A slushy machine not turning / rotating the spirals is a common problem which is easily fixed.
This guide is for non-carbonated slushy machines.
We know it’s obvious, but FIRST – check all of the machine buttons are in the correct positions.
Each spiral (auger), is powered by a Gear Motor. This is a replaceable part inside the slush machine and will need to be replaced occassionally.
All slushy machines use them, which is why when we give advice on choosing a slushy machine, we point out how important it is to choose the right supplier. You need quick and easy access to the spare parts for your particular machine.
When the gearmotor fails, it simply won’t turn the spiral and you need to fit a new one.
Diagnose
With the machine switched off and the slushy bowl emptied of mixture, rotate the spiral by hand. If the spiral is difficult to turn or jumpy when you turn it, the gear motor has failed. It should turn smoothly and consistantly.
Buying a Gear Motor
The images show what a gear motor looks like and where they are located inside the machine. There are a wide range of different gear motors, they are not – one size fits all. The manufacturer of your machine will have a specific motor for use with their machines. If you are not able to order this from your supplier and need to find it independantly, searching the internet should get you one by using the details stamped on the motor. If your machines was chinese made you might find this more difficult, Shop around too, prices vary widely.
Fitting a Gear Motor
The best way to learn how to replace a slushy machine gear motor is to watch videos. You might be able to find a video relating to your specific model. If not the steps to follow will be similar to thos shown in the video here.
TIP! – Pay particular attention to the switch the rests against the gear motor, do not trap it when the motor is pushed into place, the machine will not work properly if this happens.
The causes of failed Gear Motors
Gear motors can simply fail from wear & tear, however they are often broken accidentally.
- Incorrect Slushy Mix: Adding too much water to a slushy mix makes the ice too hard. This means the motor cannot turn the spiral as it should, putting strain on the motor and eventually causing it to fail.
- The wrong brix – Brix is the sugar to water ratio, you need 11-15%. However this is hard to judge without a refractometer to measure it. Using a good quality slushy syrup and diluting it as per the manufacturers instructions is the easiest way to get it right.
- Running the machine low is not good for the motors, try to keep the bowl at least half full.
- Floating ice will quickly damage motors. If there is hard ice present inside the bowls when it’s been switched off overnight, remove it before switching the machine on. To prevent hard ice forming overnight keep the machine in night mode, where it spins but doesn’t freeze.