Maintenance Documentation

[edtbjon]

Wish someone, such as Edbtjon, would write and illustrate some basic maintenance steps and include the info from Mr Li to make sure the ceramic bearing is facing correctly.  Reassembly info is absolutely essential.

We are always hoping that members will -- as Kor Kiley did here:
https://www.hukyforum.com/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=39 --
step up and provide documentation that we can add to the forum.
This is not an activity which is limited to moderators and/or administrators.

I got some time on my hands during the next week or so... I'll try to compile a pdf with some pictures about dismantling and maintainence of our beloved Hukys. If any of you have some tips or opinions on the subject of maintainence, tool tips etc. feel free to contact me with a message.

[PabloElFlamenco]

edtbjon, that would be fabulous!....

In my ballpark, I'm going to the post office today 11:00 to pick up the second box from Mr. Li, my Huky was shipped in two boxes.  It all took a considerable while for the customs clearance department here in Belgium to get their act together...

The first box contained the Huky housing, fitted with a perforated drum.  I'd expected (hoped) it'd be fitted with the solid drum, but it wasn't.  And meanwhile, even though I have an extra motor etc., I learned it wasn't completely straightforward swapping drums and motors, but sooner or later, I will do it.

Meanwhile .... I'll learn to Huky-roast on the ... perforated drum!

[SusanJoM]

Excellent.

I would suggest information about the tool sizes needed for the various steps;  I don't think there are but a couple.  Mr. Li sends along tools which work but they are the barest minimum needed.
 
The ball socket tool that he sends for attaching the front door is good enough.  The wrench (allen? size?) that comes for removing the cover is definitely not up to the job;  a longer handle is definitely needed especially due to the softness of the metal and the propensity those screws have for being stripped.

[navystan]

I offered to help edtbjon as well.  Maybe he writes up and I will make supporting videos.

[jeffgsd]

Funny - I just happened to come on here in the midst of a full teardown of my Huky.  Getting ready for Holiday orders.  In addition I am putting the T-Pipe with the new adapter ring onto the roaster to try and speed up my time between roasts.  Let's see how it goes.....

[Wayneg1]

Funny - I just happened to come on here in the midst of a full teardown of my Huky.  Getting ready for Holiday orders.  In addition I am putting the T-Pipe with the new adapter ring onto the roaster to try and speed up my time between roasts.  Let's see how it goes.....

Jeff,

Any possibility of documenting the process?  It would be very helpful if you could.

Cheers,

Wayne

[edtbjon]

Well, I got the parts for both the J and the T setup (as well as both drums...). I'll see to that both setups are documented (photographed) if needed. (E.g. cleaning that cast metal T section I suppose...)

[easygene]

In the meantime I contacted Mr Li to see if he has any input.  Reminded him that he had done a great job last fall when I contacted him on the most glaring weakness of the Huky 500.  A very cumbersome connection in the exhaust.  After several months and iterations he came through with flying colors.  The resulting Quick Connect works like a charm.

Really complimented him on the information he recently imparted on the installation of the Ceramic Bearings.  Hope to hear from him on any suggestions or step-by-steps he may have on how best to maintain our machines.
Got my fingers crossed he will hurry so Edbtjon can incorporate it as an addendum to his work.

Hey this is exciting!  What really impresses me are the folks stepping up to the plate offering to help.  Thank You all.

[jeffgsd]

Jeff,

Any possibility of documenting the process?  It would be very helpful if you could.

Cheers,

Wayne

Sorry Wayne!   I was so wrapped up in disassembly and reassembly today I didn't have time for photos etc.  Suffice it to say that I had the entire machine blown apart, cleaned the probes, soaked the bearings in acetone, scrubbed them with a toothbrush and re-greased them, fitted the T-pipe faceplate and the quick disconnect adapter (which did not fit well and I spent a great deal of time grinding down my T-pipe to fit).  I reassembled and ran the unit for about an hour to make sure no rubbing, and then refitted the shroud.  I cleaned the pipes with a brush and some coffee machine cleaner.  Whew!  I am back up and running and ready for some marathon roasting sessions over the next few days!

wish I could be more help....

[Wayneg1]

Jeff,

Any possibility of documenting the process?  It would be very helpful if you could.

Cheers,

Wayne

Sorry Wayne!   I was so wrapped up in disassembly and reassembly today I didn't have time for photos etc.  Suffice it to say that I had the entire machine blown apart, cleaned the probes, soaked the bearings in acetone, scrubbed them with a toothbrush and re-greased them, fitted the T-pipe faceplate and the quick disconnect adapter (which did not fit well and I spent a great deal of time grinding down my T-pipe to fit).  I reassembled and ran the unit for about an hour to make sure no rubbing, and then refitted the shroud.  I cleaned the pipes with a brush and some coffee machine cleaner.  Whew!  I am back up and running and ready for some marathon roasting sessions over the next few days!

wish I could be more help....

No problem Jeff.  Good to hear you're back up and running so quickly. Happy holiday roasting! 

[SusanJoM]

I just did a search on the bearings and it was reported last year that the bearings cost $18.00 with $5.00 shipping.  I don't know if that is current or not, but it's certainly ball park.

Also, someone at HB was inquiring about a propane IR stove, and I inquired of Mr. Li as to the shipping costs.  The stove is $99;  shipping costs just under $60 to USA/Canada.

Whoops.  the stove isn't maintenance, but....now the information is here and can be searched for at least....

[jeffgsd]

Hello again.  Just coming up for air - I have done 40 roasts over the last 2 days post my teardown and maintenance, including re-fitting the T exhaust setup.  I am very happy to report that although I ran the machine consistently for 7+ hours both yesterday and today - I had no issues whatsoever!  Bearings ran quiet, no clogs with the T pipe, just back to back great roasts.  Amazing that this little roaster can perform so well with this much back to back use.  I ordered backup bearings, fan motors and probes  so that I have some spare parts available while this is still my main roaster.    For those of you on the fence about purchasing a Huky - feel confident that it is a solid machine if you take care of it! 

[edtbjon]

Just so that you know, that document can now be found in the dowloads section.

[Jo]

I've had my Huky for little over a year now and I have around 27 roast hours.

Will be following this topic, because I'd like to know how to do some serious maintenance besides the daily chaff vacuuming.

Thanks!

[edtbjon]

I've had my Huky for little over a year now and I have around 27 roast hours.

Will be following this topic, because I'd like to know how to do some serious maintenance besides the daily chaff vacuuming.

Thanks!

As mentioned above the maintenance document is to be found in the Downloads section. Now in the second version with some small updates on how to get the bearings out in one piece...
//Björn