Renovating
Have your block makers slowed down? Want to increase production? The machines pictured went from 8 days in the summer to 3.5 days!!
Follow these steps to replace the Heat Conducting Paste in your machine-
Open the Lid
(A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step:)
Using a drill with a long extension, remove the block cans. This should take less than a 1/2 hour. (a flashlight helps)
Remove the screws (& clips) that hold the coil assembly down
Using a cut off wheel, grind away the 6 screws at the end of edge of the coil assembly(3 on each side)
Remove the top plate
Notice there are different size spacers. (machines differ)
Some machines have foam spacers, some metal
Clean the underside of the top plate with a wire brush and hose (outside is best) Dry before reinstalling
Remove old foam (you may have to replace)Home Depot sells Pink foam that you can cut on a table saw
Use wire brush and mineral spirits to clean the copper lines. Clean out the cabinet
Replace the spacers
***(Not all machines use the same spacers)***
We had to make new ones for this machine
Put about 2.5 cups of heat conducting paste in a ziploc bag & Microwave for 1-3 minutes. (you will use 2 bags)
Cut a SMALL hole in the corner of the bag and use it to apply like a pastry bag.
1 Gallon is enough for 3 machines.
Use Paste only on straight parts of the pipe. (not on curves)
Be generous (use 1/3 gallon per machine)
This part can be messy, take your time & wear old clothes
Wear gloves, or your hands may look like this.
He washed them 3 times with mineral spirits
Replace the top plate carefully as to not displace the paste.
Start by reattaching the clips.
(Use the short screws that came with the machine)
You will NOT be able to replace the side screws.
Add 9 long Screws-
3 screws (per side) along the far right and left hand side. It is important to install them as close to the edge as possible (so they don’t interfere with the cans later. Add 3 additional screws right down the middle of the plate. You may want to drill a pilot hole for the ones that don’t already have a hole.
Use the long Screws in the kit.
Reassemble the cans in the machine
in this order- Long outside panels, short panels, long center panels. Use
the short screws from the kit.