If Your Foodsaver Seems Weak....

Q-Dat · 01-25-2013, 03:01 PM

I know that many of us use Foodsaver vacuum sealers. Well from reading on line I have found that a lot of folks like myself have had issues with weak vacuums that seal the bag, but don't pull out all of the air. Well I read about how the gasket can cause a problem if it gets damaged, but mine looked like brand new. Well I decided to try wiping really well with rubbing alcohol and VOILA! Its now working like new again! My best guess is that it had a film of grease that I couldn't see or feel that was causing a bad seal. Most likely from a while back when I packaged a bunch of bacon.

I am still probably going to buy a Weston when I see another good coupon, but at least I have mine working for now.

Hope someone finds this useful.

gtr · 01-25-2013, 03:05 PM

Thanks! Once in a while, mine will seem not to vac out the air as well as it could - it seems like there's a little release before the seal, but then it seems to work fine again later - I'm guessing what you're talking about has something to do with that. Thanks for putting that up!

WineMaster · 01-25-2013, 03:12 PM

Cool thanks!

Yendor · 01-25-2013, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the heads up, next time we pull ours out to use it I will have to remember to clean it. Definitely have the issue of the sealer not sucking, which sucks.

1911Ron · 01-25-2013, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the heads up

Cast Iron Chef · 01-25-2013, 03:37 PM

I use the hose attachment a lot to seal jars. I have found that removing the hose helps too. They also recommend turning your gasket around.

bbqbull · 01-25-2013, 03:40 PM

My son's machine had the same problem. He showed me how to wet the seals with a damp paper towel and it worked like brand new.

markdtn · 01-25-2013, 03:40 PM

I too have had sporadic periods where it just doesn't want to get all the air. I cleaned the seal with soap and water and it works much better.

MS2SB · 01-25-2013, 03:42 PM

I have this problem consistently. Which gasket are you referring to?

bbqbull · 01-25-2013, 03:43 PM

Between the top and bottom sections where you put the open end of your bag into that little groove/trough.

Outnumbered · 01-25-2013, 03:46 PM

I have had the same issue and the wet paper towel that Bull mentions does work. My issue, however, is the longevity of the seal. It seems after about a few weeks, the seal gives way. Any ideas on this?

Happy Hapgood · 01-25-2013, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the tip!

bbqbull · 01-25-2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outnumbered

I have had the same issue and the wet paper towel that Bull mentions does work. My issue, however, is the longevity of the seal. It seems after about a few weeks, the seal gives way. Any ideas on this?

My guess would be a call to the manufacturing co. They may carry replacement gaskets.

Cast Iron Chef · 01-25-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbqbull

My guess would be a call to the manufacturing co. They may carry replacement gaskets.

I have bought them from Food Saver. They are like $1.50. Way cheaper then new machine.

Q-Dat · 01-25-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS2SB

I have this problem consistently. Which gasket are you referring to?

Like BBQBULL said its both of the gaskets top and bottom. I just soaked a paper towel in rubbing alcohol and wiped everything down. Gave it a minute to dry and then tested it.

As far as the gaskets needing to be replaced, I think its just if they get worn or compressed in any one spot. If they have any uneven spots you can forget pulling a strong vacuum.

01-25-2013, 03:01 PM	#1
Q-Dat Babbling Farker Join Date: 12-03-08 Location: Pearl River LA	If Your Foodsaver Seems Weak.... I know that many of us use Foodsaver vacuum sealers. Well from reading on line I have found that a lot of folks like myself have had issues with weak vacuums that seal the bag, but don't pull out all of the air. Well I read about how the gasket can cause a problem if it gets damaged, but mine looked like brand new. Well I decided to try wiping really well with rubbing alcohol and VOILA! Its now working like new again! My best guess is that it had a film of grease that I couldn't see or feel that was causing a bad seal. Most likely from a while back when I packaged a bunch of bacon. I am still probably going to buy a Weston when I see another good coupon, but at least I have mine working for now. Hope someone finds this useful.

01-25-2013, 03:05 PM	#2
gtr somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-16-10 Location: Culver City, CA	Thanks! Once in a while, mine will seem not to vac out the air as well as it could - it seems like there's a little release before the seal, but then it seems to work fine again later - I'm guessing what you're talking about has something to do with that. Thanks for putting that up! __________________ 50" Klose BYC, Spitjack XB85, 22.5 WSM, Backwoods Chubby, UDS, WRK, 26" & 22.5" Weber Kettles, Jumbo Joe, WGA, WSJ/MUDS, Kanka Grill, a piece of expanded metal I throw over the fire pit sometimes, Stealthy Black & Vol Orange Thermapens Displaced East Tennesseean Proud recipient of a Tick Former outlaw MOINK baller, now IMBAS Certified, but still lookin' over my shoulder. "Relax, it's only BBQ." - Bigmista, 2013 "Don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Just find one pretty one." - Miles Davis Avatar by my son! WTFWGALD?

01-25-2013, 03:12 PM	#3
WineMaster Babbling Farker Join Date: 01-16-07 Location: Southern MN	Cool thanks! __________________ Dan MJH From Backyard Bomber BBQ -- Junior YS 640 Comp 22.5 Weber Kettle Blue Thermopen Comp Team Wine & Swine

01-25-2013, 03:14 PM	#4
Yendor is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 09-27-12 Location: Mayer, MN	Thanks for the heads up, next time we pull ours out to use it I will have to remember to clean it. Definitely have the issue of the sealer not sucking, which sucks. __________________ 22.5" 1999 Weber Mastertouch Redhead, GMG "Daniel Boone"

01-25-2013, 03:30 PM	#5
1911Ron is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 04-09-12 Location: Ft Mudge AT Name/Nickname : Ron	Thanks for the heads up __________________ A bunch of Webers, a UDS and a Happy Cooker!

01-25-2013, 03:37 PM	#6
Cast Iron Chef is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-01-09 Location: Henderson, NV	I use the hose attachment a lot to seal jars. I have found that removing the hose helps too. They also recommend turning your gasket around. __________________ Paul 18.5 & (2) 22.5" WSM New Brumfield Offset Smoker/Grill 22.5" Weber One Touch Platinum [SIZE=2][COLOR=#000000][COLOR=RoyalBlue]Genesis[/COLOR] 3 Gasser Bradley [/COLOR][/SIZE]Bisquette[SIZE=2][COLOR=#000000] Pooper Bullpen BBQ Team [/COLOR][/SIZE]

01-25-2013, 03:40 PM	#7
bbqbull Watching over us. Join Date: 12-27-05 Location: Mid Michigan	My son's machine had the same problem. He showed me how to wet the seals with a damp paper towel and it worked like brand new. __________________ "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." "I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen. :shocked:" "Heavily medicated for your protection. :doh:" Klose Mobile Pit Klose Owners Reccomended Pit Cookshack Smokette Gasser Little Chief Smoker Large BGE Gifted to me my Pit Barrel Smoker :mrgreen::clap:[URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"][/URL]

01-25-2013, 03:40 PM	#8
markdtn is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 06-03-10 Location: Chattanooga, TN	I too have had sporadic periods where it just doesn't want to get all the air. I cleaned the seal with soap and water and it works much better.

01-25-2013, 03:42 PM	#9
MS2SB is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 06-28-10 Location: Bothell, WA	I have this problem consistently. Which gasket are you referring to? __________________ Traeger lil Tex, 2 Weber 22.5", UDS "Go Cougs!" They call me "Dave" [B]Original Noobian Warlord [/B]Loser of Known Space

01-25-2013, 03:43 PM	#10
bbqbull Watching over us. Join Date: 12-27-05 Location: Mid Michigan	Between the top and bottom sections where you put the open end of your bag into that little groove/trough. __________________ "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." "I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen. :shocked:" "Heavily medicated for your protection. :doh:" Klose Mobile Pit Klose Owners Reccomended Pit Cookshack Smokette Gasser Little Chief Smoker Large BGE Gifted to me my Pit Barrel Smoker :mrgreen::clap:[URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"][/URL]

01-25-2013, 03:46 PM	#11
Outnumbered is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 09-18-11 Location: Smithville, Missouri, United States	I have had the same issue and the wet paper towel that Bull mentions does work. My issue, however, is the longevity of the seal. It seems after about a few weeks, the seal gives way. Any ideas on this? __________________ Greg Vincent When I die, my goal is to have a visible smoke ring when the coroner cuts me open for the autopsy.

01-25-2013, 03:59 PM	#12
Happy Hapgood somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 03-17-12 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Name/Nickname : Mike	Thanks for the tip! __________________ Cooking Equipment: Weber WSM, Weber GA, Weber Spirit E-310, Weber 22" OTG Charbroil Oilless Turkey Fryer Wife LuzziAnn 1956 model. Ink Bird IBBQ 4T Wi-Fi Temp Monitor, Superfast LSU Purple Thermapen & ThermaPop, Party Q Ink Bird Sous Vide, HF Flame Thower My Motto these days is "Low Stress, Low Drag". The Artist Formally Known as Toast