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  • Dump valve, Maxx Ice machine, can I bypass it?

    Posted by Anonymous on December 15, 2022 at 5:22 am

    The dump valve (Robert Shaw) on the ice machine was problematic from the beginning. The plunger never completely sealed and made noise due to low water level. I have a filter, so that wasn’t the issue. I did a temporary “Rube Goldberg” fix by re-routing the dump line back into the water reservoir and it actually worked. The question is can I just remove the dump valve and bypass it, or will it screw up the circuit board?

    fixbear replied 1 year, 3 months ago 3 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • fixbear

    Member
    December 15, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    The dump valve has a purpose. That is to get rid of minerals in the water left from the freezing process. It helps to make clear ice. If it was a problem from day 1, why didn’t you have it fixed under warranty? Without it your customers will notice particulates in their glasses.

  • Cove

    Member
    December 16, 2022 at 4:57 am

    Yes, I understand the purpose of the dump valve and am awaiting delivery of a new one. This Maxx machine is my first one with a dump valve. The others (Scotsman, Manitowoc, Cornelius) had a plug at the bottom of the reservoir for manual purging. After purchasing the Maxx I didn’t realize the dump valve wasn’t completely sealing. I simply thought pump was sucking up water faster than it could be replaced. (The dump valve drain is out of sight in the back of the machine). It was still making plenty of ice. Anyway, since the dump valve is an Achillies Heel or weak point, why can’t I remove it and revert back to the old way of purging the machine? Or will that screw up the circuit board?

  • Cove

    Member
    December 16, 2022 at 6:54 am

    Well, While waiting for the new dump valve, and not being comfortable with my “Rube Goldberg” temporary fix (the lid is not on tight and the hose is only clampped in place). I removed the old dump valve and plugged the outlet. I put the lid back on properly. He works fine so far. I was concerned this would screw up the circuit board, (i.e., the cycle and timer). I guess I’ll know in a few days, but it works good now

  • fixbear

    Member
    December 16, 2022 at 11:36 am

    If you look in the dump valve, there is probably a foreign piece of material lodged in the seat. Usually something missed during the in service. They became necessary due to the EPA efficiency requirements with water conservation and sanitization. Sumps are now covered, and the older method of overflow skimming is hard to meet the new requirements.

  • Cove

    Member
    December 17, 2022 at 4:41 pm

    I pulled out the dump valve and it was clear with nothing blocking the plunger. I already ordered a new one and I’ll have it next week. In the meantime it works great without it, much quieter. I imagine it was leaking water for a while due the plunger not sealing. I prefer the old system. The new ones have too many moving parts.

  • Cove

    Member
    December 18, 2022 at 4:05 am

    And, speaking about the older ice machines, my previous one, a Cornelius, lasted over 10 years and the only thing wrong with it was the circuit board wore out. It would make ice, fill the bin, and then not restart. I couldn’t buy a new one because they stopped making that circuit board. I still have it in storage. I thought I give it away to someone who knows how to fix or rebuild circuit boards. Any suggestions ?

  • fixbear

    Member
    December 18, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    What model?

  • Cove

    Member
    December 21, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Fixbear, my old ice machine is a Cornelius IAC 530. I still have it in storage. It ran faithfully with no issues. Was told the circuit board just worn out and needed replacing but was unable to buy a new one due to it being out of manufacture. Also, update on my Maxx new dump valve part which I just installed. The machine now works better than new. I suspect the original dump valve never fully closed from the very beginning.

  • fixbear

    Member
    December 21, 2022 at 1:24 pm

    What you described in this thread led me to believe you have a piece of packing tape that lodged in the valve. During shipping they use a blue tape to hold the cover closed. I’ve seen that tape tear and leave a piece in the machine before. Once in the sump, it lodges in the dump valve.

  • fixbear

    Member
    December 21, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    As for your Cornlius, board is a 630000263. Being 2005 ending production, they are known for dropping parts after the required 10 years. They want to sell more machines. That board was used over the majority of the line for all size machines in that time frame.

    The only thing that will wear out on the board is the relay for the pump or compressor. Be a ice cube looking thing soldered to the board. A person good with electronics can easily check it and replace in on a bench. But be aware that it can also be a bad component other than the relay. depends on what symptoms displayed at failure. How is the chassis rust wise?

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