Whirlpool Ice Machine

Whirlpool Ice Machine

Gary -- Thursday, 21 September 2000, at 11:39 a.m.

I have a free-standing Whirlpool Ice machine, model EAU-51(I think this number is right). The machine has a freezing plate that water runs over and freezes. When the proper thickness is reached the ice is released onto a two layer wire cutting grid. The problem I am having is the ice cubes are not always hard and clear, instead, they are opaque, somewhat soft and crispy. Is the freezing plate not cold enough or does the system need cleaning? Looking for any suggestions for the cause of this problem.
Thanks

Re: Whirlpool Ice Machine *LINK*

Dan O. -- Thursday, 21 September 2000, at 2:24 p.m.

: I have a free-standing Whirlpool Ice machine,
: model EAU-51(I think this number is right).
: The machine has a freezing plate that water
: runs over and freezes. When the proper
: thickness is reached the ice is released
: onto a two layer wire cutting grid. The
: problem I am having is the ice cubes are not
: always hard and clear, instead, they are
: opaque, somewhat soft and crispy. Is the
: freezing plate not cold enough or does the
: system need cleaning? Looking for any
: suggestions for the cause of this problem.
: Thanks

I have never worked on any of the Whirlpool ice machines but I do believe your problem may be linked to a cooling system problem.

If this unit uses a forced air condenser, the condenser could be plugged with dust or pet hair or the fan motor may be slowing do to defect. Either of these conditions will hamper the ability of the appliance to remove heat and may cause the symptoms you described.

If neither of these are the case, the unit may have a refrigerant leak that needs attention however, this is usually very rare unless some sort of damage has been done to the unit.

Whirlpool does have a service manual for their 'under-counter' icemakers. You can find it at the site linked below.

JFYI

Dan O.
Appliance411
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

Whirlpool Undercounter Icemaker Repair Manual

Re: Whirlpool Ice Machine

Gene -- Friday, 22 September 2000, at 12:03 a.m.

this is an older style ice maker, freezes a sheet then cuts the cubes with the warm wires: Proceedure remove the cubes [reserve them to a freezer] follow the wash directions usually posted on the unit, use recommended chemicals if available.

[1] turn compresor off - usually a center position off switch -

[2] switch to the pump only runing add a cleaning chemical to the water system. this cleaning solution should run 10 - 30 mins depending on how much mineral build-up is present (if it hasn't been cleaned in years of use "Lime-out" which is a locally available chemical) rinse it several times with warm water add a bit of white vinigar to 1st & 2nd rinse

[3] re-rinse with water [time of entire operation est 1 hour] refill with clear water place back into normal operation. PS: just to be sure dicard first one or two harvests of ice... ...this should get it. Gene

Re: Whirlpool Ice Machine

Brett -- Friday, 22 September 2000, at 9:41 a.m.

If you have the book on this unit, look under cleaning. If not, contact Whirlpool about it. That is a very expensive machine. I'd only use the cleaner that Whirlpool recommends, or can supply.