty good. The flow from the distribution tubes to the evaporator cylinder is just right.

The problem is the lower water recovery trough. I may have to empty the bin and see if there is a plugged drain. There are some flakes falling in to the trough which may be disrupting the water flow pattern