Service Manual
Refrigeration System Section 7
7-20 Part No. 80-1100-3
SINGLE EXPANSION VALVE ICE MACHINES -
COMPARING EVAPORATOR INLET AND 
OUTLET TEMPERATURES
NOTE: This procedure will not work on the dual 
expansion valve Q1300 Q1600 and Q1800 ice 
machines.
The temperatures of the suction lines entering and 
leaving the evaporator alone cannot diagnose an ice 
machine. However, comparing these temperatures 
during the freeze cycle, along with using Manitowoc’s 
Refrigeration System Operational Analysis Table, can 
help diagnose an ice machine malfunction.
The actual temperatures entering and leaving the 
evaporator vary by model, and change throughout the 
freeze cycle. This makes documenting the “normal” inlet 
and outlet temperature readings difficult. The key to the 
diagnosis lies in the difference between the two 
temperatures five minutes into the freeze cycle. These 
temperatures must be within 7° of each other.
Use this procedure to document freeze cycle inlet and 
outlet temperatures.
1. Use a quality temperature meter, capable of taking 
temperature readings on curved copper lines.
2. Attach the temperature meter sensing device to the 
copper lines entering and leaving the evaporator.
3. Wait five minutes into the freeze cycle.
4. Record the temperatures below and determine the 
difference between them. 
5. Use this with other information gathered on the 
Refrigeration System Operational Analysis Table to 
determine the ice machine malfunction.
Important
Do not simply insert the sensing device under the
insulation. It must be attached to and reading the
actual temperature of the copper line.
______________
Inlet Temperature
______________
Outlet Temperature
_______________
Difference
Must be within 7° at 5 
minutes into freeze cycle










