Posted on Jul 31, 2023

In this article, we’ll show you how to perform preventive maintenance on the Taylor 161, focusing on the rear auger seal. You’ll learn how to replace the seal to protect your machine’s internal components—especially its sensitive electronics—from costly damage. While we recommend leaving complex repairs to a certified technician, if you’re tackling this yourself, take care around electrical components and follow all safety guidelines.

Taylor 161 Features

The Taylor 161 is a powerhouse of versatility, perfect for businesses big and small. Designed as a countertop model, it serves up two flavors plus a crowd-pleasing twist option. With single-phase, 220-volt operation, it’s an ideal choice for bakeries, delis, small gas stations, and any business looking to boost profits with high-margin soft serve. Compact, efficient, and easy to use—this machine is a recipe for success!

Preventive Maintenance for the Taylor 161

1. Inspecting the Rear Auger Seals

The augers in the Taylor 161 are equipped with O-rings that fit onto the rear seal holes. These seals are essential for keeping ice cream mix from leaking into the machine’s moving parts, which could cause significant damage to the gearbox or other components.

• How to Check for Wear and Tear:
  Regularly examine the O-rings to ensure they extend slightly beyond the metal surface. If they don’t, the ice cream mix inside the freezing cylinder can leak into the machine’s moving parts, causing serious damage. This is especially critical as the seals are located at the end of the auger where it connects to the gearbox, spinning alongside the blades to scrape frozen ice cream mix off the cylinder walls.
• Why It Matters:
  Worn or improperly fitted O-rings can allow leaks that compromise the machine’s internal components, leading to costly repairs and downtime. Regular inspection is a simple but crucial step to avoid these issues.

2. Replacing the O-Rings

When you spot wear and tear, replace the O-rings immediately. Proper installation ensures a tight seal and smooth operation.

• Pro Tip:
  Apply lubricant only on the O-ring and the area around it—not on the bolt. Over-lubrication can reduce the effectiveness of the seal and lead to problems.

3. Cleaning and Lubrication

• Daily Cleaning:
  Clean all machine components after each use, paying close attention to the augers and seals. This prevents buildup that can lead to premature wear.
• Proper Lubrication:
  Use food-grade lubricant to keep all moving parts operating smoothly. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can create performance issues.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your Taylor 161 running efficiently, reduce the risk of expensive repairs, and ensure it delivers the perfect soft serve every time.

Where to Buy Replacement O-Rings: FrozenYogurtParts.com

When it’s time to replace the O rings on your Taylor 161, we recommend FrozenYogurtParts.com. They specialize in parts for all brands and models of frozen dessert machines, often priced up to 50% lower than competitors. To sweeten the deal, use the code “SlicesFive” at checkout to save an additional 5% on your next purchase.

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