peggy w

I have had a similar problem and had to take the right side panel off and vacuum the dust off the condenser fins. That solved my problem and put my freeze dryer back on track. I too have been running mine 24/7 since January

Thanks for the tip on changing the oil. I was having problems with there being too much nasty stuff left in the oil. I will try it your way when I do my next oil change tomorrow.

I to have found that if it stays in the second stage too long that I need to turn it off, put my trays in the deep freeze and defrost the FDer, when they go back in it is usually really quick finishing. I add 2 hours freeze time to make sure everything is cold enough to dry properly.

Christopher I had to flush my vacuum pump and found that it took more than the 1/2 cup it calls for in the manual. I used almost a qt of oil before it really cleared up. Not sure if my oil was extra dirty or what. I think if you want to take out a little and add a little each time, you almost have to open the intake valve and run the pump while doing it. Otherwise, the only oil that comes out is what is in the front by the window. The water and dirty stuff is back in the chamber. I don't know if I am right about this but that was my experience.

that is a cool idea. I wish I had more room in my freezer for something like that. Right now I pre freeze stuff on cookie sheets. I get the next load ready when I start a load in the freeze drier. That way they are frozen thru and ready to go in the freeze drier. This is hard on my cookie sheets, they want to rust, but until I find something better that is what I use.

Just a note. I ordered the Black Gold vacuum pump oil from Century Tool for less than 80.00 for 4 gallons. The shipping was over 30.00 but even with that it came out to about 7.00 a quart. The Black Gold pump oil was what came with my FDer vacuum pump so tried to stay with the same oil.

JimR I can see how water in the drain tube could cause a problem, however, it was the first load ever put in the FDer so that could not be the problem this time. Whatever it was, it is working now and I am more than happy with the results. Thanks for all the info and feed back Pwilliams

Finally !! My replacement FDer arrived, set it up and put a load in. Couldn't get the readout to move from XXXMtr. Bummer bummer!! So, rechecked all the fittings, the drain valve, the door seal. Still no go. Finally had my son-in-law check to be sure the vacume lines were tightened securely, he said they were. Tried it one more time and OMG! it worked!! Did my first batch yesterday and have my second going as we speak. First batch was pulled pork and green bean casserole. Came out great! I am on my way to emptying three freezers and downsizing those.

Jim R you are so right! I will be trying things constantly till there is nothing left to experiment with!

Jim, great info, the more I learn the more my list of things to try changes. My FD will be here next week, can't wait!

Thanks Kerry, for your update on the dill pickles. I was wondering about how they would be rehydrated

Thanks guys, I knew all of you would understand my frustration! HR has already shipped me a replacement and it will be here on Tuesday. They were very quick to respond and send a replacement. Gotta love good service! The machine looked like someone hit it in the side with a fork lift. Even the tray holder was broken loose and bent.

So disappointed! My FDer arrived today and was damaged in shipment. Talked with HR and they will be shipping me another one but really want it right now. It seems like I have waited forever already (a whole 3 weeks). As I wait, my list of things to FD gets longer and longer. Peggy

Thanks for the info on the pasta and rehydrating meat. Also answered my question about kraut when rehydrated. My FDer will be here tomorrow and can't wait to get started.

Thanks, that would be great to see how they are reconstituted