Hobart AM16 - Not Dispensing Chemicals

⚠️ Caution / Monitor Closely
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures. We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs. We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts. This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.

TLDR

On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues within the chemical supply system, such as empty bottles, improperly secured caps, or obstructions like kinked tubing. Start by visually inspecting all chemical containers and lines. If initial checks don't resolve the issue, manually prime the chemical pumps, and consider potential problems with the internal dispensing system if the problem persists.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Verify Chemical Levels: First, confirm that all chemical bottles (detergent, rinse aid, sanitizer) are full. An empty bottle is the most common reason for non-dispensing.
  2. Inspect Bottle Caps and Sealing: Ensure that the chemical bottle caps are properly and tightly secured. Loose caps can allow air into the suction line, preventing proper chemical draw.
  3. Examine Tubing for Kinks or Damage: Carefully inspect all chemical supply tubing from the bottles to the dishwasher’s pumps. Look for any bends, kinks, or crimps that might obstruct chemical flow. Also, check for any visible signs of damage or leaks in the tubing. Ensure the tubing is securely attached to the bottle caps and the pump inlet.
  4. Check Standpipe and Tubing Seating: Make sure the standpipe and tubing assembly are fully seated and submerged into the chemical solution at the bottom of each chemical bottle. If it’s too high or dislodged, it may be drawing air instead of chemical.
  5. Manually Prime Chemicals: If your AM16 DISHWASHERS unit is equipped with Hobart chemical pumps, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to manually prime the chemical lines. This process helps remove any air trapped in the lines and ensures the pumps are drawing solution effectively.
  6. Inspect Chemical Pumps (If Equipped): If manual priming is unsuccessful, the issue might lie with the chemical pumps themselves. Check for any signs of malfunction, such as unusual noises, leaks, or if the pump motor isn’t operating. This may require a technician.
  7. Contact Hobart Service: If you’ve completed all the above troubleshooting steps and the chemicals are still not dispensing, it is recommended to contact Hobart Service for further diagnosis and repair, as the issue may be internal to the machine’s dispensing system.

Common Questions:

Q: Why are my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS not dispensing chemicals?

A: Common causes include empty chemical bottles, loose or improperly sealed bottle caps, kinked or obstructed chemical tubing, or the standpipe not being fully submerged in the chemical solution. Air in the lines can also prevent dispensing.

Q: How do I manually prime the chemicals on my AM16 DISHWASHERS?

A: The manual priming procedure varies by specific Hobart pump model. Generally, it involves activating a prime button or sequence on the machine or the pump itself to force chemical through the lines and remove air. Consult your AM16’s operation manual for precise instructions.

Q: What should I do if the tubing looks fine but chemicals still aren’t dispensing?

A: If tubing, levels, and caps are all confirmed correct, manually prime the chemical lines. If unsuccessful, the issue might be with the chemical pump itself (e.g., a clogged intake, worn diaphragm, or electrical fault) or a blockage further down the dispensing line, which may require professional service.

When to call a technician

Consider calling a certified technician if:

  • The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
  • You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
  • You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
  • Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
  • You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.

Need Professional Help?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

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