Our U-line icemaker, separate from the refrigerator, makes plenty of ice. The problem is that the ice becomes embedded in a solid block due to a lot of water which also freezes in the ice cube drawer. I have tried turning the temp up and turning the temp down. It all freezes just fine... but apparently enough liquid water is making it into the drawer that the cubes are all frozen together.
I have vacuumed the condenser fins which I thought might solve the problem. Is it possible that it just has to be on for longer than 24 hours to settle in to a routine of making ice? It would be wonderful if that huge pile of ice were accessible without an ice pick.
Craig
Icemaker has an adjustment behind the front square cover, for how long the water valve stays open.
Maybe the water valve is staying open too long and the water is overfilling and spilling out of tray.
Or the water fill 'funnel/trough' is not directing all water into tray during timed fill cycle.
You can open door and watch as the fill cycle operates.
When my icemaker failed I had to replace the motor that runs all the gears in the icemaker. The new one was the exact replacement according to the motor manufacture. I don't remember any adjustments under the cover but I'm going to look the next time I'm there. Mine started doing the same thing, running over when the valve opened. I thought it was water pressure the camp grounds. I shut the water off and used the icemaker as a freezer for a while since it works faster than the fridge. Then decided to just crack the shut off valve under the sink and see if that worked. I just kept opening the valve a little at a time until I got cubes that looked right.
Bill and Doris
OKC
Craig,
Phone Richard Miller, owner of AER Supply in Seabrook, TX (281.474.3276). They are marine distributors of U-Line, Sealand, Cole Hersey, Blue Sea, Lifeline, Ancor, All Grip, 3-M and many more supplies. They have all U_line parts and new units on hand. Richard can discuss your concern, e-mail you the service manual and suggest a solution.
Just replaced my temp control on mine for $30 including shipping.
Thanks everyone. Great ideas... I think we'll try looking for the water adjustment first, then if that doesn't work try the metering trick using the intake valve. They do make wonderful freezers to keep ice cream cold, that's for sure! :)
Craig
Mine does the exact same thing. I've not been able to find the problem, but haven't worked on it extensively. I've made the assumption its bad, but if you find a magic fix I'm all ears!
Richard Miller has forgotten more about U-Line Ice Makers than most men know. So if one is ALL Ears, call and listen to the U-Line guru and you will learn why a correctly operating ice maker does not need an extra valve in the water supply to regulate the amount of water it uses, what the fix is, etc.
Mine does the same thing too, but it does start making normal cubes after it is 2/3 full of an ice block. I'll try some of these ideas also.
I talked to Richard while I was trying to get mine fixed. The problem was obvious and I knew the part I needed so I wasn't asking for advice. He didn't know where I could get parts to fix it. His suggestion was just buy a new icemaker for it. I'll look at it again next time I'm at the lake and pull the model number and give him a call. Would like to have it work right.
Bill and Doris
OKC
Parts widely available for u-line, lots of on-line sources
Here is my dilemma with my U-line. At first it made no ice cubes, but got cold very fast. Found that the screen before the solenoid valve needed replace. WoW was it dirty. Replaced gasket too. Then I got water to the ice maker unit but no ice. So next I changed the front module (part # 150). Then I got three to four ice cubes, then nothing due to water freezing at the inlet tube, plugging, and some over-fill freezing where it came through the back wall. In my frustration I decided to change out the whole ice maker unit (part # 402). I got a great deal at Any RV Parts - RV Appliance Parts, Accessories (http://www.anyrvparts.com). 142.99. Others wanted over 200.00. It is an OEM part too. I installed it in my typical 'anal retentive' fashion (extreme detail). Now that I have replaced it, turned the unit on, and I get lots and lots of water, but no ice cubes. I triple checked my wiring. The wires are all color coded so, that is rrreeeeaaaally tough to mess up. The inlet tube is under the "clip" as Richard Wright, from U-line told me. I am going to adjust the screw behind the ice maker assembly cover. The owner's manual states to adjust in small increments and that large adjustments can cause damage. If this does not work then the water solenoid valve is next (Part # 2552A). I shall not be daunted in my quest for ice cubes. Oh yes, These units freeze fast, great for the ice cream you left in the car. :)) I will post after my adjustment(s). Let me know any other suggestions that may help me with solving my ice maker problems. Thanks to all.
Curtis,
In your comment about replacing the ice maker and the attached link to the very well priced unit, I did not see any comment on applying the mastic that came with the ice maker. I trust you made sure the cold plate and ice maker were buried in the mastic as the mastic is what transfers the heat of the ice maker into the cold plate.
Other than that, seems to me you are doing all the right things. I look forward to hearing how your project turns out.
You could always just install a couple of shelves inside the unit and put ice trays full of water in there and freeze them. Maybe even more efficient use of the space and power; depending upon how much you use ice cubes.
Craig