Technical
Troubleshooting

The contact block handles the power wires coming into the mixer. Overtime the contactor block wears down and when one power leg is lost, and the motor will make a loud noise and blow the breaker.

Possible Solutions:

1️⃣ Replace the contact block (Links Below)
2️⃣ Check Plug
3️⃣ Check Cord

Motor Contactor: (Circled Above) The main power connects to this block. It distrubutes the power to the motor when the start button is pressed.

Possible Solution: Replace the Bearings

Failed bearings can cause a loud, growling noise from the motor. 

How to further diagnoise failed bearings:

Take the top of the rotor shaft and pull it back and forth. Good bearings will not allowing any rocking or movement.

Spin the rotor shaft by hand. This movement should feel smooth and sound silent.

JPM VCM Rebuild Service: 

We preform equipment rebuilds on a daily basis with our full service fabrication and equipment refurbishment department.

We offer affordable freight options and handle all the pick ups and deliveries for you. Our expertly trained technicians carefully inspect every working aspect of the rebuild to ensure it leaves our facility ready for years of production.

Are you planning on rebuilding your VCM yourself? Check out our free rebuild video on YouTube here!

The main reason for motor failure is either moisture, excess heat, or loosing a leg of power for too long.

The motor can be tested with an insulation resistance meter (megger). You can test the motor yourself with our testing devices, or have a motor shop do it for you.

If the motor has failed the megger, it can rewound to factory specifications. The cost for this service is $1650 + return shipping. Contact us today to arrange this service.

Keep in mind that a motor with excess moisture can sometimes be revived with an oven bake, wash and a new enamel coating. This service is about 2/3 cheaper than a complete rewind.

Pro Tip: Clean the screen on the bottom of the motor cover. A blocked screen can overheat the motor and cause failures! 👇

Here's an example of the quality of a JPM Rewound Stator:

Possible Solution: Replace the fuses

To test a fuse completely remove them from the fuse block holders. Do not test them while installed.

Check continuity between the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace and check operation.

If the fuses are blowing consistantly, there is an underlying issue causing this. The most likely case is a bad motor contactor, loose wires, or a bad transformer.

Fuse 1 & 2: Takes two line wires (L1 & L2) from the motor contact block to the transformer. Fuse 1 connects to the hot side of the transformer, and fuse 2 connects to the neutral side of the transformer.

Fuse 3: Outputs 120v from the transformer to the motor contact block. 

Fuse Circuit:

The transformer converts main power to 120 volts to power the timer. Newer models will convert that to 24 volts.

Solution: Replace Transformer

If the transformer is not delivering the correct voltage to the timer.

How to Check the Voltage

You can check the voltage at the transformer or at the timer terminals:

Imporper or loose wires can cause a loss in power to the timer. Please review a wiring diagram to confirm every wire.

If you have ordered from us before, we will send this to you for FREE! If this is needed after hours, just let us know and we will refund the order.

If all possible reasons have been checked, a new timer may be required.

You can view the timers we have available below:

Possible Solution: Replace the Safety Switch

The safety switch is located inside the small electrical box on the backside of the bowl. It's the same compartment that the lid spring is housed in. You can access the safety switch by removing the 4 screws and cover.

If the safety switch has failed, the mixer will not operate. Check the continuity of the safety switch and replace as needed.

Possible Solution: Replace the Start Button

The start and stop button have small contact blocks attached inside the cabinet. Check the continuity of the button's contact block and replace as needed.

We highly recommend silicone protective covers for the start and stop buttons.

Improper or loose wires can cause a timer to not start the mixer. Please review a wiring diagram to confirm each and every wire.

If you have ordered from us before, we will send this to you for FREE! If this is needed after hours, just let us know and we will refund the order.

Possible Solution: Replace the Timer

Even if the display is working, it is possible that the timer is still the problem.

The timer uses multiple internal relays that are responsible for activating the mixer. The relays are subject to failure. We highly suggest exhausting all other option before considering replacement.

Possible Solution: Wait for the machine to cool down.

The VCM 44 has a built-in motor protection switch. This switch is found within the windings so when the motor over-heats, it will prevent the mixer from starting.

It's on the same safety circuit as the safety switch.

How to Test a Motor Protection Switch:

Find the terminal blocks labeled "1-2-3-4" next to the fuses. Check continutity between block 1 and 2 on the top terminals. It should be closed.

Possible Solution: Physically Check Every Wire

We have seen it happen multiple times. The machines are subject to vibrations, and that increases throughout the mixing. A loose wire can cause the safety circuit to briefly open, stop, and reset the machine.

Possible Solution: Physically Check Safety Switch

We have seen it happen multiple times. The machines are subject to vibrations, and that increases throughout the mixing. A loose wire can cause the safety circuit to briefly open, stop, and reset the machine.

Possible Solution: Confirm or Change Rotation to Clockwise

The mixer should only run clockwise. If the mixer is running backwards, you risk damaging the rotor and dislodging the dough blade or cutter blade.

To change the rotation of the mixer one could swap two wires at the plug (e.g. black and white wire). This reverses the rotation.

The blind stopper should never touch the attachments and is not designed to solely keep the blade down during mixing operations. If you are experiencing damage to the blind stopper there are other issues that must be address first.

Possible Solution 1: Blind Stopper Combo Sets

This combo includes an insert that locks the attachment in place and prevent the blade from "unlocking" and interfering with the blind stopper.

When installing the blade holder insert, it requires that the blade is "pre-loaded" or locked into place. This prevents the blade from forcing upward on startup.

Possible Solution: JPM Refurbished Rotor Exchange Program

The main attachment shaft uses two interlocking fingers that lock the blade into place with centrifugal force. If those fingers become worn or damaged, the blade will not lock in place and will be forced upwards during the mixing cycle.

This can be fixed by using our rotor exchange program.

Possible Solution: Replace the Bowl Seal

The bowl seal encounters a lot of friction. Food-grade lubricant will increase the life of the seal considerably. This lubricant should be applied liberally on the shaft sleeve, inside of the bowl seal and on the o-ring during installation.

The bowl seal is one of two components that create the seal. See the shaft sleeve below for more information!

Possible Solution: Replace the Shaft Sleeve

We highly recommend the replacement of the shaft sleeve if grooving or pitting is evident. With a worn shaft sleeve, the bowl seal may not seal correctly and the life of the seal will be considerably shorter.

Possible Solution: Replace the Lid Bolt Bushings

Worn bearing bushings can cause the lid to sit off-center as demonstrated below:

Possible Solution: Replace the Lid Bolt

When the lid bolt bushings fail, it can cause damage to the lid bolt. This damage will also cause an off-center alignment. 

There are two different types of lid bolts based off of the type of lid:

If the lid locking handle is worn, it can cause a loss in leverage. This loss in leverage will cause gaps around the lid gasket o-ring.

Possible Solution: Confirm Gasket Type

We offer two types of lid gasket o-rings for the VCM models. The VCM 44 o-ring is opaque/natural silicone, and the 40 is bright white silicone.

If you use a VCM 40 gasket on a VCM 44 it may cause gaps in the lid when closed.

Possible Solution: Replace Gasket

A worn lid gasket that has misshapen will require replacement.

Possible Solution: Replace the Distance Piece

The distance piece is a spacer between the upper bearing housing and the frame locking section.

Some OEM distance pieces are plastic, and when they collapse it will cause problems fully locking the teeth. It bottoms out inside of the handle.

Our aluminum distance piece are a significiant upgrade to the original plastic part.

Possible Solution: Replace the Bearing Bolt Key

When the bearing bolt key is damaged it will cause rocking and locking issues. This key is what keeps the locking disc straight and engaged correctly.

Possible Solution: Replace the Cross-Pin (Shoulder Bolt)

With a worn or missing cross-pin, the machine will still rock back-and-forth with the locking handle fully tightened. This cross pin engages the bearing bolt and provides a stopping point for the locking disc.

Usually a new shoulder bolt will solve the problem. However, there is a chance that the upper housing has deformed. The deformed hole will still cause rocking with a new bolt.

We can repair deformed upper housing. Simply give us a call to arrange this service.

Possible Solution: Replace the Bearing Bolt

The bearing bolt has three features of importance:

The threads: The tilt locking handle threads onto this bolt. If the threads are stripped, it will require replacement.

The key way: The keyway keeps the locking disc aligned. If the keyway is damaged it will require replacement.

Cross-Hole: The cross hole on the bearing bolt accepts the shoulder bolt. If the cross-hole is deformed the bearing bolt will require replacement.

Possible Solution: Replace and Pressure Tilt Spring

A new tilt spring will help release the locking disc when the tilt locking handle is loosened.

If the locking disc is tight, you may need to also inspect the keyway on the bearing bolt. If you notice any deformation, replace the key as well.

Possible Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the Locking Disc, Bearing Bolt.

The locking disc can be removed, cleaned and lubrciated with food grade lubcriant. Appling lubricant on the threads of the bearing bolt can also help.

Possible Solution: Replace or Clean the Locking Disc

Inspect the condition of the locking disc (the large outer disc with teeth on it). Make sure that it is fully engaging the mating teeth on the frame side (see image below).

If the locking disc is not sitting fully egaged, you may first attempt to remove it and clean the grooves.

Possible Solution: Replace the Tilt Locking Handle

The OEM handle is comprised of a plastic handle and a brass insert. Overtime the brass insert can strip, or spin inside the plastic housings.

Our handles are made from solid stainless steel.

When replacing the handle, make sure you also have a tilt washer installed. The washer provides the correct spacing to make sure the assembly has enough clearance.

Possible Solution: Replace the Lid Spring

Remove the black cover on the hindge cabinet and inspect the lid spring for any visable cracks.

Need help installing the spring? 

Possible Solution: Replace the Spring Tabs

The lid spring resting points for leverage on small pieces of metal. Overtime those pieces of metal can round-off or simply break loose.

Although it is a tricky job, it can be repaired. Contact us today to arrive this service work. You can send the bowl to us through parcel services.

The spring tabs are highlighted in red below:

Possible Solution: Replace the Lid Bolt Assembly

Overtime the corrosion buildup will cause problems in the lid spring assembly. We now offer complete lid bolt kits that get your equipment back up to par.