If just one of the slushy machine bowls is not freezing at all, but others are ok, there are a couple of likely reasons.
Potential Problems
- The solenoid coil which controls the distribution of gas has failed, shutting off gas flow to the evaporator, which is the silver barrel inside the bowl.
- Less likely, the switch on the machine that switches the freeze on/off on this bowl has failed.
- Less likley, the Valve that the coils sit on could be fauly.
Solutions
1. Failed coil
Double and treble bowl slushy machines have valves to control the flow of gas. These are opened and closed by a magnetic coils, these coils can need to be replaced from time to time, particularly if they get wet. Machines that develop leaks can need new coils as well as needing the leaking fixed as per this guide.
If you feel confident using a few tools this job can be easily done without needing any specialist help.
To determine whether it is a faulty coil, you can inspect it. Sometimes you can see that it is bulging out at one sign, which is a sure sign. If there is no obvious damage, you can swap them over and see if the fault switches to the other bowl, this way you will know if the problem is the coil or not.
Buying a coil
They are fairly inexpensive and easy to fit. Different slushy machine manufacturers use different coils. Ideally you will be able to go to your original supplier for the replacement part. If you don’t know the original supplier, you will need to try and find the exact coil.
- Search the make / model of your machine to locate spares.
- RS Components may stock the part you need.
- If your machine is Chinese made, finding spares can be difficult to find, try putting the specs written on the side of the coil into Google.
Tip! – Buy an extra spare coil, ready for the next time.
Fitting a coil
This video shows how to replace a typical solenoid coil.
Tip! – to prevent leaks dripping onto and blowing the coils, cover the coils with something like a small pastic bag to keep them dry.
2. Switch
The switch that switches between freeze and chill, could be faulty. Does the switch feel like it is engaging properly? If it switches on and off in the same firm & positive way as the others, it’s probably ok. If you want to double check swap the switches over and see if the issue starts happening on the other side.
Replacement switches are easily found on-line.
RS components may have the right one.
3. Valve
If you have replaced the coil and the problem is the same, the valve that the coil sits on could be faulty, if this is the case it will not be a DIY repair. At this point a refrigeration engineer would be need to confirm the fault and repair the machine.
If you suspect the valve has failed, it’s time to make a decision. The repair might not be worth the cost. Is it time for a new one? You can read our guide on choosing a slushy machine here.