Cleaning the valve assembly. Failure to clean the valve assembly is the number one reason that can cause dispense inaccuracy. A dirty valve will almost always affect dispense accuracy. The valves need to be removed and cleaned once a month. To properly clean the valve assembly, you'll need a number two Phillips screwdriver, cleaning brush, cloth and plastic knife, container with warm soapy water, warm clean rinse water, and a sanitizing agent approved by your company's head office.

With the dairy product already removed, turn off the dispenser. Remove the catch tray and open the main door. Remove the four screws that secure the front panel. Place the screws in a clean container. Pull the front panel down slightly and then move it to the side of the dispenser, being careful not to pull the door cord. Open the valve door and remove the center valve screw that holds the aluminum insert in place.

Make sure you have a firm grip of the entire assembly as a spring may push the assembly forward. When you remove the last screw, gently take apart the valve assembly and drop the parts into a bucket of warm soapy water. Be careful not to pull these wires that are attached to the dispenser. They are threaded through the valve body and the spring retainer, so these pieces cannot be removed completely.

Clean all parts in warm soapy water, aluminum insert, spring plunger, valve door, valve body, and spring retainer. Rinse thoroughly, sanitize, and air dry. Do not apply lubricant to the plunger shaft. While cleaning the parts, examine the valve to check the hinges. If you see any broken parts, replace these immediately. Broken hinges can result in over dispensing.

Before you reassemble, check to see if there is product buildup inside the solenoid. If necessary, use a plastic knife and damp cloth to clean the area. Put everything back together. Push the plastic spring retainer back onto the solenoid. Ensure the flat part is placed up against the floor of the dispenser, so that the eyelet where the wires are fed through is positioned to the right.

Next, place the spring onto the back of the plunger. Remember, do not apply lubricant to the plunger shaft. Slide the plunger tip into the solenoid opening, ensuring the back of the spring is pushed up against the plastic spring retainer. Make sure the white plunger tip is positioned horizontally. Attach the valve door to the valve body. Then place over top the white plunger tip.

While snugly holding the assembly together, realign the aluminum insert and secure with a short screw. Insert a long valve screw and tighten about halfway. Insert the other long screw and tighten both, being careful to not overtighten. Make sure the wires can move freely. Gently pull the wires through the spring retainer eyelet to ensure they're away from and not pinched in the spring.

Close the valve door and reinstall the front panel. Make sure you slide the panel up so it is between the back of the valve body and the round plunger tip plate. Reinstall the catch tray with the main door closed. Turn the dispenser back on.

Now let's make sure everything is operating properly with a piece of tubing installed in the valve that you just reassembled, press the product button, and then any size button as though you are going to dispense some product. Listen for the solenoid to open and close to make sure the plunger is moving freely. You should hear a click which indicates it is operating properly.

To recap, failing to clean the valve assembly is the number one reason for dispensers to dispense inaccurately. A dirty valve assembly will almost always affect dispense accuracy.

How to Clean Your SureShot Refrigerated Dairy Dispensers Valve Assembly Video