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1.7.5 Filtration Problems

The majority of filtration problems arise from operator error. One of the most common errors is
placing the filter paper on the bottom of the filter pan rather than over the filter screen.
Whenever the complaint is "the pump is running, but no oil is being filtered," check the installation
of the filter paper, including that the correct size is being used. While you are checking the filter
paper, verify that the O-ring on the bottom of the filter pan is present and in good condition. A
missing or worn O-ring will allow the pump to suck air and decrease its efficiency.
If the pump motor overheats, its thermal overload will trip and the motor will not start until it is
reset. If the pump motor does not start, press the red reset switch located on the rear of the motor. If
the pump then starts, something caused the motor to overheat. It may just be that several frypots
were being filtered one after the other and the pump got hot. Letting the pump cool down for at least
a half-hour is all that is required in this case. More often, the pump overheated for one of the
following reasons:
● Shortening was solidified in the pan or filter lines.
● The operator attempted to filter oil or shortening that was not heated. Cold oil and shorten-
ing are thicker and cause the pump motor to work harder and overheat.
If the motor hums but the pump does not rotate, there is a blockage in the pump. Incorrectly sized or
installed paper will allow food particles and sediment to pass through the filter pan and into the
pump. When sediment enters the pump, the gears can bind up causing the motor to overload, again
tripping the thermal overload. Solidified shortening in the pump will also cause it to seize, with the
same result.
A pump seized by debris or hard shortening can usually be freed by manually moving the gears with
a screwdriver or other instrument as illustrated below. Make sure power to the pump motor is off
before trying this.
1. Disconnect power to the filter system.
2. Remove the input plumbing from the pump.
3. Use a screwdriver to manually turn the gears.
● Turning the pump gears backwards will release a
hard particle and allow its removal.
● Turning the pump gears forward will push softer
objects and solid shortening through the pump
and allow free movement of the gears.
Incorrectly sized or installed paper will also allow food particles and sediment to pass through and
clog the suction tube on the bottom of the filter carriage. Particles large enough to block the suction
tube may indicate that the crumb tray is not being used.
FREEING A SEIZED PUMP
FLOW
1-25
Sediment Particle
Up for reverse
Down for forward

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