Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

[Spaniard]

Hey guys,

I am sure this is not the first time someone posted about this, but I have not been able to find the correct thread.
I have a U-Line WH 95 that i just reconnected for the season after de winterizing the water system. After 24 hours, I was sad to see that the ICE maker was very cold, but with no ice cubes (Darn, another thing wrong). I went down to the bilge room to make sure that the water line was open to the Ice maker, but it was. Thus, I am not sure what else to do. Can anyone help?

Thanks

 

[JoLin]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

Have you called u-line? 1-800-779-2547. Just for kicks, I pulled up the operation/installation manual (it's available on their website)....

Under 'No Ice Production' it says, 'Insure the bin arm is not in the up (off) position.'

 

[oops!]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

if the condenser is cold....but no ice.....the problem is with the pump or as stated above.

check the pump to see if there any kinks in the line, why isnt the water pumping thru ?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

There are other items to look at.

1) Power On
2) Water On
3) Bailer arm in the down position

Here's the kicker. Many ice makers have a thermostat setting which will not allow them to make ice unless the internal CABINET temp (not the freezer space temp) is at a certain level (...ask me how I know :facepalm.

My problem was that the cabinet temp had to be at 35? for the ice maker to cycle water. But even if it was cold, I couldn't tell the difference between 35? and 38?....

So I removed the grate off of the back of the ice maker (on the outside) to reveal the thermostat setting. I turned it clockwise about 1/2 a turn and voila!!... ice the next day. Basically, this is changing the setting on the thermostat to allow it to cycle the water fill valve at a higher temp than the factory preset of 35?.

Of course, make sure your water line is clear, no junk in the freezer, bailing arm is down, and there is no air trapped in the system.

 

[Spaniard]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

Thank you all for your input. Yes, i did check the bin arm, the turn on switch, and make sure the water valve is open. I did unplug the unit yesterday, as some people suggested the water line could be frozen.... ( I am not sure), and today I will begin with the process again following what Fireman suggested about the thermostat. I did call the U-line people, and to my surprised they were very helpful. They also mentioned the idea of the Thermostat (Thank you, JoLin for providing that number). Well, I do believe the problem is that I don't get water to the ice maker or that the ice maker itself is not working, as I don't see it turning. Hopefully, the problem will solved... at some point, and it will not cost me much to fix....

By the way, in your experience, how long an ice make takes to produce ice from the moment you connect the unit?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

Depends on the location of the unit and the ambient temp that it's at, how long it takes to cool down, etc. If mine were on the cockpit of the boat in the sun (black cabinet), it might take 2+ hours before the first load drops. If I'm backed in under cover and no sun beating on it, usually about 45 min for the first batch.

 

[Spaniard]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

Update: Well... the problem (so far) is more complicated than anticipated.... When I was trying to follow the possible solutions you guys gave me, i noticed that the icemaker itself was not turning. I figured that it should if some force was applied. Thus, i took the cover out (where the little gear and other things are), and I saw it extremely rusted....;especially, the lower gear motor that I could not make it turn even with a screwdriver. I took the little motor (with hopes that I will be able to purchase it somewhere), and I was able to find it on ebay for about $30. Hopefully, that will fix the problem. I will let you know.... Either way, I am pleased to know that I am not that useless with some guidance.... So thank you for helping and guiding those of us who still are lost...

 

[nosticks]

Re: Ice maker problems: It is cold, but no ice.

Hope that mototr works for you. You'll get a nose bleed from your rising blood pressure when you price out a replacement ice maker unit. They are proprietary and U-Line is very proud of them.