A Complete Guide For Manitowoc Ice Machine Probe Work?

A Complete Guide For Manitowoc Ice Machine Probe Work?
10 min read
27 February 2023

An ice machine plays a crucial role in the food service industry. They provide ice for various applications, such as beverages, food preservation, and healthcare. However, maintaining the quality and quantity of ice produced is essential to ensure the safety and satisfaction of customers. This is where an ice thickness probe comes in.

An ice thickness probe is a device that measures the thickness of ice being produced by an ice machine. This information is used to adjust the machine's production cycle to ensure the correct amount of ice is produced consistently. In the absence of a probe, ice production can be inconsistent, leading to overproduction or underproduction, which can affect the quality of food and drinks served. This is where the Manitowoc ice thickness probe comes in, as it is designed to work seamlessly with Manitowoc ice machines, ensuring that the machine produces the right amount of ice consistently. 

Read on to find out how the Manitowoc ice thickness probe works, instructions on how to adjust, install, clean, and maintain it. Also, let us explore some of the most common problems and fix them. 

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a first-time user, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your ice machines running smoothly and efficiently.

Table Of Content:

Types of Ice Thickness Probes

Manitowoc is a leading manufacturer of ice machines that produce different types of ice, including cube, nugget, and flake ice. Ice thickness probes are an essential component of these machines, as they measure the thickness of the ice and control the harvesting process. Here are the three types of ice thickness probes used in Manitowoc ice machines.

Fixed ice thickness probe:

Fixed ice thickness probes are the most common type of probes used in Manitowoc ice machines. They are attached to the evaporator plate and measure the thickness of the ice as it forms. These probes are fixed in place and do not move during the ice-making cycle.

Retractable ice thickness probe:

Retractable ice thickness probes are used in Manitowoc's large-capacity ice machines. These probes are retractable, meaning they move in and out of the evaporator plate to measure the thickness of the ice. This type of probe is useful for machines that produce a large volume of ice, as it allows for more accurate measurements and better control over the harvesting process.

Universal ice thickness probe:

The universal ice thickness probe is a versatile probe that can be used in both fixed and retractable configurations. It can be installed in any Manitowoc ice machine and is designed to measure the thickness of any type of ice. This probe is ideal for machines that produce multiple types of ice, as it can be easily adapted to different harvesting cycles.

How does a manitowoc ice thickness probe work?

A Manitowoc ice thickness probe is a small sensor that is inserted into the ice-making machine and is used to determine the thickness of the ice that is being produced.

In the probe, a sound wave travels through the ice and bounces back to the probe based on the time it takes for the sound wave to travel through it. When the probe is inserted into the machine, it emits a high-frequency sound wave that travels through the ice and reflects back to the probe.

The amount of time it takes for the sound wave to travel through the ice and bounce back is directly proportional to the thickness of the ice. The probe then uses this information to calculate the thickness of the ice and sends the data to the ice machine's control system.

The control system adjusts the ice-making process to ensure that the desired thickness of ice is being produced. If the ice is too thin, the machine will adjust the amount of water being used or the freezing time to make thicker ice. If the ice is too thick, the machine will adjust the freezing time to make thinner ice.

How do you adjust the thickness of an ice probe?

Adjusting the thickness of an ice probe in an ice machine is an important task that can impact the quality and quantity of ice produced. To adjust the thickness of the ice probe, first, turn off the power to the ice machine and locate the adjustment screw. This screw is typically located near the ice thickness sensor and can be accessed by removing the cover of the machine.

Using a screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw in small increments, either clockwise or counterclockwise, to adjust the thickness of the ice probe. Be sure to make small adjustments and test the ice production before making additional changes. It is also important to consult the manufacturer's instructions or a professional technician for guidance on the specific adjustment process for your particular ice machine.

Once the desired ice thickness is achieved, be sure to monitor the machine's performance to ensure consistent ice production and quality.

How to install manitowoc ice thickness probe in ice machine?

As we know, the Manitowoc ice thickness probe measures the thickness of the ice being produced. If the thickness probe is not installed correctly or is malfunctioning, it can result in an inefficient ice production process or even damage to the ice machine. If you're searching for high-quality ice thickness probes, look no further than PartsFe. We offer a wide selection of these essential components from well-named brands such as Manitowoc ice 2008029 ice thickness control probe that is designed to ensure accurate and reliable ice thickness measurements.

Here are the steps you can follow if you need to install a Manitowoc ice thickness probe in your ice machine:

Turn off the ice machine - Before you start installing the ice thickness probe, turn off the ice machine and unplug it from the power source. 

Remove the old probe - If you are replacing an old probe, remove it from the ice machine. 

Identify the probe location - The next step is to locate the area where the probe will be installed. It is located in the evaporator or ice-making section of the machine.

Install the probe - After positioning the probe where you want it, fasten it using the included screws. Make sure it is positioned appropriately and firmly so that it doesn't slide during use.

Connect the wires - Once the probe is installed, connect the wires to the appropriate ports on the control board. 

Turn on the machine - After you have installed the probe and connected the wires, turn the ice machine back on and allow it to run for a few minutes. This will ensure that the probe is working correctly and sending the right signals to the control board.

Calibrate the probe - Finally, you may need to calibrate the probe to ensure that it is measuring the ice thickness accurately. 

How to clean and regular maintenance for ice machine probes?

Cleaning and regular maintenance of ice machine probes is important to ensure the quality and safety of the ice produced. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Turn off and unplug the machine: Before starting any cleaning or maintenance work on the ice machine, make sure it is turned off and unplugged.

Remove the probe: The probe is usually located in the ice-making compartment. Remove it using a screwdriver.

Clean the probe: Use a soft cloth and warm,/soapy water/cleaning solution to clean the probe. 

Sanitize the probe: Once the probe is clean, sanitize it using a solution of water and bleach or another sanitizer recommended by the manufacturer. 

Reinstall the probe: After the probe is completely dry, reinsert it back into the ice machine.

Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance that includes checking and cleaning the condenser coil, inspecting the water supply and drainage system, and replacing the water filter.

Common problems with the manitowoc ice thickness probes and how to fix them?

Sometimes, the ice thickness probes can cause problems with your ice maker. If you're having trouble harvesting your ice maker, it could be because of the ice thickness probe in your ice maker. Here are some common manitowoc ice thickness probe problems and solutions:

Damage, cracks, or bulging - Call your authorized service professional to have the ice thickness probe checked out if you see anything out of the ordinary, such as damage or bulging.

Ice Bridge Thickness: During manufacture, the ice-bridge thickness is set at 1/8 inch (3 mm). Use the adjustment screw on the ice thickness probe to change the ice-bridge thickness if the thickness is off. Change the thickness by rotating the screw either clockwise or anticlockwise. Do not forget: Adjustment is equal to a 120-degree (1/3 revolution) turn, or 1/16 inch (1.5 mm).

A free swinging probe is necessary: make sure the cable isn't impeding it.

In conclusion, the Manitowoc ice machine probe is a crucial component in ensuring that the ice machine produces the right amount of ice and functions efficiently. There are different types of probes, and the installation process varies depending on the specific model. While the probe may encounter common issues such as scaling and calibration problems, proper maintenance and regular cleaning can prevent such problems. Understanding the different types of probes, how they work, and how to install them can help ensure the ice machine's proper functioning and extend its lifespan.

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