HARVEST RIGHT Premier Vacuum Pump Oil Change

[@pinschrunner]

Brian, this will be a very valuable video to ALL Harvest Right customers when the first oil change comes.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I hope so!

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

I had an odd thing happen on my first oil change, I dumped all the oil into the filter top and tipped the pump forward to get everything out, let it filter for 48 hours and when I poured it back in my pump it was at the minimum line when prior to that it was in the middle LOL somewhere oil magically vanished 😆😉 So now I am waiting for new oil to be delivered in 2 weeks LOL.. darn 🙃

[@dreamcatcher8233]

@@MaineMadeHomesteader I think some oil is lost in the filter

[@AlexAlex-qn5co]

​@live.life.simple. Hi Brian, thank you for content! I'm helpless here on why after my 7th batch of my new machine the oil is dark yellow and smells just like my last batch which was chili?? I have the newest priemer pump and even got some smoking from screw top. I put the oil and filtered it but the smell of food is so strong I don't want to use it. Soups and stews is my thing but if I have to change the oil with new oil every 7 batches I'm in trouble. Any advices or words of wisdom would help!! God bless, Happy holidays!

[@normaneudorf3251]

Your video is the first one that covers how to clean the demister. Harvest right does not have a update video.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I will have a more in depth video on demister cleaning and maintenance coming soon

[@CaptainFixit6]

sometimes i spin things backwards a little bit to set the threads then tighten them, a coworker called me stupid for not knowing how to tighten "things". Im glad im not the only person that make sure not to strip treads.

[@thedude2367]

This is a common technique to avoiding cross threading. Your coworker doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

[@dougdanz2014]

Brian your videos on freeze drying are super helpful. You do a great job. Thank you!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Thanks so much, glad they helped

[@ConnieWaldram]

I used a pipe cleaner to clean the metal on the glass window of the pump. It was easy to thread between the holes and slide back and forth. Much easier than trying to get a Q-tip inside of it. It cleaned it perfectly!

[@theoldguy9329]

So to be clear. Once you filter the oil you can pour it back into the machine i.e. a filter of the oil not a change. If you don't, you need to store that filtered oil not in the container you took the new oil from or you would be messing up the pristine oil in it. You would use it next time? When do you trash the oil -- how many re-uses?

[@seaflowful]

I had the same question. He didn’t address that at all.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

yes, it can be filtered multiple times, but based on many circumstances there is not a set amount. Once the oil is cloudy and will not filter clear, it's time to discard.

[@roseharvey4341]

@@thefreezedryingcommunityI just left you a question on your you tube video in how to change the oil and clean the filter. It’s long and I’m hoping you can look it up and answer my questions. Thank you.

[@diegocassini9523]

@@thefreezedryingcommunityWhy don’t you just dump the filtered oil back in the pump? Is it still draining thru the filter a bit?

[@melissahinton608]

How often should you change out the oil filter?

[@Fastlane05]

I love your tip about how to get the cover off of the demister. I tried and failed. Thanks!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You're welcome!

[@taylormade9693]

After watching your video, I requested Harvest Right to send me a premier pump. Can't hurt to ask. I have purchased a FD this past year. Can't wait to see what they say. Thank you for your videos. Very informative.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

That is awesome!

[@dragonkeeper1990]

How often do you need to clean the filter

[@no-way-can-it-be]

thank you have learned so much from watching your channel and love the tray dividers❤

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are so welcome! Glad to help!

[@michellejohnson7903]

Thank you for this video. I am planning on doing my first oil change today or tomorrow. I have a question: What do you do with the filtered oil? You put clean oil in for the oil change, so do you save the old filtered oil for another change, discard it, or pour it into a container for some other purpose? Thanks so much.

[@sunnidaz93]

Ditto to that? please let me know! thx

[@stacey7540]

You reuse it in the future in your freeze dryer.

[@shoegirl714]

@@stacey7540 how many times can you reuse the filtered oil?

[@ymrelang]

I think I have the next pump version since the part you mentioned is plastic. So, when cleaning it, we have to be very careful!!! it might brake!!! Your video helped us to clean it for the first time!!! Thanks again!!!!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

good to hear!

[@cathybradford5685]

Great timing! Just got the notice on my FD that it is time to change the oil. Since it’s better to change oil once it’s hot, I’ll do it after my next run. Is the white filter, hard or squishy? Dish soap and hot water, then air dry. I was under the impression that water gets into the oil and should be separated before filtering. I didn’t think the Brita filter would separate the water. Once I added oil to the pump, removed the demister and laid it on the table upside down and it has leaked oil around the rim ever since. Should the demister be kept in the upright position when removed? Absolutely LOVE your videos! Thanks!!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can freeze the oil before you filter to separate the water and oil. Since using the premier I have noticed little to no water in oil.

[@janetlorence4468]

Thank you I feel more confident.

[@skepticcontrarian7477]

Thank you! I am new to freeze drying and your vids are really a big help.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Happy to help!

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

Agree 100% 👍

[@TheRealBatCave]

​@@thefreezedryingcommunity when u put the oil through the brita filter looking thing, do u put that oil back in the pump to reuse? If so how many times donu do that on one batch of oil?

[@matt56849]

THIS APPLIES TO GEN 1 PREMIER PUMPS: I had the problem with the oil loading the demister as well. After looking at online forums, keeping the oil level in the Gen 1 at or just under halfway between the min and max lines keeps the demister from loading with oil and causing the oil fog. I am posting this here to hopefully save someone else from this issue, as the forums helped me. I used a drop of blue dawn dish soap in a sink of hot water, worked great when I was still having issues and having to clean the filter after every batch. I even still run the metal ball in the bottom of the demister filter. I just do not ever turn the demister upside down when I do the oil changes, just set it upright and off to the side. I have a large freeze dryer on the way that should include the Gen 2 pump (probably 3 weeks out minimum yet), and I can update this post when I get a chance to test to see if this still works with the Gen 2 pump as well.

[@matt56849]

I have also just started to use a kitchen scale under my filter pitcher when I drain the oil to weight it out, then add the same weight of oil back in when I refill it. The level is always right, and I've not had another issue with getting too much oil in and then having oil in the demister and fogging up the room.

[@nancysala7769]

You said to make sure the ballast black knob should be in the "open" position when filling the oil. Do you close it afterwards, or should it always stay open?

[@normaneudorf3251]

I was wondering the same

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

always open

[@NevadaMirage]

I have yet to find a reason to ever close the ballast knob

[@nancysala7769]

@@NevadaMirage mine has always been open. That’s why I had to ask, because he made a point to say to make sure it was open. I thought I’ve been doing it wrong

[@frankfrank5821]

What's the point of having a close option then 🤔 please explain

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

Excellent job man really valuable information

[@mikeshirley2151]

Hi Brian - my wife and I replaced our old standard pump (have 5 year old HR freeze dryer) and got the new Gen 2 Premier Pump which we’ve been loving. However, we’ve noticed that the oil is already turning pretty orangish/Amber rather than staying clear and we’ve only done 10 cycles. Any idea on what could be the culprit or if we set up something wrong?

[@kassandrapage4379]

@Mike Shirley- Mine is doing the same too. Did you find out the answer?

[@mirandawatson6514]

Following same here I filtered the oil 2x on the 3x now waiting to see if it helps

[@lizabouchard5706]

Same here and when I put it back in- all of it- the level seems to be way lower when I was expecting it to be about the same as before I filtered it

[@Jin-ml2lt]

Thank You for this video. It was very informative and detailed.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You're very welcome!

[@2guysandacooler]

Hey Brian. Great video. Just a heads up. Your affiliate link for the AVID ARMOR isn't working. I think the actual affiliate part isn't included in the hyperlink. Just so you know😉😉

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

The affiliate should be working fine. It will.lool the same as if you just went straight to their site. You can only get the 10% if you put LIVELIFESIMPLE in at promo checkout

[@beckysullivan282]

Brian, I enjoy your videos, great ideas! I just got my FD in November of 2021, I watch you video and did my first oil change, but my oil pitcher does not filter the oil, it stays in the upper part, am I doing something wrong?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It is a slow filtering process, its not instant

[@beckysullivan282]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity it’s been 4 days. And it didn’t look cloudy to start with. But I’ll wait a bit longer and maybe order a new filter, thank you

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

Honestly if it doesn't filter after 24 to 48 hours in normal room temperature, I would replace the oil with new. I have found that if I filter the oil down in my basement where it's usually in the upper 50s to lower 60s Fahrenheit sometimes the oil never filters.

[@JenniferRMaxwell]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity & @beckysullivan282 - great question! I'm just doing my first oil change (probably later than I should), and the drips are soooo slow... I came in search of some info, so this was super helpful! I had no idea it could take such a long time! lol... Crisis averted, lol. Thank you! Love this channel!

[@jcsmusicalinstruments9462]

Does it matter whether or not we release the vacuum from the main freeze dryer before the oil change?

[@mistermunchie1]

Once you purchase a gallon of oil, does the new unused oil go bad? Does it have a shelf life?

[@jonicawillis7482]

We are doing our first oil change and this video is very helpful. We are having trouble removing the filter from the green case. We tried a large screwdriver and also a quarter like the video suggested but cannot get the filter separated from the case. Has anyone else had that issue? Is there anything else we can do to separate the filter from the case?

[@sandralafond3818]

I'm having this problem, too. Very frustrating. Did you ever resolve the issue?

[@jennishansen3836]

@@sandralafond3818 I am also having a hard time...in fact it chipped a little piece of the place where you are supposed to be able to just twist it ...very frustrating none of us here can get it to screw off!!!!!!!! help. I hope the little chip won't be a problem in putting it back together.

[@GermanShepherd1983]

Was there another change in the pumps? We just got a pump and it's clearly a Gen 2 but has Gen 1elongated sight glass and black demister.

[@louisianacooker321]

Mine too. I just got it and it has a de mister with metal threads and the vertical site glass.

[@garysinclair6490]

With the Hrarvest Right filter, how long should it take to filter one pumps worth with a new filter?

[@sandralafond3818]

Brian, I'm unable to access the fiber filter. I cannot loosen the "giant screw" on the filter can. I tried a quarter held with pliers. No luck, and I'm afraid I'm going to break the plastic. How often should this filter be washed? Also - this is my second time filtering my oil. It looks rather yellow - but transparent. Should I toss it, and start with new oil? I'm not sure I've even used my freeze dryer 20 times, yet. But it is filtering so.o.o slowly.

[@WestCanaanTim]

Excellent video! Thank you...

[@alospm]

Thank you for this! Need to do my first oil change and can’t for the life of me find my manual 🤦‍♀️

[@resourcefulgirl]

Great tutorial! Thank you so much.

[@laticecarpenter5887]

I'm a newbie and i just purchased your book today and i ordered my Harvest Right Pro this past Thursday, my question is when you change the oil, do you have to wait a length of time to reuse that oil that was just cleaned and if so how long to wait for it to finish filtering, and should i have more oil if it takes a while to finish filtering. Also is there a certain way to store the oil that was filter, and i chose like you in this video to use new oil. Sorry for being long winded, lol

[@lsubs7534]

do you put that one nob back to close after you put the fresh oil in?

[@interestedinteresting4211]

Is there anyway to let my freeze drier know I changed the oil. Screen says I need to change the oil.

[@timothysmelser3790]

I know this is a year old. But what was the answer?

[@nemmykate]

How many times can you filter and reuse the oil. When should I replace the oil (ie after so many times?)

[@buddysmom1583]

Question: I have washed the demister filter several times with hot water and soap. It still has oil in it when I squeeze it. I can see the oily residue on my hands. Do you ever get rid of the oily residue from the filter? Also, I washed the plastic rings that go on the inside and outside of the cap of the filter. Do I need to put some oil on these rings when I replace them, or will the machine oil them when in use? Thank You for your videos!

[@MrHtrnsc]

Good stuff, as always. We are about to pull the trigger on getting a premier. Thanks for all the good info! --Chris

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Good choice!

[@Everrrrr]

Can you put the cold oil back in machine after freezing? Or let it come to room temp first also the filter takes the water snd particulates out? So when you pour from filter youre pouring clean oil correct? Thanks

[@BobDunlock]

I've got food stuck in the bottom hole of my sight glass, any ideas how to clean it out? (I'm working with the gen1 premiere pump)

[@vickigriffeth4949]

Do you need to clean the dimister every time you change the oil?

[@normaneudorf3251]

My filter in the jug took four days to fully filter all of the oil through

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Has it been filtered before?

[@normaneudorf3251]

No it was the first filtering of the oil and the first time for the filter to filter oil

[@TheWanderingPreacher]

Did generation 1 and 2 labeled get mixed up in the video? I just bought one from Costco two months ago and mine looks like what is labeled version 1.

[@seaflowful]

Do you reuse the old oil? What do you do with it once it’s filtered? Do you use it for salad dressing or can it be used in the pump again? How many times? Lots of questions unanswered

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Salad dressing? there is no magic number for how many times oil can be filtered, it's based on clarity.

[@marikalemay1218]

Si as long as the oil has a good clarity, you can safely reuse it?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

@@marikalemay1218 I would filter twice and call it done. If the oil is cloudy before the second filter, get rid of it. Also, if in doubt get rid of it. Oil is not very expensive compared to replacing a pump

[@seaflowful]

Thank you. I have a complete system ordered. There’s currently about an 8 plus week wait. Trying to take as many notes as possible. I really appreciate your videos. They have really helped. Actually your channel has encouraged me to order one. Your helping a lot of folks out here.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

@@seaflowful good to hear. We have hundreds of videos and you should be able to find just about anything. The Facebook or mewe groups are extremely helpful as well. You can search threads and get any question answered you can imagine.

[@raqueljavier3890]

Hi. Thank you for all of the great info. I just did my first oil change, and I may have waited a bit longer than i should have. My oil was a bit orange colored...i ran it through the brita-looking filter than came with it and the oil is now clear, meaning not cloudy, but it is still orange colored. is it still ok to reuse or should i toss it? it did have a smell of food, so i'm wondering if it is rancid because i took too long to change.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Oil will not filter colorless like it once was. You are looking for transparency. If it's cloudy or strange looking toss it or filter again.

[@sewpretty13]

Perfect. Thanks for the info'! Will be changing the oil soon.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Glad to help

[@crystaldithen7146]

what did you do with the oil you filtered? And how many times can you use a filter before you have to replace it?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I filter oil until it is no longer get transparent. Longevity will vary on many things

[@lindascherder9996]

Is there something to reset so the FD knows to start recounting the oil change count down?

[@jeanniewright2554]

Thank you! Very important instructions!!

[@nolaarndt4878]

Do you have to clean the demister with every oil change?

[@thomascoenen411]

I have a harvest right freeze dryer and am unable to get the filter out. I followed the directions on how to do it. Is there another way to do it besides using a quarter and screwdriver.

[@DeanHendrix-i4o]

Why do you like the other brand of oil. Is it better or less expensive or both?

[@katbirdmine]

Just need to know Do you turn that first little knob to 0 or back to the left to run the machine?

[@TrueEdistonian]

Just ran my first run on the premier pump. I made sure to fill the oil level to exactly in the middle of low and high. Woke up this morning and noticed that the oil level is very low. Why would it do this? Should I stop the process?

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

When the pump is running during the freeze drying process the glass indicator of the oil level is not accurate because the pump has the oil up inside of it doing its thing and so it can appear low on the glass but once the freeze drying is over within a few minutes you should see the oil level go back to its normal level in the glass viewer.

[@deniselewallen6003]

Is changing the oil the same as back flushing for older model pumps?

[@justYouJesus1God]

Brian, I was getting ready to FD a batch, but noticed the flashing sign that said owners need to change oil. But you said to wait until the oil is warm, is it safe to run pump one last time and FD my food? Or is it essential that I do it when the machine asks. I don't see dirty oil, does that matter?

[@jerrymccarthy5826]

Do I have to reprime the pump after every oil change? Thanks

[@NevadaMirage]

Are there any replacement filters for the demister? Would be nice to have a spare on-hand.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can probably get one from HR or the company that makes the pump for them. They used to be manufactured by Navac, not sure if the 2nd gen are made by them

[@sage0925]

How do you get rid of the warning message to change the oil on the display screen?

[@jodyrowley6959]

Do you twist the black tab back to closed?

[@mi.terpology]

Curious about fogging just got mine td

[@methodial]

I just did our 1st oil change on our 2nd gen premier pump after 20 cycles. I used a new white bottle of pump oil that came in the box. I ran the pump test to check the oil level, and the oil started to turn a milky color after 2 minutes. Do I have water in my oil? Will the demister filter it out back to clear again if I just run it? Any advice?

[@thedude2367]

My oil was cloudy after only 7 or 8 batches. The premier pump is very good at removing water from the oil, I found online. So I ran it for a couple more hours and it cleared the oil right up on its own.

[@alyssaburr6395]

How many oil changes does one container do? How many times can you filter and reuse the oil? Does it make more sense to just put new oil in and toss the old since you have to replace the oil filters? Just trying to find out what the most cost effective way is. Or is it better to go with the oil free pump?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It would probably HD two oil changes. You can filter oil 2-3 times usually. It needs to come out transparent.

[@gailharper9867]

Going to try this again 😂 we love all your videos very very informative! Where can we purchase a new oil demister? Also how often should we clean the demister? Thank you 😊 G&L

[@TheRealBatCave]

Did u just run the dirty oil through the brita filter thing then just put it back in the pump? Or didnubjust discard the oil and put new oil in?

[@kaelynnlatshaw2996]

​@TheRealBatCave you can reuse the oil once it's been filtered. I belive Brian does another video that talks about it.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Did you put that bee bee back in or did you get rid of it?

[@Maleezza]

While using the pro pump does the oil level go down when in use?

[@gailharper9867]

Hello we love your! We can you purchase a new oil demister? We've looked on the Harvest Right website!?!? Can't find any. Also how often should they be cleaned?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I'm not sure that they sell it separate, but Harvestright would be the only place that sells them.

[@ruggedoutdoorsguide9904]

Hi; You showed us how to "filter" the oil in that pitcher, but then you changed the oil with new oil. What's the difference between filtering old oil and changing it out for new oil? Is filtered oil the same as new oil (ie. filter it OR change it every 20-25 cycles?). If I filter my oil and then put it back into the pump, is that the same as "changing" the oil with new oil?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can change the oil with filtered as long as it's still transparent

[@JipseeGirl]

Your filtered oil looks yellow as does mine. But you are saying it is clear....?

[@carolynjacinthlaw4866]

Hi. I haven’t used my freeze dryer for about 9 months. Please instruct me how to change the oil in a premium pump. How should I warm up the oil that is already in the pump so that it can flow freely? Thank you.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

you can press the leaf on the home screen and manually turn the pump on

[@alana6806]

I have hard time opening the knob for the oil . It’s so tight. Any idea how to fix that?

[@jesuschristismylordandsavi6108]

I changed from an oil-less pump to an oil pump. How do I change the pump selection on the computer screen?

[@Baseballisbest67]

Should this be done before you even use the machine ? Can you run the pump independently from freeze dryer ? Ya know to warm the oil n change. Also how often should you do the canister cleaning? How often to change the paper towel wade ?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can run the pump disconnected from the machine. I believe the pumped from the factory come without oil in them, so that would be a good time to follow these steps.

[@Baseballisbest67]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity thx. How often should I change the paper towel/toilet paper wad?

[@susanmena6328]

Does the demister avoid water going in the pump?

[@gme10955]

Just did my first oil change on my HarvestRight premier pump. I filtered the oil with the supplied Brita style filter, but when I added the filtered oil back in, the gage on the pump never showed I added any oil back in, and it's been over 15 min! Have no idea what the issue is, and unfortunately it happened on the extended 4th of July weekend. Anyone have any ideas what's going on here?

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

I had the exact same issue it's almost like some oil vanished into the magical void while filtering it 🤔 Guessing the filter absorbed some??

[@tonycampbell7175]

i would like the answer to this question also

[@vanessaprante1648]

@@MaineMadeHomesteaderthe filter does absorb some ;)

[@stevenreeves4766]

the picture of the sight glass is reversed between gen 1 and 2.

[@joycedimaggio3816]

I was wondering about that. Thanks!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

👍

[@nicholasheathco9443]

Can I tip it i thought I'm not ever supposed to

[@Deedle-xh5ue]

When will the oil light change stop blinking? I changed the oil.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can reset by going into settings

[@dennisdemara8098]

I’ve changed mine twice now (around 15 batches). My room tends to smell like oil on the batch just after an oil change. Why is that?

[@mariamorris475]

Great Video!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Thanks for your support

[@lindascherder9996]

Is there something to reset so the FD knows to restart the oil change count down??

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes if you have the correct software. Hold down the leaf or the harvestright logo.

[@LB-gq7pr]

@@thefreezedryingcommunitydo you press the “reset hours” button to turn off the oil change light? Or will that do a total reset of the hours the machine has run?

[@sadiedog5071]

But how to reset the message on the LCD?

[@ほのぼのれっぴ]

How many minutes should I wait after freeze drying is done to change oil? The oil must be very hot right after.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I let it drain right after. When the oil is hit is moves better

[@TheRealBatCave]

How many times can oil go through that brita filter thing and put back in the oil pump? Once? Twice?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It's situational. I go by transparency mostly or if it's been filtered more than a couple times, just replace

[@TheRealBatCave]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity ok, i just had to do my 1st oil change and there was no debris in it but it wasn't clear anymore kinda yellowish color to it after filtering it was just curious if its still good and how dark is to dark. Thanks.

[@stevesohn5436]

So what do you do with the filtered oil? Use it again, discard it?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes, it is reused until it is no longer get transparent or will not filter

[@roseharvey4341]

I having trouble removing the filter. I have the rubber pad removed. Using a standard screwdriver. It’s not budging. The rubber lid looks clean, not oily like yours. Does my filter still need to be cleaned. The used drained oil still looks clear. I changed my oil the first time after 27 batches. I just finished batch 18 after the first oil change. I didn’t clean the filter the first time so thought I should do it now. What do you think. But I am having trouble removing the filter from its canister.

[@roseharvey4341]

8:06

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I am not certain I understand, but the filter is threaded and turns completely off. Even if your oil is clear, I would still filter it after 20-25 cycles.

[@lisathayne7333]

The plastic disc covering the filter is so tight I can’t remove it!!!! Any ideas?

[@cathybradford5685]

Should the demister filter have oil on/in it or should it be oil free? (Is this like a car oil filter that has oil and filters out dirt , or is this filter clean and dry for filtering air?)

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I don't know for sure. I think its more important that it doesn't have too much

[@missywagner981]

does the ballast stay open or is it supposed to be closed after the oil change???

[@missywagner981]

I can't find any info anywhere on it

[@steppingstone6797]

Thank you

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Thanks for your support

[@1MinutePrayers]

If I have only done candy with minimal moisture being vacuumed does that mean I can wait a little longer to change the oil?

[@SarahB44]

No

[@enigma___]

I don't understand why they have that balast not frozen in the open Position. Why is it even set up to allow one to swith it

[@acesup5845]

So my HR FD is on the way, maybe 4 wks out but I've been contemplating something, let me get your opinion on. The medium home and the medium pharmaceutical are the same size according to the website but the rack holds 7 with no space above the trays on the pharma. If I were to get the pharma rack with 7 trays in addition to the normal home rack with the 4 trays, would I be able to switch out the racks and FD 7 trays of food as long as they were NOT foods that might expand? BTW, enjoy your vids, keep going...

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Pharma is not meant for food

[@acesup5845]

@@deawallace3584 Yes, exactly my point, the dimensions on the website are the same so even if the software is different you can just get the regular freeze dryer and then get the 7 tray deal later. You just have to watch the water content of the foods as it could conceivably be doubled in which case the ice would be "PLENTIFUL" lol Say if you were gonna do watermelon you can just switch back to the 4 tray, but veggies, skittles, etc could possibly go on the 7 tray rack.

[@AddictOfLearning]

Do you ever need to pull it apart to lean the inner parts like the old ones?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I don't clean the internals. If the oil was really full of stuff i would think about it.

[@ksangebell]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I need to do that but I am terrifed.. I hope you do a video of it sometime.

[@dartagnantaft5918]

When you removed the fiber filter it looked like a reverse thread. Was that just an allusion or is it reverse threaded?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I don't think it was reverse thread

[@l.p.boudreaux1548]

the oil VS the oil less Harvest right??

[@martinjoppa7654]

I appreciate if you could help me out the switch on top of the oil pump I’ve got a green machine it says premium pump is the switch supposed to be on the open or closed it’s on top of it

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Always open to allow water vapor to escape

[@mycabana4020]

Does the pump open close knob always stay on open? Is there ever a reason to close it?

[@tonycampbell7175]

good question i would like to know the answer to this question also

[@gsdalpha1358]

Do you need to clean the de-mister when you change the oil? I'm going to need to change the oil (I think). Mistakenly thought the freeze drier (purchased last Fall) would tell me when I hit 25-30 cycles, and I've been monitoring the oil's appearance. But I've lost track of cycles. Note to self: record cycles after oil change. Thank you! You video makes the process far less intimidating!

[@pamgomez7729]

mine did tell me to change oil. I too lost track of how many cycles. also, the oil he used can be purchased at o'reillys auto parts. Ours keeps it in stock. Tractor Supply has to order it.

[@gsdalpha1358]

@@pamgomez7729 Hey, thanks for letting me know! We've been getting mid-cycle vacuum failures recently and didn't know if it was oil-related. Took everything apart and cleaned yesterday. Going to try freeze drying 4 trays of homemade noodles again. We have a local o'reillys - yay! Tractor Supply is almost an hour away. Pretty rural area here.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You probably don't have to unless it becomes an issue. I just go ahead with it on every change, it's pretty quick and easy.

[@gsdalpha1358]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity Thanks!

[@deborahlacasse8321]

I use a dry erase pen on the side of the freeze dryer and mark off in five's. The marker just wipes off to start over.

[@drewpeacock8564]

My very 1st time changing the oil it's coming through the filter Brown at the bottom not clear. I have repeated the process twice and get the same result, am I doing something wrong?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

The important part is transparency.

[@monafickes5379]

How do you clean the pitcher?

[@Twisted_stitches_leather]

Harvest right sells the replacement filters for it.