Crathco Bubbler Troubleshooting
Crathco bubbler drink dispensers allow you to offer freshly mixed beverages to your customers or patrons. Perfect for restaurants, schools and other institutions, Crathco bubblers definitely earn their keep in any foodservice setting. So, when there are issues with your Crathco unit, it’s important to solve the problem and get it back up and running quickly. If you’re experiencing issues with your Crathco Simplicity or Classic series bubbler, take a look at the troubleshooting guide below, assess the issue or call a certified service technician.
Troubleshooting for the Crathco Bubbler Simplicity Series
Problem: Leaking Unit
Causes
- O-ring on valve is nicked, twisted or deformed.
- Foreign particles are on bowl valve seat.
- Bowl is cracked.
- Drain tray is overflowing.
- Valve isn’t secured properly in place.
- Gasket under bowl isn’t secured on place.
Solutions
- Have the o-ring replaced.
- Have valve inspected or cleaned.
- Replace the bowl.
- Empty the drain tray.
- Readjust the valve to secure into place.
- Make sure the gasket is in place.
Problem: Product isn’t Agitating
Causes
- Impeller bearing surface may be worn.
- Pump axle thickness is less than .75mm (0.03 in) thick.
- Magnet on pump motor isn’t aligned properly.
- Impeller is installed incorrectly.
Solutions
- Have impeller replaced by an authorized technician.
- Have pump axle replaced or assessed by an authorized technician.
- Call an authorized service technician.
- Ensure that the impeller is installed correctly.
Problem: No Refrigeration
Causes
- No power to unit.
- Compressor isn’t operating while the fan does.
- Faulty thermostat.
Solutions
- Make sure that the plug is connected to an outlet and that the power switch is in the ON position.
- Call an authorized service technician.
- Call an authorized service technician.
Problem: Poor Refrigeration
Causes
- Condensor or condenser filter is dirty.
- Product isn’t agitating properly.
- Impeller isn’t spinning/faulty pump motor.
- Compressor or fan doesn’t operate.
- Faulty thermostat or improper setting has been set
Solutions
- Clean the condenser or call a certified service technician for assistance.
- See the previous section “Product isn’t Agitating”.
- Call an authorized service technician for impeller or pump motor
- Call an authorized service technician.
- Call an authorized service technician.
Problem: Unit is Noisy
Causes
- Impeller isn’t installed correctly.
- Bowl or pump has been installed while the unit is turned on.
- Faulty pump motor bearings.
- Chattering impeller.
- Impeller or axle is worn.
- Impeller is broken
- Fan blade is bent
Solutions
- Make sure the impeller is properly installed.
- Turn off the unit and reinstall the bowl or pump. Call a certified service technician for additional assistance.
- Call a certified service technician to resolve any issues with the pump motor.
- Call a certified technician to ensure the impeller’s drive magnet is in proper condition.
- Have worn parts replaced.
- Have impeller replaced.
- Inspect the fan blade, and if bent or damaged, call an authorized service technician.
Troubleshooting for the Crathco Bubbler Classic Series
Problem: Partial or No Refrigeration—Compressor Still Runs
Causes
- Condenser is clogged with dust or lint.
- Unit isn’t properly spraying or agitating.
- Fan motor is faulty.
- Refrigerant loss.
Solutions
- Clean the condenser by following proper cleaning procedures.
- Follow the “Unit Not Spraying or Agitating” steps.
- Have the fan motor replaced.
- Call an authorized service technician.
Problem: No Refrigeration
Cause
- Compressor isn’t running.
Solution
- Call an authorized service technician.
Problem: Unit isn’t Spraying or Agitating Product
Causes
- Spray motor is running but the impeller isn’t spinning due wearing, or a worn bearing sleeve.
- Improper impeller for product is installed.
- Impeller and bearing sleeve can’t spin properly.
- Impeller isn’t spinning properly, causing it to chatter.
Solutions
- Check for wear and tear, and have sleeve and/or impeller worn.
- Ensure you have the right impeller installed based on the product in the unit.
- Clean the impeller and bearing sleeve.
- Drive magnet needs to be raised on the motor shaft. Call a certified service technician for assistance.
Problem: Unit isn’t Spraying
Cause
- Spray motor isn’t running.
Solution
- Call an authorized service technician.
Problem: Bowl is Leaking
Causes
- Gasket is installed improperly.
- Bowl gasket is worn or nicked.
Solutions
- Gasket needs to be reinstalled.
- Gasket needs to be replaced.
Problem: Valve is Leaking
Causes
- Foreign particles on valve, valve stem or o-ring.
- O-ring is nicked or cut.
- O-ring is twisted and can’t sit uniformly
Solutions
- Clean the valve and o-ring.
- Have the o-ring replaced by an authorized technician.
- Readjust the o-ring. If there are further issues, contact an authorized service technician.
Problem: Unit is Noisy
Causes
- Fan motor or spray motor bearings are worn.
- Fan blade is bent.
Solutions
- Have the motor(s) replaced by an authorized technician.
- Have the fan blade repaired by an authorized technician.
For more troubleshooting tips, basic cleaning and maintenance tasks, refer to our library of Crathco manuals.