Cool video. I always wanted to know how it worked. I just replaced mine and was surprised how small compact an ice maker is. Only took about 15 minutes to swap out the old and install the new. It's quite an ingenious little machine.
I've worked on the same style ice make in two of our refrigerators, and I'm really impressed with the innovative engineering that went into the design.
I just replaced the inlet valve on my fridge today and I was curious to see if anyone on youtube had ever filmed the actual operation of an ice machine inside a fridge. Well you did and you did it perfect. Thanks and great video!!!
@@guidoguitar Based on my study of the units operation, there are two likely reasons why the tines take a "second lap." One is to allow the rotating cam to trigger the micro switch that controls the water inlet cycle, because the ice is still in the mold through much of the first cycle, so obviously new water cant be added during that time. Also, for some of the duration of that first cycle when the ice is being pushed out, the bail is in the up/off position, and not supplying power to the micro switch that controls the water inlet valve.
My wife would practically get off for this. She loves when the cube stick together like 3:20. Those are her favorites. Btw when I say get off I mean getting off the sofa to watch the ice babies being born and see how many successfully survive the fall. IK some of you are thinking kinky stuff.
This is outstanding! I'm having trouble with my icemaker in my Subzero 550 (1988). Haven't figured out why it isn't making ice yet. You did a great job of explaining and photographing this. I'd never have thought to put a GoPro in there!
Same unit GE has been using for years. Ours died a while back. Here is a helpful link: www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Refrigerator/53-114-539292-/Sub-Zero-Refrigerator-ice-maker-not-working-550
Linda McHam Thanks for the kind words. What I think happened to this icemaker was the heater stopped working, and then the gear stripped trying to force the tines against the stuck ice. After I replaced the gear, I could make ice by heating the mold tray manually, with a heat gun ( separate video ). I only added the light as a diagnostic tool, no point in buying a new heater/mold tray if no power was going to it. Once I added the light, the heater started working again, perhaps because of a better electrical connection, or simply that I'd jostled the unit a lot putting on the light. Hope you can get yours going too.
guidoguitar I took a look under the refrig and the copper water line has a major kink in it. I think that's the problem, so I've got a pipe cutter, a new ferrule and washer and will reset it. That should do the trick. But, your video is still cool! It helps to see what's going on inside, which is generally hard to do.
Or, rip out the copper and use polyethylene like I did. Might require new tap into the water line. That's easy with a little tap valve kit. DrLee ***************** Lee Cunningham
Very informative. I'm having problems with my ice maker, which operates exactly the same but is a completely different brand. Useful for troubleshooting to see how it's SUPPOSED to work.
In my experience with our own refrigerator ice makers, I am pretty sure most of the refrigerator brands use the same ice maker unit probably manufactured by a third-party company. We have an old Amana refrigerator and an old Kenmore refrigerator, and the ice makers are pretty much identical in design.
I imagine the second lap is in case any pieces get broken off the first time through. If a cube got stuck down there for the next cycle, it could probably cause a jam.
Always wanted to know how these American freezers worked! Just bought one and was going to sit inside with my Gopro and scuba tank for air and a flask as nothing else to do on lockdown🤷🏼♂️ But you beat me to it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have this on ‘loop’ 10 hours now on the plasma 60 “ Think I’ll be Catatonic in a few more hours 😂😂😂
This solves a mystery for me! I was not aware the precedes required two revolutions. The failure in my unit seems to be the heating element. Still trying to find a replacement mechanism that I can be certain will fit. Mine is an under-counter ice maker, Whynter model UIM-155
I'm actually terrified of having a refrigerator or dishwasher spring a leak while I'm away. Someone needs to invent the "hydraulic fuse" for household water service. Thanks for the comment.
@@guidoguitar You could make one with 2 active pressure gauges per appliance, an arduino computer, and a motor that can control the master valve. You would have pressure gauge before the appliance and one on the main line leading to it. For example water pressure for ice makers is 20-100PSI. If the inlet pressure is 100PSI and it suddenly drops to 14PSI without the gauge next to the appliance also reading 14PSI, you know you've got a leak. If either pressure differs from what it should be, it would trigger the motor to shut off the master valve cutting off water to all appliances
Thanks for this video! Do you know if it is necessary to clean or do routine type maintenance on the ice maker in a Subzero freezer/fridge from this time period? Mine is from 1986 and I was wondering about this. The ice sometimes has tiny flecks of black on it recently, so I am thinking I need to have someone replace parts of it.
I think they rotate a second time just to make sure ice didn't get stuck during 1st cycle. My ice is getting stuck at top without sliding down, so 2nd cycle doesn't go through. Ugh, getting frustrated.
So what's a good fix for a an ice maker that won't stop making ice when the bucket is full? I can hear the limit switch click when i actuate the lever arm manually, and it does turn off when I do this. But for some reason when the bucket fills up it doesn't trip the lever arm like it's supposed to. Any solutions? 🤷
Nice job. one question....my similar ice maker continues to overflow with ice. The chrome bar shown ( i believe is for the overflow) operates freely. What are the other options to check?
On mine the chrome bar can be lifted and will lock up high, stopping the cycle indefinitely. You are saying a pile of ice holding the bar up doesn't stop the cycle ? I'm not remembering precisely how the bar stops the cycle, maybe a microswitch opens or something similar. I'd focus on the bar ... it's not getting its job done. Thanks for the comment.
There's a horseshoe tube on the bottom that heat's up just enough to loosen ice from bottom of tray so the teeth don't break off. I know I've destroyed plenty of the cheap plastic manual ones trying to get the ice out
This is so cool but sadly I have a refrigerator not connected to the water supply so I was wondering if it is possible to add water in the ice-maker manually because I turned the ice maker on and saw the bail moving so I'm wondering the ice maker works but just needs water.
Ya know, that's a great question. If you say wired a buzzer in place of the water valve, and when you heard the buzz promptly filled the troughs, I don't see why that wouldn't work.
Sounds like a plan. A 110V pump could be driven by the wires otherwise leading to the valve. The length of time the pump is on would need to fill the troughs adequately without spilling. In my other videos, though I don't talk about it, you can see a screw and spring about the plastic drive gear, that adjustment changes how long the valve stays open / how long the valve is powered.
I have a model 532 Subzero, which has the a very similar ice maker. The plastic gear on mine is broken as well and I can't seem to find a replacement for it.
Right. I purchased one that I found on Ebay several days ago and replaced the gear. It's been working great for several days now and so far no problems. Had it not been for this video, I would've have never known that replacement parts for this unit still being sold. My icemaker has been out of service for several years. Thanks for sharing...
It's plumbed to a water supply, there's a connection under the refrigerator and an electric valve nearby. So when it's time to fill, the icemaker closes a switch to open the valve and let in some water. You can see the water coming in at the right.
At first thought your garden hose connection at the bottom had failed, was going to say "too much plastic today". But now wondering if condensate is the problem you saw. The condensate evaporation pan is at the bottom, hot air from the top blows across it. Humid days could be a factor there.
Just by the inside of those doors, you can tell this is a vintage refrigerator that was built to last.
These are still kicking just fixed on the other day
Cool video. I always wanted to know how it worked. I just replaced mine and was surprised how small compact an ice maker is. Only took about 15 minutes to swap out the old and install the new. It's quite an ingenious little machine.
I've worked on the same style ice make in two of our refrigerators, and I'm really impressed with the innovative engineering that went into the design.
I just replaced the inlet valve on my fridge today and I was curious to see if anyone on youtube had ever filmed the actual operation of an ice machine inside a fridge. Well you did and you did it perfect. Thanks and great video!!!
+rhinsen Thanks for the comment.
@@guidoguitar Based on my study of the units operation, there are two likely reasons why the tines take a "second lap." One is to allow the rotating cam to trigger the micro switch that controls the water inlet cycle, because the ice is still in the mold through much of the first cycle, so obviously new water cant be added during that time. Also, for some of the duration of that first cycle when the ice is being pushed out, the bail is in the up/off position, and not supplying power to the micro switch that controls the water inlet valve.
I never knew how the ice making process took place. Fascinating thanks
thanks for posting this. i always wondered how ice makers worked
Same here
You’ve done a good job in making this video. Thank you.
I could be doing something productive but I’m watching this
My wife would practically get off for this. She loves when the cube stick together like 3:20. Those are her favorites.
Btw when I say get off I mean getting off the sofa to watch the ice babies being born and see how many successfully survive the fall. IK some of you are thinking kinky stuff.
You're lucky, you have plenty of water.
"I'm getting hollow ice cubes, which means a water supply issue." (Probably sediment in the water line)
@@richmellow3315 read that as "sentience in the water supply"
Not great to have one of these going when watching a horror movie...
😂
Thank you for taking the time to make this. I was always curious!
This is outstanding! I'm having trouble with my icemaker in my Subzero 550 (1988). Haven't figured out why it isn't making ice yet. You did a great job of explaining and photographing this. I'd never have thought to put a GoPro in there!
Same unit GE has been using for years. Ours died a while back. Here is a helpful link:
www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Refrigerator/53-114-539292-/Sub-Zero-Refrigerator-ice-maker-not-working-550
Linda McHam Thanks for the kind words. What I think happened to this icemaker was the heater stopped working, and then the gear stripped trying to force the tines against the stuck ice. After I replaced the gear, I could make ice by heating the mold tray manually, with a heat gun ( separate video ). I only added the light as a diagnostic tool, no point in buying a new heater/mold tray if no power was going to it. Once I added the light, the heater started working again, perhaps because of a better electrical connection, or simply that I'd jostled the unit a lot putting on the light. Hope you can get yours going too.
guidoguitar I took a look under the refrig and the copper water line has a major kink in it. I think that's the problem, so I've got a pipe cutter, a new ferrule and washer and will reset it. That should do the trick. But, your video is still cool! It helps to see what's going on inside, which is generally hard to do.
Or, rip out the copper and use polyethylene like I did. Might require new
tap into the water line. That's easy with a little tap valve kit.
DrLee
*****************
Lee Cunningham
Thanks for the tip, Lee. I'm probably going to stick with the copper since pulling a new line isn't going to be easy.
Very informative. I'm having problems with my ice maker, which operates exactly the same but is a completely different brand. Useful for troubleshooting to see how it's SUPPOSED to work.
In my experience with our own refrigerator ice makers, I am pretty sure most of the refrigerator brands use the same ice maker unit probably manufactured by a third-party company. We have an old Amana refrigerator and an old Kenmore refrigerator, and the ice makers are pretty much identical in design.
3:40 I was using headphones and I JUMPED from my bed
I imagine the second lap is in case any pieces get broken off the first time through. If a cube got stuck down there for the next cycle, it could probably cause a jam.
Always wanted to know how these American freezers worked! Just bought one and was going to sit inside with my Gopro and scuba tank for air and a flask as nothing else to do on lockdown🤷🏼♂️ But you beat me to it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have this on ‘loop’ 10 hours now on the plasma 60 “ Think I’ll be Catatonic in a few more hours 😂😂😂
This solves a mystery for me! I was not aware the precedes required two revolutions. The failure in my unit seems to be the heating element. Still trying to find a replacement mechanism that I can be certain will fit. Mine is an under-counter ice maker, Whynter model UIM-155
There's another video someone else made, he found a bad connection to the heater, and fixed just that. Thanks for the comment.
Appreciate the video, the explanations really helps.
in 2016 and many of us still don't employ an ice maker in our freezers xD
I'm actually terrified of having a refrigerator or dishwasher spring a leak while I'm away. Someone needs to invent the "hydraulic fuse" for household water service. Thanks for the comment.
Izlude Tingel tell me about it😒☹
@@guidoguitar
You could make one with 2 active pressure gauges per appliance, an arduino computer, and a motor that can control the master valve.
You would have pressure gauge before the appliance and one on the main line leading to it.
For example water pressure for ice makers is 20-100PSI. If the inlet pressure is 100PSI and it suddenly drops to 14PSI without the gauge next to the appliance also reading 14PSI, you know you've got a leak.
If either pressure differs from what it should be, it would trigger the motor to shut off the master valve cutting off water to all appliances
Thanks for this video! Do you know if it is necessary to clean or do routine type maintenance on the ice maker in a Subzero freezer/fridge from this time period? Mine is from 1986 and I was wondering about this. The ice sometimes has tiny flecks of black on it recently, so I am thinking I need to have someone replace parts of it.
nice one bro...just had a thought bout this...and here i am watching your vid....tq for the video
replacing unit. helpful to see the action
So the light really doesn't go off win u close the door?
Start at 6:47 you might want to slow it down a little but its sped up 8x right there. You can read most of what the creator typed
I think they rotate a second time just to make sure ice didn't get stuck during 1st cycle. My ice is getting stuck at top without sliding down, so 2nd cycle doesn't go through. Ugh, getting frustrated.
Amazing, had fun watching that water get rock hard!
+Dayyan Lord Thanks for the comment.
*water chan what are you doing*
I need this video, thank you.
So what's a good fix for a an ice maker that won't stop making ice when the bucket is full? I can hear the limit switch click when i actuate the lever arm manually, and it does turn off when I do this. But for some reason when the bucket fills up it doesn't trip the lever arm like it's supposed to. Any solutions? 🤷
hahaha, some people just got time.... thanks for the video , interesting. I learned something new today.
Is this the same ice maker that you made a video about the replacing a gear and the mold heater not working? If so how did you get it to heat?
Guidoguitar, would you grant us permission to use a clip of your video here in one of my videos on Ice Makers?
Appliance Buyer's Guide nine months and no response. Shoot me a message if you need help with appliance reviews, opinions, and footage.
Thank you for your help. I’m keeping my fingers crossed .. I just heard some ice fall into the bucket. Hooray.
Does it make a ticking noise that you can hear frome the outside?
Mine does occassionally and it's a brand new fridge. It's normal
Fun to watch, thanks for posting!
+Joi Jackson Perle Thanks for the comment!
Nice job. one question....my similar ice maker continues to overflow with ice. The chrome bar shown ( i believe is for the overflow) operates freely. What are the other options to check?
On mine the chrome bar can be lifted and will lock up high, stopping the cycle indefinitely. You are saying a pile of ice holding the bar up doesn't stop the cycle ? I'm not remembering precisely how the bar stops the cycle, maybe a microswitch opens or something similar. I'd focus on the bar ... it's not getting its job done. Thanks for the comment.
where does the water come from?
POV: you came from Tik Tok because the video wasted your time
How did you know? Wait, what account was it from?
THanks for the vid! Awesome-O!
Why are you using ice that's been in mold? Doesn't sound healthy.
not that kind of mold einstein.
Even after watching this video I somehow still don't understand how the ice is made...
How does it cool ice cold then heat ? What the tech called lol
There's a horseshoe tube on the bottom that heat's up just enough to loosen ice from bottom of tray so the teeth don't break off. I know I've destroyed plenty of the cheap plastic manual ones trying to get the ice out
This is so cool but sadly I have a refrigerator not connected to the water supply so I was wondering if it is possible to add water in the ice-maker manually because I turned the ice maker on and saw the bail moving so I'm wondering the ice maker works but just needs water.
Why not just run a water line? Super easy and tons of how to vids on here.
I Can't. I live in an apartment and the management doesn't allow it.
Ya know, that's a great question. If you say wired a buzzer in place of the water valve, and when you heard the buzz promptly filled the troughs, I don't see why that wouldn't work.
Sounds like a plan. A 110V pump could be driven by the wires otherwise leading to the valve. The length of time the pump is on would need to fill the troughs adequately without spilling. In my other videos, though I don't talk about it, you can see a screw and spring about the plastic drive gear, that adjustment changes how long the valve stays open / how long the valve is powered.
Awesome video!
Thanks !
I have a model 532 Subzero, which has the a very similar ice maker. The plastic gear on mine is broken as well and I can't seem to find a replacement for it.
I found mine at a local appliance parts store. But in truth they've subsequently gone out of business. I see several gears for sale right now on eBay.
Right. I purchased one that I found on Ebay several days ago and replaced the gear. It's been working great for several days now and so far no problems. Had it not been for this video, I would've have never known that replacement parts for this unit still being sold. My icemaker has been out of service for several years. Thanks for sharing...
Thank you🙂
Where do you add the water?
It's plumbed to a water supply, there's a connection under the refrigerator and an electric valve nearby. So when it's time to fill, the icemaker closes a switch to open the valve and let in some water. You can see the water coming in at the right.
What's the temperature inside a freezer?
Pretty much what you set it at. But I don't believe this "Sub-Zero" brand models can really go under zero, not in Fahrenheit.
Why am I here, I have to get ready for work
When the ice fell it scared me
I haven't operated mine since it started to piss all over the floor.
At first thought your garden hose connection at the bottom had failed, was going to say "too much plastic today". But now wondering if condensate is the problem you saw. The condensate evaporation pan is at the bottom, hot air from the top blows across it. Humid days could be a factor there.
I have a kenmore that makes exact same buzzing noise that your freezer is making. Can anyone tell me where this noise come from please!
I'm watching / listening to the video again, I think that sound is the fan inside the freezer. It turns off once the door is opened.
Yes that is called evaporator fan motor that is making that noise. It's just too old or just noisy. I replaced mine with a quiet motor.
MUJERED SALVADORENSS
Wicked
Gf- why isn't he texting back? Hes probably out cheating.
Meanwhile me on youtube-
i have one of these
2:29 AM and this is what I’m doing 🤦🏼♂️
Thanks video
😂😂😂 100° makes one do ice making research.
Like this helps me?
+Michael A Antalics What help were you looking for ?