URGENT TIP - Modify your hose - Reduce water in your pump - Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer.

Here is a simple modification you need to make to the vacuum hose on your Harvest Right freeze dryer. By inserting this section of tubing inside your big hose, you can prevent 80% of the water and particulates from entering your vacuum pump. This change does not significantly increase the total dry time and this modification applies to both oil and oil-less pumps.
This modification comes directly from Harvest Right. It has been shipping to recent customers who bought freeze dryers or replacement vacuum pumps. It will be made available in the near future to all prior customers for a small fee. At some point new hoses with the correct inner diameter fittings will also be available. As of December, 2019 they are not currently available. Please keep an eye on this video and I'll update the text when they are ready.

[@jerrysmith372]

Thank you Brian. I received the hose a few days ago. I'll be installing it soon. I've had my dryer now for one year and still love it. Best prepping tool I've bought so far.

[@jerrysmith372]

Bryan, I'd like to share an experience I had with my large dryer. I bought it in December of 2018 and about 3 months in the relay for the pump power went out. They gladly sent me a new control card and I installed it. I noticed the relays they use are only rated for 8 amps. As an industrial electrical/instrument tech for 45 years it is my opinion that the relays are under rated for the in rush current of the oil less pump. For that cure I installed an inter posing relay with a 20 amp rating - problem solved. A few months ago I started having issues with the heaters not coming on when called for - I would give the top of the machine a good whack and it would behave and finish the batch. Last week (Feb. 18 - 2020) It finally gave up the ghost. I removed the bad relay for the heaters from the card and replaced it with a PC mount 12 VDC relay with a 10 amp rating. This should be good enough to last many years. This repair can be done by most appliance repair tech's for less than the cost of a new control board. If one is handy at soldering it is easily replaced for about $8.00. I have contacted the company and gave them my findings - Maybe they will upgrade to 10 amp relays - maybe not. But for anyone who has a dryer that is out of warrantee and is having issues with intermittent issues - this may solve their problems.

[@jerrysmith372]

@@FloatingFire358 Are you saying you don't own a single appliance? Any appliance you buy can fail. My Samsung refrigerator has had to be worked on 4 times in the past 6 years. My Maytag dishwasher had a fatal issue with the electronics after only 4 years. I could go on but I think you get the idea. HR has a 3 year warrantee - most appliances only have a 1 year warrantee. HR also has a great customer service department that will help anyone resolve any issue. I just happen to fix things for a living and have no problems doing my own repairs. But really any appliance repair person can fix these machines - they are really very simple. I do communicate with many HR owners and almost everyone has been very happy with them. They have made many improvements in the past 5 years. They really are a well made machine. In the end it's your decision weather you buy one or not. But I will stand by them as a reliable appliance. A shame I'm not your neighbor - I'd guarantee to help fix any issue you might have for free.

[@sv3931]

@@jerrysmith372 Hello! I see you at lots of FD channels, I can tell you understand the machine .. and get the most from yours! I just received my medium unit. I did not receive the pillow. When I called, I was told it wasn't necessary. But the FD drips condensation puddles. I put a towel down to catch the drips, _I am_ in a humid climate. I read your post about being a FD veteran. I have some questions, and wondered if there might be a better way to have communications with you; if you wouldn't mind answering some newbie questions.

[@barbarakegebein1800]

Followed your hints/instruction and the new tube slid right in! Thanks so much!

[@geohomography5617]

You keep me in the Harvest Right family. Thx

[@teejay622]

Why couldn't they come up with a filter/separator to remove moisture and particulate at either end of that hose?

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Never herd of this. Thanks!

[@NWHomesteader]

Thank you. Wish i had seen this yesterday 😂. I put my large hose in the oven on “warm” for a few minutes, then put the small one in the freezer. I got it in, but it was a pretty crazy act!

[@EpicenterBryan]

Yep. I installed a hose for a local customer this weekend. They weren't able to do it with the oil mentioned on the green sheet. And since it had already been oiled it was hard to get a grip on it! After cleaning it, I noticed it was flattened out. That's when I came up with the hot water method. Much easier.

[@mossymaple]

Q tip with cutting board mineral oil on first several inches of my 2 hoses worked it through fine today.

[@SchoolReports]

Thanks for the modification information Bryan. I'm looking forward to trying this; it will be interesting to see if such a simple modification can make such a huge difference. Would you happen to know the science behind the smaller tube improving the water/particulates issue? I'll be adding the tube to ours after 3 more batches. But first, I'll clean and check the pump first so I can track any improvement. This will be 100 batches since I last opened and cleaned our pump and it was very clean then. At that time I upgraded my filter system and added a better water block filter. My system is very similar to what you have in your Oil Filter / Water Separator video (except way more low tech because I hadn't seen yours yet and hadn't thought of using electronics for control) I've been using the same oil for over 250 batches now.

[@frozenright]

Very nice !

[@merkeldodge7982]

I was wondering what the heck it was for. Didn't have any paper work with it. Thanks Brian!

[@EpicenterBryan]

Too funny. No paperwork?

[@merkeldodge7982]

@@EpicenterBryan Yuppers just the hose. I figured maybe it was a drain hose. I don't use a drain hose though. It kept getting nasty and I hated sucking air through it into my chamber. I took it off at the valve and let it drain into a bucket from the valve.

[@EpicenterBryan]

Mystery solved! Put it in your vacuum hose and away you go! How long ago did you get it? Three weeks ago perhaps?

[@robertbruce2001]

Bryan, I installed the new small vacuum hose insert in my older garden hose. It cut down on particulates settling in the pump case.

[@shadowphantom2567]

Worth noting, the Harvest Right website states for units shipping on 12/1/19 and later, this step is unnecessary. The newer units come with the 3/8" hose instead of the 3/4" hose. It also states switching out to the 3/8" hose reduces pump oil changes to every 4 - 5 batches depending on the quality of oil used.

[@redriverbluesman]

Great info. I'm dealing with a new issue tonight. My release valve will not release anything. I've finished product in my large HR FD but cannot open it to retrieve. The release valve swivels as if it's opening but nothing is happening. No air rushing in, no moisture dripping out. WTF??

[@stevemontana5974]

Thanks for the info. I bought the 9/16 tube from Amazon because I have the original garden type hose and it fit perfectly. My pump seems to operate quieter now with it installed. Would you happen to know the size and type of fitting that is on the older machines that have the garden hose style fitting? Also what is the new hose fitting called? I would like to buy an adaptor to go on the machine so I can use the new type of hose. Thanks

[@jerrysmith372]

Yep - I installed the hose with no problem. Question - I like to make my own sourdough breads. Has anyone tried freeze drying sourdough starter and reviving it? I was just wondering how that would turn out. I'm going to try the experiment soon I hope. I'll try and let you know how it works out.

[@heidirides]

Do you have a video for tearing down the new oil pump and cleaning it? My oil is coming out really dirty and I’d like to get in there and clean it

[@Benniesden]

I just found this video I am wondering if I need this added hose for the vacuum. I have had my med freeze dry just a year I believe. .

[@roycenpam]

We just ordered a new pump and they charged us 6.99 for the tube. Also they send us a 220 vac (50hz) pump. NOT the 60hz. What do you think the difference will be? I have talked to a couple electricians and they said it will run hotter and not as efficient. Also the pump is a ( 6 CFM ) Not the 7 cfm we got last time. Not sure what to do. The tech at HR said NO PROBLEMs it will be fine. ????????/ can you help ease our minds. Thanks and keep up the videos they are great.

[@adama1294]

If there reducing the vacuuming power of the system by adding the constriction, Has anyone just used a lower cfm rated vacuum? I see that a 5.5 cfm oiless can be had for around 500 dollars on amazon and was wondering if anyone has used something like it.

[@davegeorge7094]

Use stainless steel or copper flex tubes used for gas or water. No de-gas problems. Cool it ice cold, keep pump cleaner longer.

[@chrisroberts6930]

Hi. I bought a harvest right a few days ago and I keep getting water in my pump. I drain the oil and even pour fresh oil in to flush out whatever left it it. Then I put new oil in and as soon as I start it I get water instantly in my oil glass again. Smells like burning oil and I shut it off right away.

[@reprosser]

Talked to HR tech today, and they said until I got the new smaller tube for my oil-less pump, I should perform a dry flush after each cycle. Also FYI, the oil-less pump will sometimes allow the vacuum to release after the cycle ends if the food is not removed for a few hours. (I called them because I did not have a vacuum this morning after it finished late last night)

[@jerrysmith372]

The oil less pump has a check valve on the exhaust port. Unscrew it and clean it with some white vinegar and brush. That should take care of it loosing vacuum. It worked for me.

[@maryjane-vx4dd]

Not 10 min ago I got that hose in the mail. Just got off the phone with tech. My machine did not have a black outer hose. Wish I would have seen this 1st.

[@rodredford6305]

I found tubing from Amazon that was 19/32OD which is the same size as the one I got from HR. It was about $2 more than the 5/8OD I got from HD that would not go in.

[@EpicenterBryan]

That's an even better solution! I didn't see that size before (19/32 OD x 3/8" ID).

[@skywave12]

Thanks for the information. Here is a link from a supplier I used. www.beveragecraft.com/clear-braided-tubing-3-8-id-19-32-od/

[@colleenperkins881]

My husband wants to come see the freeze dryer in person, before deciding whether or not we'll get one... can i make an appt with you, and get the address in eugene, so we can come up within the next day or two? We'll be coming up from the roseburg area... THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[@jsigmo]

I wonder how much of the problem of water and particulate entering the pump happens right when people open the valve at the end of a run. I have always just cracked the valve slightly open when I'm ready to open the door and take out the finished food. Sure, it takes a while for the pressure in the chamber to rise to equal the outside pressure so that the door can be opened, but it seems like doing it this way reduces the sudden shock on the entire system, and reduces the potential velocity of the air moving between the chamber and the pump, and thus should reduce the amount of particulate and/or water droplets that might be drawn from the chamber or its plumbing out into the tube to the pump. When the pump first creates the vacuum in the chamber the process is gradual. And once the pressure in the chamber is low, the volumes of air that move through the tubing must be quite low. So to me, the only time you'd get a sudden "gust" of air blasting through the tube between the chamber and pump is right when you open the hand valve to equalize the chamber with atmosphere at the end of a run. You also run a lower risk of pulling droplets of water that may be in the drain hose on the atmosphere side of the valve into the chamber with your newly-dried food by relieving the vacuum gradually. Again, I know this means that you'll have to be somewhat patient, but with runs often taking many hours, a minute or two of extra wait before I can open the door doesn't seem like too much of a burden.

[@PavelowGunner1122]

I put a 3-way nylon barb connection right after the ball valve, and put a 6" piece of nylon drain line vertical so that it sucks air before any moisture at the bottom of the drain line doesn't get sucked up to the machine. I also have my drain line plumbed into the drain line for my ice machine under the counter that the HRFD sits on

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

@@PavelowGunner1122 Sometimes water gets trapped between the chamber and the valve. Especially if HR installed the wrong line like they did on mine. In any case, the line is unsupported unless you do it yourself and can sag. The end of the drain should never be in a wet environment.

[@JaronLindow]

It'd be nice if the machine and pump came with normal fittings instead of gigantic impossible to find Japanese hydraulic fittings. Fortunately, the diameter and thread count is the same as a garden hose.

[@materialgirl338]

My husband works on hospital sterilization machines that use mega vacuums when they sent us the hose it didn't make sense to me. It seems like the smaller hose in my opinion actually will put too much pressure on the vacuum and your not getting a vacuum it's going to stress out the pump.

[@elmeradams8781]

Vacuum pumps can handle restrictions (think how little air they pump once it's almost done), but smaller hose could make it do pump down slower.

[@marcomenezes3080]

Bryan, who makes the rotary vane pumps for Harvestright? I need to do a rebuild (vane springs wore out) and am getting nowhere finding parts. Marco Menezes

[@genghischuan4886]

not to be troll but how can anyone give you information when you left none to go off of? vane pumps? I mean which one? what brand? seriously no one can give you an answer

[@esandquistSr]

Any secret to replacing the o-ring in the end of the hose when you knock it loose?

[@adama1294]

Take 2 pieces of string and have them go through the middle of the oring. have the strings at the initial contact point and pull the strings onto and around the object receiving the oring. Do it all the time at work and we use high durometer orings which are stiffer.

[@ronzawora]

First thank you, Bryan. Why is Harvest Right so BAD at putting this information out themselves? Also, how long until us original buyers get the new firmware? Their PR/CS is pretty terrible...

[@Project314]

I would suspect that the smaller hose would ultimately result in a lower pressure and higher velocities, amounting to more turbulence and more mixing and more content remaining in gaseous form where it is ejected via the demister.

[@EpicenterBryan]

I don't know. I'm a former electrical engineer, not a physics or hydraulics guy.

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

I agree it MAY induce a pressure drop across the line and certainly a higher velocity at the same flow. I'm not sure about more turbulence. Considering the wall disturbance reduction coming being a smoother hose the flow may actually be more laminar. Considering the problems recently with poor crimps and vacuum leaks my first priority is solving that. I wonder why HR still uses this size fitting if it's a concern? BTW have you noticed the necking in the pump fitting? Much smaller than a normal JIC fitting.

[@Project314]

@@BowWowPewPewCQ Mine is now working but originally I had leakage at the fittings. Seems like bad quality at the crimp and sealing locations.

[@willietaylor6327]

Did mine a couple days ago put a little veg oil on it went right in took all of 8 seconds LOL great tips though

[@EpicenterBryan]

Did you notice your tubing being flattened out at all?

[@willietaylor6327]

@@EpicenterBryan Actually no it was in perfect shape

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I received my hose and my dry times begin to get longer and longer with each load. I tried to check the o rings and one fell out and there is no directions for putting it back in. Not a happy camper. I was checking for leaks when the o ring fell out.

[@Studio51media]

Yeah, I feel your pain! I have had our HRFD for a bit over a year, got the Premier pump and have done a few oil changes [so, I assume that’s moderate use?] it sat for a month in late spring and all of a sudden it started screaming “can’t reach full vacuum” [or something to that end?]. The HR folks were solid help but the help was slow. They are a pretty small company? And a lot can go wrong Long story short, it wasn’t the pump, it was the treaded section of the epoxy-plug [as they call it] and from watching YT postings I learned to use Carb Cleaner and that got me to the right general area. Unfortunately the leak was at the bottom edge and because Carb cleaner is thin, my attempts to pin point failed because the cleaner always flowed to the lowest point . The fix was to use 100% silicone sealer. And when I was in the middle of a FD cycle, when the warning went off, I smeared that sealant where I THOUGHT the leak was and yet it didn’t help… yet I KNEW the leak was around there, so I smeared it on the threads and when I got to the bottom edge…BOOM! Immediate response! Vacuum dropped immediately! HR also sent me a new epoxy plug mechanism, which was nice of them! He did say that the silicone fix tends to be permanent? We will see? Hope you are back up and running!

[@kornylak]

If is just a matter of making the inlet diameter a bit smaller why does it have to go the whole length of the hose?

[@finnmacky7106]

Because it's a vacuum line. The suction will move a small piece.

[@mcasteel2112]

Or make a catch can with a drain inline.

[@EpicenterBryan]

Have you tried that?

[@mcasteel2112]

@@EpicenterBryan I run one, just google vacuum catch cans, pcv catch cans etc. Learned that from running Turbo Buicks, the Pcv is in a bad location and would suck up hot oil as it drains from the turbo so everyone would run a catch can. My first one was a DIY out of a Coleman propane tank. Lots of DIY on the net. Cheers Brian, Love the channel!

[@mossymaple]

@@mcasteel2112 great info, could you please share pictures and reference links so people can try your strategies. Much appreciated.

[@sandysmith4594]

l'm going to be getting the latest harvest right freeze dryer with the oiless pump would I need to use this modification also

[@txrose3809]

Yes u will , unless HR sends u the smaller hose. I just got back my oil less pump , rebuilt and told to put the sm hose into the other hose

[@EpicenterBryan]

No. They will be sending a hose with the tubing already installed.

[@sandysmith4594]

@@EpicenterBryan thank you that info helps alot

[@reprosser]

@@EpicenterBryan Is the black hose the one with the smaller opening?

[@mossymaple]

@@txrose3809 I just sent mine out for seal replacements last Wednesday, how long was you turns around time. They also sent me the two small hoses to install. 1 for oil pump hose, and the other for the oil free hose? Also how long did your pump last before needing to be sent in for seal replacements?

[@reprosser]

Does this apply to the oil-less vacuum pump?

[@familyj4715]

yes, they were part of my harvest right i just got, and said to run pump dry for 15-20 minutes between loads since the other ways ruined the pump faster from there findings

[@EpicenterBryan]

Yes. All pumps.

[@reprosser]

@@familyj4715 hmmm...got mine a few days ago and have heard nothing about this.(with oil-less pump)

[@familyj4715]

@@reprosser yea I got oil-less pump and hose already made and they said it is on all machines that are now outgoing and will give new pipes for free when ready if still under warranty, so now I ended up having a bottle of dairy farm oil not needing

[@randybateman6481]

Make sure the rubber "o" ring doesn't fall off one of the ends!!! You'll never pull a vacuum.

[@1insidiousman]

Boggles my mind they never put a moisture trap on that line . i know what I'm buying when i get mine .

[@elmeradams8781]

That's an interesting idea. But every time you pulled a deep vacuum it would dry out the desiccant (that seems good, but it would dry it out by sucking the moisture through the pump).

[@genghischuan4886]

putting oil on last?!?!?!?!?! you have not pulled wire or stuff much, if you had you would realize that its the tip the has the most fiction. sure it worked here but use less oil lightly do skin and its peanut butter jelly time