Service Manual

GEMU090 Series

Ice-O-Matic
11100 East 45th Ave
Denver, Colorado 80239
P tN
Part Number
b 9081430-02
9081430 02 Date
D t 9/11
 Ice-O-Matic
Parts and Labor
Domestic & International Limited Warranty

Mile High Equipment LLC (the “Company”) warrants Ice-O-Matic brand ice machines, ice dispensers, remote condensers, water filters, and ice storage
bins to the end customer against defects in material and factory workmanship for the following:

 Cube ice machines, compressed ice machines and remote  Ice storage bins -Twenty-four (24) month parts and labor
condensers. - Thirty-six (36) months parts and labor
 Flake ice machines, GEMD Maker Dispensers, and GEMU  IOD model dispensers - Twenty-four (24) months parts, Twelve (12) months
Undercounter compressed ice machines - Twenty-four (24) labor
months parts and labor
 CD model dispensers - Thirty-six (36) months parts and  Water filter systems - Twelve (12) months parts and labor (not including filter
labor cartridges)

An additional twenty-four (24) month warranty on parts (excluding labor) will be extended to all cube ice machine evaporator plates and all cube ice and
compressed ice machines, except GEMU machines, compressors from the date of original installation. An additional thirty-six (36) month warranty on
parts (excluding labor) will be extended to all flake ice machine and GEMD maker dispenser compressors from the date of original installation The
company will replace EXW (Incoterms 2000) the Company plant or, EXW (Incoterms 2000) the Company-authorized distributor, without cost to the
Customer, that part of any such machine that becomes defective. In the event that the Warranty Registration Card indicating the installation date has
not been returned to Ice-O-Matic, the warranty period will begin on the date of shipment from the Company. Irrespective of the actual installation date,
the product will be warranted for a maximum of seventy-two (72) months from date of shipment from the Company.

ICE-model cube ice machines which are registered in the Water Filter Extended Warranty Program will receive a total of eighty-four (84) months parts
and labor coverage on the evaporator plate from the date of original installation. Water filters must be installed at the time of installation and registered
with the Company at that time. Water filter cartridges must be changed every six (6) months and that change reported to the Company to maintain the
extended evaporator warranty.

No replacement will be made for any part or assembly which (I) has been subject to an alteration or accident; (II) was used in any way which, in the
Company’s opinion, adversely affects the machine’s performance; (III) is from a machine on which the serial number has been altered or removed; or,
(IV) uses any replacement part not authorized by the Company. This warranty does not apply to destruction or damage caused by unauthorized service,
using other than Ice-O-Matic authorized replacements, risks of transportation, damage resulting from adverse environmental or water conditions,
accidents, misuse, abuse, improper drainage, interruption in the electrical or water supply, charges related to the replacement of non-defective parts or
components, damage by fire, flood, or acts of God.

This warranty is valid only when installation, service, and preventive maintenance are performed by a Company-authorized distributor, a Company-
authorized service agency, or a Company Regional Manager. The Company reserves the right to refuse claims made for ice machines or bins used in
more than one location This Limited Warranty does not cover ice bills, normal maintenance, after-install adjustments, and cleaning.

Limitation of Warranty

This warranty is valid only for products produced and shipped from the Company after March 1, 2010. A product produced or installed before that date
shall be covered by the Limited Warranty in effect at the date of its shipment. The liability of the Company for breach of this warranty shall, in any case,
be limited to the cost of a new part to replace any part, which proves to be defective. The Company makes no representations or warranties of any
character as to accessories or auxiliary equipment not manufactured by the Company. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS
WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CUSTOMER. MILE HIGH EQUIPMENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON
THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LENGTH OF THIS WARRANTY.

Filing a Claim
All claims for reimbursement must be received at the factory within 60 days from date of service to be eligible for credit. All claims outside this
time period will be void. The model, the serial number and, if necessary, proof of installation, must be included in the claim. Claims for labor to
replace defective parts must be included with the part claim to receive consideration. Payment on claims for labor will be limited to the published labor
time allowance hours in effect at the time of repair. The Company may elect to require the return of components to validate a claim. Any defective part
returned must be shipped to the Company or the Company-authorized distributor, transportation charges pre-paid, and properly sealed and tagged. The
Company does not assume any responsibility for any expenses incurred in the field incidental to the repair of equipment covered by this warranty. The
decision of the Company with respect to repair or replacement of a part shall be final. No person is authorized to give any other warranties or to assume
any other liability on the Company’s behalf unless done in writing by an officer of the Company.

GOVERNING LAW
This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the state of Delaware, U.S.A., excluding their conflicts of law principles. The United Nations
Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is hereby excluded in its entirety from application to this Limited Warranty.

th
Mile High Equipment LLC, 11100 East 45 Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80239 (303) 371-3737
August 2011
GEMU090
Service
GEM090 service
This section contains information for the service
and repair of the GEMU090 ice machine.

Service Table of Contents

GEM090 service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Components: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
Evaporator and Auger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Performance and Technical Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Electrical Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Service Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Service Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
Component Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
Ice Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
Removal and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
GEMU090 Gearbox Access & Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
Water Seal Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
Evaporator Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
Drain Pump (if equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
Compressor replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
Bin and Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21

Page 1
 GEMU090
Service
Components:
• Refrigeration system, including air cooled During ice making the refrigeration system takes
condenser, compressor, capillary tube and heat from the evaporator. The evaporator is a
evaporator. vertical refrigerated stainless steel tube containing
• Control system, including ice level sensor, water and a slowly rotating auger. When the water
water sensor, auger motor sensor, controller, gets to the freezing point, ice begins to form. That
control pad and transformer. ice is very soft and is pushed up the evaporator
• Auger drive system, including auger motor, tube by the auger. As ice is made more warm
gear reducer and auger. water enters at the bottom. The soft, mushy ice is
• Auger support system, including top bearing forced up to the top of the evaporator’s tube where
and water seal. it is forced through nine tapered holes. As the ice is
• Water system, including the float and pushed through the holes excess water is
reservoir. squeezed out. The ice comes out of the holes
shaped as a rod of ice. The rods of ice are broken
• Storage system, including ice storage bin,
off by being pushed against the tapered flange
drain and door.
above the holes, forming the irregular lengths of
pearl ice. The ice sweep, rotating with the auger,
The GEMU090 is a continuous flow ice machine.
moves the ice to the ice chute where it falls by
When the control system senses that the storage
gravity into the storage bin.
bin’s ice level is low, it turns on the compressor, fan
motor and auger drive motor.

Suction Line /
Compressor Heat
Exchange Evaporator
Assembly

Air Cooled
Condenser Liquid Line

Capillary Tube Auger Drive

System

Refrigeration System Schematic

Page 2
GEMU090
Service
Evaporator and Auger

Bearing

Ice Outlet

Foam
Auger Insulation

Heat
Exchange
Tube Coil

Rotating Half
of Water Seal

Water Inlet
Stationary
Half of Water
Seal

Cut Away View

Page 3
GEMU090
Service
Control System
The control system operates the machine. The The control pad has two switches and three lights.
controller operates on 12 volts AC, supplied by the The left switch button is On/Off. The right switch
transformer. It uses an ultrasonic ice sensor to button is Clean/Reset. The left Ice Making light is a
measure ice level. The ultrasonic system transmits status light, it is ON when the machine has been
sound waves into the ice storage bin and measures switched to an ice making mode. The center light is
the return time, when the return time is longer than a Water light, it will be ON when the controller has
the preset time for bin full, the controller switches sensed that there is no water available. It will go
the ice machine to an ice making mode. During ice out when the water supply has been restored. The
making the compressor, fan motor and auger motor right light is a Time to Clean indicator light. It is
are operating. switched ON by the controller after six months of
power connect time. It will go out after the machine
The control system has two safeties: It will not has been cleaned following the process in the
operate the machine without water and it will not Maintenance section.
operate the machine if the auger motor is drawing
too much current or if it isn’t drawing any current.
The water sensor is checking the conductivity of
the water in the water reservoir. If there is no water
in the reservoir the conductivity will be zero and the
controller will either not start ice making or will stop
making ice.

The current or amps of the auger motor are

continually monitored by the controller during ice
making. If the current is too high, indicating an
overload, the controller will stop ice making. If the
current is zero, indicating an auger motor failure,
the controller will also stop ice making.

Glows Green when Glows Yellow when

unit is switched On it's time to clean the
machine

On/Off Control Button Glows Red when there is no water Clean Button
supplied to the machine

The machine will NOT make ice

when this light is on. It will restart
and the light will go out when the
water supply is restored.
Control Panel

Page 4
GEMU090
Service
Water System
The auger is driven at about 11 RPM by the gear slightly and water will flow into the reservoir
reducer. The gear reducer is a sealed component through the partially open float valve. It will flow in
and does not require lubrication, as it contains a continually as ice is made.
charge of grease. The auger motor drives a set of
gears that all together reduce the motor speed to Water quality. Nearly all water supplies contain
the 11 RPM output speed and correspondingly some impurities or minerals. When ice is made
increasing the torque. The output shaft of the gear those minerals can remain behind in the ice
reducer is hollow to accept the square end of the machine and coat its surfaces with a hard, stone
auger. like substance known as scale. This scale must
occasionally be removed by scale remover. Scale
The auger is one of the key components in this remover is a food grade acid that will dissolve the
product. It is a precision machined part cut from scale so it can be washed away. Note: it is
solid stainless steel bar stock. It fits the inside of important to ALWAYS dilute the scale remover
the evaporator tube very closely and is aligned by when using it on this machine. Never use undiluted
the gear reducer at the bottom and a self scale remover.
lubricating bearing at the top.
Some water treatment devices make very clean
As ice is made and forced up the evaporator, the water, Reverse Osmosis is one of those and this
auger is being pushed down. That thrust is machine may be used with RO water as long as
supported by the bearings in the gear reducer. the conductivity is greater than 10
Those bearings also provide alignment for the microsiemens/cm. Use of de-ionized water is not
bottom of the auger, keeping it centered in the recommended and will void the warranty.
evaporator tube. The top bearing provides auger
alignment at the top.
Water Level
Water is kept from leaking out the bottom of the Water Sensor
evaporator by the water seal. The water seal is the
type of seal called a face seal, with the outside Float Valve
diameter of a stationary half pressed against and Reservoir
the inside of the evaporator tube and a
rotating half attached to the bottom of
the auger. The sealing action takes
place where the faces of the two
halves rub together.

Water is the raw ingredient of Hose to

ice and it enters this machine Evaporator
through the compression fitting in Inlet
the back. That leads to the float
valve and reservoir. When the float is
not supported by water, the float arm
is down and the attached float valve
is open. As water enters the reservoir, it Evaporator
also flows into the reservoir’s outlet Inlet
tubing which leads to the
evaporator water inlet, filling the
evaporator. The float rises as
the water level is increased until
it has lifted high enough to force
Hose to drain
the water valve to close, stopping
the flow of water. When the machine
is making ice, the water level will drop

Page 5
GEMU090
Service
Storage
The ice storage system is made up of a plastic
lined ice storage bin, covered by an insulated top
panel and an insulated swing open door with
gasket. The ice storage bin is foamed in place, so
the side panels are not removable.

Clean
Ice Check Time to Reset
Making Water Clean

Page 6
GEMU090
Service
Performance and Technical Specs
Overall: Light Blink Information

• Refrigerant: 4.5 oz R-134a • All blink once and repeat every 2 seconds:
• Compressor: Hermetic, 1390 BTUH Auger motor overload
• Condenser: Forced draft • All blink twice and repeat every 2 seconds:
• Fan blade: 3 blade, 6 inch Auger motor low current
• Evaporator: Stainless steel tube, copper coil • All blink once and repeat every 10 seconds,
jacketed controller failure.
• Metering device: Cap tube • Water light blinks red: water supply failure
• Auger drive: output speed 11 RPM
• Water valve: Float in reservoir Controller Reset:
• Drain pump: Magnetic drive, controlled by
pressure switch • Cycle power off and on
• Bin control: Ultrasonic
Diagnostic Codes: No diagnostic codes are kept
Electrical Components:
Time to Clean indicator light standard interval to
• Compressor - 2.8 - 3.1 amps switch light on is 6 months, it can be changed to
once per year or disabled.
• Fan motor
• Auger motor, amp draw .4 - .5 amp
To Adjust:
• Drain pump motor
• Drain pump switch 1. From Off, press and hold the On/Off and Clean
• Controller Reset Buttons for 5 seconds.
• Transformer
• Water sensor 2. Press and Hold the Clean Reset Button for 5
• Ice level sensor seconds, then press On/Off. Then press On/off
• Membrane switch assembly again to cycle thru the settings:

Control Timers Time to

Ice Making Water
Clean
• Power interruption, time to restart after power
6 months On Off Off
restored: 2 minutes
• Auger motor overload, time to restart: 4 1 year Off On Off
minutes Disabled Off Off On
• Auger motor overload, restart window: 60
seconds
Light will automatically go out after a few seconds
• Auger motor low current, time to restart: 20
of inactivity. Press Time To Clean to lock in the
minutes
new setting.
• Auger motor low current, restart window: 60
seconds Quick reset of time to clean light: Press and hold
• Clean cycle time: 40 minutes total. the Clean Reset button for 3 seconds.

Note: During the auger motor restart window times,

there is no visible indication that the unit is in a
restart mode.

Page 7
GEMU090
Service
Electrical Sequence
Upon power being supplied, all the lights will blink the water it is in contact with. If there is no water
once and the control system will immediately check present, there will be no electrical continuity and
for water in the reservoir. If there is water no further the control system will stop the machine and cause
action will occur until the On/Off button is pushed. the Check Water light to blink Red, alerting the
user of a lack of water. When water has returned to
Pushing the On/Off button starts the machine. The the reservoir, the unit will automatically restart.
Ice Making light will switch on. The auger motor,
compressor and fan will begin to operate. Those Power interruptions: If the power to the machine
three components will continue to operate until the failed during normal operation, the machine will
Ice Level Control detects that ice has built up to the automatically restart after a two minute delay. If the
pre-set level. At that point the control system will unit had shut down because of a safety, then the
begin a shut down process by shutting off the unit remains in the shut down state.
compressor and fan motor.
Auger motor overload: If the auger motor current
After sixty seconds the auger motor will shut off. exceeds the preset limit for a certain time, the
The purpose of this is to remove any ice from the controller will shut the compressor and auger motor
evaporator so the auger motor can restart with off. The controller will keep the compressor and
minimal load. auger motor off for four minutes, then restart them.
The controller records each overload as a strike. It
The machine will restart after the ice level has will erase the strike(s) if the current draw in the
fallen one inch or more. sixty seconds following the restart is below the
preset limit. If within the sixty seconds after the
Other Control Functions: restart the current again exceeds the limit, the
controller again shuts the machine down and a
To Shut Off: Push and release the On/Off button. If second strike is recorded and four minutes later a
the machine was off because the bin was full, the second restart occurs. If the current is again
unit will be switched to Off immediately. If the unit excessive the third time, the unit will stop restarting
was making ice, the compressor and fan motor will and the lights will flash on and off every two
shut off immediately, and the auger motor shut off seconds.
in sixty seconds. To shut the unit off immediately
while making ice, push and HOLD the On/Off Auger motor low current: If the controller senses
button until it shuts off. the auger motor is not drawing any or minimal
current, it will shut the compressor and auger motor
To Clean: See Maintenance section for step by down for twenty minutes before attempting a
step process. Pushing the Clean button while the restart. The twenty minutes are intended as time
Ice Making light is On does not start the clean for the auger motor to cool off if it has shut down on
cycle, it is only active from Off. Pushing the Clean its internal overload. The controller records that as
button from Unit Off starts the clean cycle: a strike. If in the next sixty seconds the auger
motor begins to draw current the strike is erased
• Time to Clean light flashes and normal operation resumes. If the current is still
• Auger motor operates for twenty minutes low, a second strike is recorded and the unit will
• Auger motor and compressor operate for wait another twenty minutes before attempting a
twenty additional minutes third restart. If the third restart is normal, the strikes
• Unit shuts off, Time to Clean reminder light are erased and normal operation is continued. If
switches Off. the unit fails again, the unit will stop restarting and
the lights will flash twice on and off every two
Safety Shut Downs: seconds.

Lack of water. It is critical that the unit not operate Controller Failure: If all lights are flashing once
without a full charge of water. The water sensor in every 10 seconds the controller has identified an
the reservoir is used to check continuity through internal failure and must be replaced.

Page 8
GEMU090
Service
Service Diagnosis

Problem Likely Cause Probable Solution

No power Plug unit into power supply
Unit switched off Push and release on/off button
Restore water supply, check sensor. If
RO water is too pure, unit cannot
operate.
No water, water diagnostic light is on
Check float valve for restriction
Check float valve shut off lever position
Check auger motor for voltage, if none,
Compressor on, fan on, auger motor not replace controller. If there is voltage,
operating check auger motor windings, if open,
replace auger motor.
Check evaporator for ice. Thaw out and
retry. Check top bearing and condition of
auger. Replace if worn.
Compressor on, fan on, auger motor
Operate unit for a short time with auger
cutting off on over amp safety
out of machine, water shut off and water
sensor bypassed. If auger motor still
overloads, replace gear reducer.
Check fan blade for ease of rotation,
Compressor on, auger on, fan blade not remove any blockage and retry. Check
No ice turning fan motor, replace if not turning freely or
motor windings open.
Auger motor on, fan on, compressor not Check compressor start relay, check
drawing power compressor windings.
Auger motor on, fan on, compressor Check compressor. See component
cutting off on overload diagnostics.
Check ice sweep. If tight to auger, auger
Compressor on, fan on, auger motor on,
is not turning. Gears stripped, replace
ice sweep not turning
gear reducer.
Check connections to auger motor, if
Unit off on auger motor open safety voltage to motor and it does not operate,
replace motor.
If pump model check for water back up
or open safety switch.
Check transformer, replace if not
supplying 12 volts AC to controller.
Unit plugged in but no power
Check switch membrane. See
component diagnostics.
If transformer and membrane are good,
replace controller.

Page 9
GEMU090
Service
Service Diagnosis

Problem Likely Cause Probable Solution

With power on and Ice Making light on,
check connector, if secure jump the two
middle pins at J2 (bin stat)on the
Ice level sensor failure
controller together. Unit should start. If it
does, replace the sensor, if not, replace
the controller.
No ice, continued Restart unit. Check for power to
compressor and/or fan motor. If none,
Auger motor on but compressor and fan replace controller.
motor are off.
Ice Making light blinking. Condition is
temporary, unit has been switched off.
Ice making light on, nothing operating. May be in a restart window. See page 7.
Dirty condenser Vacuum condenser fins
Air flow blocked Check for vent blockage
Check drain, clear of restriction. Ensure
Gravity drain restricted
it has a proper air vent.
Not keeping up, makes Check for proper pump switch operation
ice but less than normal Pump drain slow
and drainage
Clean with scale remover. See
Scale on evaporator and auger
Maintenance section.
Torn door gasket, door does not close
Check gasket and door fit.
tightly
Panels vibrating Check panels, adjust fit, tighten screws
Check fan blade for foreign object.
Fan blade rubbing
Remove same. Check alignment.
Clean with scale remover. See
Makes ice but also an Scale on evaporator and auger
Maintenance section.
unusual noise
Drain pump cuts in and out. Check valve failure, replace.
Check for tube contact to panel or
Tubes rubbing
another tube.
Unit in very cold conditions Do not operate unit below limits
Drain tube off or cracked Check/repair drain tube
Water Leak
Water inlet connection loose Check/tighten connection
Check float, if stuck free it. If leaking by
Water flows continuously Float valve not shutting off
when full, replace the valve.

Page 10
GEMU090
Service
Component Diagnostics
Membrane Switch Pump Switch - Pump model only

Unplug and check connector pins (left side is pin The pump switch activates the pump based on
1), read about 10 ohms when activating the button, pressure to it from water inside the drain hose to
and OL when not pressing the button: Pin 2-3 the pump inlet. It is normally open. When pressure
On/Off Switch; 4-3 Clean Reset Switch increases the switch closes, turning on the pump
motor until the pressure falls.

The safety switch (the red one) is normally closed

and operates at a higher activation pressure than
Compressor
the pump switch. It stops operation of the machine
if it opens.
Check temperature of compressor, if very hot, add
access valves to refrigeration system and check
Ice Level Sensor
system pressures. If very low, add very small
amount of R-134a. If pressure does not improve,
To operate, the unit must have:
capillary tube may be restricted. If pressures
improve find and correct refrigerant leak.
• Power to the controller
If compressor temperature is normal and • Water sensed
compressor is drawing high amps, check start • Call for ice
relay.
With power on and Ice Making light on, check
If relay is good and compressor is not overheating sensor connector, if secure and the unit not
but drawing high amps, replace compressor. operating, remove connector and jump the two
middle pins at J9 on the controller together. Unit
should start. If it does, replace the sensor, if not,
replace the controller.

Auger

Comp

Page 11
GEMU090
Service
Ice Capacity
The rate of ice making is relatively fixed, it depends Noise
upon the heat load and the ambient temperature
the machine is operating in. As either increase the Normal ice making produces very little noise; there
amount of ice made will decrease. will be sound from the compressor, fan and auger
drive motor. If there is a drain pump it will cycle
The machine will work to keep the ice bin full. A full occasionally too. If the machine is making an
bin of ice is when the ice level is even with the top unusual noise that might be a sign that it needs to
of the front of the bin. When the ice level drops an be cleaned of mineral build up.
inch or more the machine will restart.

A capacity check will provide some idea of how

much ice is being made.

1. Operate the machine for 10 minutes until it is

stabilized.

2. Catch the ice as it is made for 15 minutes.

3. Weigh the ice and any melted water.

4. Multiply the weight from step 3 by 96 to get 24

hour capacity.

5. Compare to the chart below:

90oF. Air, 70oF water 59 lb / 24 hours

70oF. Air, 50oF. water 87 lb /24 hours

Note: Mineral scale build up inside the evaporator

will reduce the ice making rate, as will any lint or
dirt on the air cooled condenser or fan blade. All ice
making capacities listed by Ice-O-Matic are for
clean, new machines.

The ice storage bin is not refrigerated; it is an

insulated ice chest, so there is meltage. A
restricted drain or poorly operating drain pump will
allow water to puddle in the bin, increasing the ice
melt rate. A stopped up drain will cause the bin to
fill with water.

Refrigerant charge.

The charge is very small. Any leak will immediately

result in a loss of ice making capacity and
continued leaking will result in no ice being made.
The system is sealed, access must be by clamp on
valves, which must be removed after the repair is
completed.

Page 12
GEMU090
Service
Removal and Replacement
Component Access Evaporator construction

The machine is designed to be cleaned while built The evaporator is made up of a stainless steel
in. See the Maintenance section for more tube, wrapped with a coil of copper and then
information. heavily insulated. There is no refrigerant path to the
water inside of the evaporator. The inside of the
Most components require the machine to be tube is polished and rifled with12 vertical grooves
removed from a built-in situation: that help guide the ice straight up the tube.

• Fan motor – side service panel It is normal for mineral scale from the water to form
• Controller – top panel on the inside of the evaporator tube. That scale
• Auger motor – top panel, back panel must be removed by use of ice machine scale
• Ice sensor – top panel remover using the process described in
• Drain pump – side service panel Maintenance. Heavy scale build up will require the
• Top bearing – top panel process to be repeated. The inside of the
evaporator tube may be sanded vertically to
• Gear reducer – top panel, back panel
remove tough build up. Do NOT hone or clean with
• Ice sweep – top panel
a wire brush on a drill, as horizontal marks on the
• Water seal – top panel, back panel, bin back inside of the evaporator will restrict the flow of ice.
panel
• Water reservoir or float - top panel A damaged evaporator must be replaced.
Evaporator / Auger / Water Seal / Gear Reducer The auger can also have scale build up which must
Service be removed. It works best when it is clean and
shiny. Note that a wet auger will appear clean but
The auger, top bearing, water seal and gear when dry the scale will be visible. Dry off the auger
reducer can be replaced without disturbing the (use your heat gun) to determine if it’s clean. If the
refrigeration charge. If the evaporator must be machine has been operated with worn bearings,
replaced, then the refrigeration system must be the auger may have rubbed the evaporator wall. If
accessed so the charge can be recovered. the spiral edges or flights of the auger are
damaged, the auger must be replaced.

The ice breaker at the top of the evaporator

contains the pressed-in bearing. This bearing must
not be greased. If worn, the breaker with bearing
can be replaced.

The gear reducer is a sealed unit. The only service

part available for it is the drive motor and drive
motor capacitor.

Lubricants and Sealants

Food grade lubricant is useful in repair of this

model. Ice-O-Matic part number 6051036-01.

Food grade sealant is needed in repair of this

model. Ice-O-Matic part number 6051011-01.

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GEMU090
Service
GEM090 Gearbox Access & Removal
1. Shut off water supply 10. Lift and remove ice chute

2. Remove drain plug inside bin compartment

3. Disconnect power supply or unplug unit

Hazard of Electrical
Shock.

Disconnect Electrical
Power Before
Servicing.

4. Uninstall unit and pull out as needed for top

and back access.

5. Remove top panel

11. Remove 4 screws securing float reservoir &
6. Remove back panel set aside

7. Remove ice chute/bin wall by unscrewing 2 12. Remove gray water tube from evaporator
thumb screws and lifting it out inlet

13. Disconnect power connection to auger motor

Chute 14. Remove 4 bolts securing breaker head to

Ice Sweep freezer by using ¼” allen wrench (socket type
- best method)

8. Remove 2 orange wires from water level

sensor (on top of float tank)

9. Rotate ice sweep counter-clockwise and

remove ice sweep

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GEMU090
Service
15. Remove breaker & set aside 20. Carefully lift and rest gearbox & bracket
against back of compartment lip
16. Pull auger from freezer by lifting straight up
(be careful as auger has sharp edges!)

Note: If auger does not lift freely, see Auger

Removal Procedure.

21. Remove four 5/32” allen head screws holding

adapter to evaporator

17. Inspect auger flights for signs of wear

18. Inspect evaporator barrel for signs of radial

scoring

19. Remove 4 screws securing gearbox bracket

to compartment base

22. Remove evaporator from gearbox

** tools needed-1/4” & 5/32” allen wrench (T handle

or socket type suggested), Phillips screwdriver - 12
inch or longer recommended.

Replace gear reducer and install a new water seal.

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GEMU090
Service
Water Seal Replacement
1 Go through the prior steps to remove the gear 7 Lubricate or moisten the outer edge of the new
reducer. seal and push it into the bottom of the
evaporator tube until flush with the bottom of
2 Remove rotating half of water seal from bottom the tube. Be sure it is in as straight as
of auger. possible.

Note: Do NOT touch the inner ring of the water seal

with fingers or sealant. Wipe off with rubbing
alcohol if they were touched.

Rotating Half
of Water Seal

3 Clean auger of any sealant at water seal

mounting position.

Stationary Half of Water Seal, Remove Old and

Install New

Apply Sealant 8 Position the gear reducer under the evaporator.

Here

4 Add a small bead of food grade silicone sealant 9 Push the gear reducer and adapter flange up
to the shoulder of the auger where the water into the bottom of the evaporator until the
seal will go. mounting holes line up. This forces the
stationary half of the water seal to the correct
location.
Note: Do NOT touch the mating surfaces of the
water seal with fingers or sealant.
10 Screw in the four allen head screws into the
side of the bottom of evaporator tube.
5 Lubricate / moisten (lightly - use food grade
lube) only the rubber part of the new water seal 11 Remount the gear reducer and evaporator
and slide it onto the auger, rubber side against assembly into the ice machine. Secure the
the auger shoulder. Force it onto the sealant as mounting pan with the original screws.
far as it will go.
12 Carefully lower the auger with the other half of
6 Remove the stationary half of the old water the water seal attached into the evaporator
seal from the bottom of the evaporator. tube. Rotate auger until it slips into place.

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GEMU090
Service
13 Slide breaker onto auger shaft. Secure with the Remove 4 allen head screws holding breaker
original four allen head bolts. to evaporator.

14 Reverse the balance of the steps to complete 7 Lift breaker off and replace with a new part.
putting the machine back together.
Note: Be sure auger shaft is smooth and un
Gear Reducer Replacement damaged. A dark finish at the bearing area is
normal. Replace auger if damaged.
1 The gear reducer contains no internal
serviceable parts. Replace as a unit. Auger Replacement
2 Follow all steps to remove gear reducer from Auger replacement requires a new water seal.
evaporator. Follow all steps to replace the water seal except
substitute a new auger.
3 Remove bolts holding gear reducer to
mounting plate.
Auger Removal Procedure
4 Separate gear reducer from mounting plate
If the auger does not lift freely, it may be stuck in
and attach a new gear reducer.
the gear reducer. To release it:

1 Remove ice sweep.

2 Remove 4 allen head bolts holding breaker to

evaporator.

Do not 3 Place 4 hex nuts (5/8 size) as spacers

overtighten between the breaker and the top of the
evaporator.

Spacer
Flat Washer

Note: Do NOT overtighten bolts securing gear

reducer to mounting plate. Tighten only until the
washer contacts the blue grommet.
Shim
Ice Breaker Replacement

1 Disconnect power supply or unplug unit

2 Uninstall unit and pull out as needed for top

access. 4 Place a large flat washer or suitable hex nut
(as a spacer) over the top of the breaker.
3 Remove top panel
5 Thread a 5/16 - 18 x 1 inch bolt into the top of
4 Rotate ice sweep counter-clockwise and the auger thru the washer and/or hex nut and
remove ice sweep screw the bolt into the auger. As it tightens
against the nut it should lift and loosen the
5 Remove ice chute auger. Once the auger has moved it should lift
out easily.
6

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GEMU090
Service
Evaporator Replacement
1 Go through all steps to remove the gear 3 Disconnect electrical power.
reducer.
4 Remove control box cover
2 Add temporary refrigeration system access
valves to the discharge and suction sides of the 5 Unplug all wires.
refrigeration system .
6 Remove screws holding controller to box.
3 Recover the refrigerant.
7 Remove controller.
4 Un-sweat the suction line and cap tube
connections from the evaporator. 8 Before touching replacement controller, touch a
metal surface of the cabinet to discharge any
5 Remove original dryer. static electricity.

6 Attach permanent access valves to system. 9 Place new controller in control box, connect all
wires previously removed.
7 Attach dry nitrogen to system and purge at
about 1 lb pressure while brazing all 10 Reverse remaining steps to reassemble.
connections, including access valves, dryer
and evaporator. Ice level sensor

8 Remove nitrogen source, evacuate system to 1 Pull out to get access to top panel.
300 microns or less.
2 Remove top panel.
9 Weigh in the nameplate charge.
3 Disconnect electrical power.
Water Reservoir
4 Remove control box cover
1 Pull unit out to get access to top and back
panel. 5 Unplug wire at J9.

2 Shut water supply off. Ice Level

Sensor
3 Pull drain plug and drain all water. Return plug
to its original position.

4 Loosen nut at water valve inlet and separate

inlet tube from reservoir valve.

5 Pull outlet hose off reservoir tank.

6 Remove screws holding reservoir to unit and lift

off.

7 Reverse steps to reassemble. 6 Remove 5 screws and lift sensor from control
box.
Controller
7 Replace with new part.
1 Pull out to get access to top panel.
8 Reverse remaining steps to reassemble.
2 Remove top panel.

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GEMU090
Service
Drain Pump (if equipped)
1 Shut off water supply Fan Blade or Motor

2 Remove all ice and/or any standing water. 1 If equipped with drain pump follow all steps to
remove pump.
3 Disconnect power or unplug unit
2 Unplug fan motor connection.
4 Uninstall and pull unit out to get access to left
side service panel. 3 Remove four screws holding fan motor
brackets to shroud.

4 Pull fan blade and motor from unit.

5 Remove five screws and the service panel.

6 Disconnect electrical plug to pump motor

5 If not equipped with a drain pump:
7 Disconnect drain hose from pump inlet
6 Shut off water supply
8 Disconnect discharge hose from pump
7 Remove all ice and/or any standing water.
9 Remove two 3/8 inch nuts holding pump to
base, lift pump up and out. 8 Disconnect power or unplug unit

10 Reverse steps to reassemble. 9 Uninstall and pull unit out to get access to left
side service panel.

10 Remove five screws and the service panel.

11 Unplug fan motor connection.

12 Remove four screws holding fan motor

brackets to shroud.

13 Pull fan blade and motor from unit.

11 Service blade or motor and reverse to

reassemble.

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GEMU090
Service
Compressor replacement.
Note: If built in the unit will need to be pulled out. Note: Placing it over the leg leveler and next to the
strut works the best.
1 Shut off water supply
13 Add temporary refrigeration system access
2 Disconnect power supply or unplug unit valves to the discharge and suction sides of the
refrigeration system.
3 Uninstall unit and pull out as needed for side
and back access. 14 Recover the refrigerant.

4 Remove all panels and door: 15 Remove the four hair pins securing compressor
to chassis.
• Back panel including drain and power supply
panels. 16 Disconnect wires, overload and and relay from
• Side service panel compressor.
• Kickplate
17 Push back suction line insulation.
• Top panel
18 Unsweat the discharge and suction
5 Go through all steps to remove drain pump
connections at the compressor.
and/or fan motor.
19 Remove the compressor from the unit.
6 Remove drain hose from unit.
20 Remove dryer from unit.
7 Obtain or make an 11" prop from 3/4" PVC or
similar.
21 Attach permanent schrader access valves to
unit.
8 Remove 2 screws (at back) holding base to
side panels
22 Attach dry nitrogen supply to access valves,
purge at about 1 lb pressure during brazing.
9 Remove screws holding strut to base
23 Install new dryer.
10 Remove screw holding left side panel to base
24 Install new compressor. Install at least 3 of the
11 Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE
hair pins to secure the compressor. The fourth
two screws at front holding side
is optional.
panels to base
25 Make all braze connections needed to seal
12 Lift back of unit up and support
system.
with the 11" prop.
26 Remove nitrogen supply. Evacuate system to
Strut at least 300 microns.

27 Weigh in nameplate charge.

28 Reconnect all wires, components and panels

removed to access compressor.

29 Reinstall unit. Operate unit and test.

Prop
Step10

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GEMU090
Service
Bin and Cabinet
The bin and cabinet can be separated from the 17 Lift bin and cabinet off chassis.
base. Either the ice making evaporator system
must be lifted out and securely suspended or the Auger Motor or Motor Capacitor
refrigeration system opened and the connections to
the evaporator unbrazed. 1 Remove the unit from its installed position.

1 Remove the unit from its installed position. 2 Disconnect water supply.

2 Disconnect water supply. 3 Disconnect / unplug unit from power supply.

3 Disconnect / unplug unit from power supply. 4 Empty bin of ice and water.

4 Drain evaporator. 5 Remove top panel.

5 Empty bin of ice and water. 6 Remove both bolts holding motor to gear
reducer.
6 Disconnect drain hose from bottom of bin.
7 Lift motor winding and capacitor up and out of
1 Remove top, back and side service panels. machine.

7 Remove door. 8 Cut wires and separate winding from capacitor.

Change either and reconnect motor to
8 Remove kickplate. capacitor.

9 Remove front service panel Note: Be SURE wires are connected per the label
on the motor: Black to Black to Capacitor and Red
10 Remove screw holding service panel bracket. to Capacitor. If connected incorrectly, motor will
turn the wrong way. Output shaft or auger MUST
11 Remove two screws holding baffle at right side turn CCW (counterclockwise) looking from above
of condenser. or the unit will be damaged during ice making.

12 Unplug wires from compressor and fan motor.

9 Pull rotor from gear reducer (if changing motor)
Be sure wires from control box to base are free
and disconnected.
10 Insert new rotor (if changing motor).
13 Remove four screws holding each corner of the
11 Reinstall winding and capacitor assembly.
chassis to the base.
Secure with the original screws.
14 Remove two screws holding left rear strut to
12 Return all panels to their original positions.
base.
13 Reconnect water and power.
15 Remove one screw holding left side panel to
base.
14 Reinstall unit.
16 Either go thru the process to remove gear
reducer and evaporator from unit or recover
refrigerant and disconnect at evaporator.

Note: If leaving evaporator & gear reducer in unit,

have a helper support them while the cabinet is
removed.

Page 21
Wiring Diagram
Schematic Diagram