Frymaster 45, 35 manual Leakage, Basket Lift Malfunction

Leakage

When a frypot appears to be leaking, suspect the areas where high-limit thermostats, temperature probes, and drain fittings attach to the frypot. When installed or replaced, seal each of these components with Loctite PST56765 sealant or equivalent to prevent leakage.

If oil coats the sides or ends of the frypot, the most likely cause is spillage over the top of the frypot. There may also be oil pooled on the floor below the fryer. This is not necessarily a sign that the frypot is leaking.

It is important to check the joints between round drain sections and all of the fittings. If removing a section of drain tube connected to the drain valve for any reason, make sure that the O-rings are in good condition and properly fitted within the drain during reinstallation. Ensure that the clamps are tight and that the nut holding them onto the stud of the tube is not stripped or loose. Also, check that the drain tube runs downward from the drain along its whole length and has no low points where oil may accumulate.

In very rare cases, a leak may develop along one of the welded edges of the frypot. When this type of leak is suspected, thoroughly inspect the frypot. If it is definitely leaking, replace the frypot.

Basket Lift Malfunction

Performance Pro series gas fryers may be optionally equipped with automatic basket lifts to ensure uniform cooking time. The lifts can be controlled manually or through a basket lift timer or Computer Magic computer. Basket lifts will always come in pairs, although each operates independently.

Each basket lift consists of a basket lift arm attached to a toothed rod, a reversible-drive gear motor, and a pair of roller-activated microswitches. The gear motor engages the teeth on the rod and moves it up or down based on the motor’s rotation. Microswitches at the upper and lower limits of movement stop the motor when the basket is fully up or down. They also reverse the direction of current flow to reverse the motor direction. When the manually set or programmed cooking time has elapsed, the basket lift receives current and raises the basket out of the oil.

In units configured for manual (push-button) controls, a mechanical or electrical timer controls voltage to the system. Turning a rotary knob sets the cook time, and pressing the button in the middle of the knob activates the motor. When the timer times down, power is supplied to the opposite pole of the motor through the upper microswitch. The motor drives the rod upward until it loses contact with the upper microswitch, cutting power to the motor and stopping the lift.

In units configured for basket lift timers or Computer Magic computers, the process is almost identical. The difference is that the push button mechanical timer is replaced with timing circuitry in the computer or controller. The operator programs the specific cook times (and other settings) into the computer or controller. When the product button is pressed, the timing circuitry activates a coil in the basket lift relay to supply power to the lower microswitch. As with the manually controlled units, the microswitches stop the motor at the lift’s upper and lower travel limits and reverse the direction of current flow, reversing the motor’s direction.

There are three basket lift problem types. They are

•binds and jams,

•motor and gear wear, and

•electronics failure.

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