Slushie machine locks up when frozen?

Question

This machine has always worked fine until an employee forgot to add the coolant mix to the tub and it froze into one block of ice.

Whenever the machine slowly starts to freeze up, the spinning blades will begin to jam and eventually lock up (upon touching they spin a little more).

What would likely be the issue? I think its because the gears had been worn down and stripped. Thus any pressure applied cause the system to jus spin over itself. (there is even a loud click as the gears spin back over itself)

Or another source (actual repairman) had told us that the motor itself that spins the system needs to be replaced.

The motor spins up completely fine. Could an electric motor such as this actually be damaged so that it works less efficient?? I had always thought the properties of an electric motor follow either working or not.

I'm not able to get to the shop right now but any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

Yeah, it is very possible that the motor got damaged due to the low temperatures and the over exertion of force due to the locked up blades. You may have partially burnt out the motor and it may need either to be fixed or if beyond fixing, replacement, depending on the amount of damage done.

With any type of equipment there is a possibility that the damages can range from working well, to partially working (minor damage) to non-working (full damage). It depends on what mechanism was destroyed or damaged and the amount of damage that occurred. By running the machine you are actually making it worse. Your best bet is to shut it down and wait until you can get it into a shop or the manufacturer of the machine for repairs.

It may also be more than the motor, as a precaution I suggest all parts are looked for secondary damages even in the event that the main damage occurred to the motor. If you know anyone who is mechanically inclined or if you are, then you can take the machine apart. Check the lubrication on all the bearings and O-rings, make sure the O-rings are set properly, check for any gear alignment issues check the gears for wear and tear. Make sure the crank shafts have not broken down or have cracked from over exertion of force. You can also check for loose screws, nuts/bolts, wires (possible short circuit in a wire).

It is possible that the motor itself is working at a lower capacity than before, say producing 65% of it's original turning compacity compared to 100% and is not producing the momentum the gears need to push the blades through the freezing liquids. If that's the case then that might also be causing the lock-ups. If the motor cannot generate enough momentum to turn the blades than the blades would freeze into place and lock up, which could possibly cause the gears to strip or the motor to overwork and break down.

Also, run the machine (with water, not with product and definitely not dry) listen and watch for any anomalies in the motor, gears, shafts etc., watch for leaks, misalignments (sometimes easier to detect when running) that may be occurring while the machine is running. This should give you a better idea of what is wrong with the machine so that you know what to tell the next repair man. I suggest a new motor along with a thorough check up though to be on the safe side.