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?

Toast · 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 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	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 Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-16-10 Location: Culver City, CA Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	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, Backwoods Chubby, UDS, 26" & 22.5" Weber Kettles, Jumbo Joe, WGA, WSJ/MUDS, Jumbo Old Smokey, Pig Hibachi, 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. Golden Goose Egg - Got 2 in the nest baby! SPFP Mayzie's keeping an eye out for you! WTFWGALD?

01-25-2013, 03:12 PM	#3
WineMaster Babbling Farker Join Date: 01-16-07 Location: Southern MN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Cool thanks! __________________ Dan MJH From Backyard Bomber BBQ ---- X 2 Junior & Stretch 22.5 Weber Kettle Blue Thermopen Comp Team Wine & Swine This is funner than chuckin rocks at a sign. John Godwin (Duck Dynasty)

01-25-2013, 03:14 PM	#4
Yendor On the road to being a farker Join Date: 09-27-12 Location: Mayer, MN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	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" Weber One Touch Gold, New Braunfels El Dorado, Country Smoker TG-300 Tailgater

01-25-2013, 03:30 PM	#5
1911Ron is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 04-09-12 Location: Ft. Mudge, Az Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thanks for the heads up __________________ It all started with a Redhead! 22" Redhead OTS 22" Blue OTS22" Grey 3 wheeler, Ethel (62-63) 18" Grey 3 wheeler18" Black OTS X2 18" Black Jumbo Joe,Mini-WSM,Smokey Joe 22" Blue Platinum OTP,22" Black OTG (on sale for $99) British Racing Green Thermapen More grilling stuff than what i know what to do with

01-25-2013, 03:37 PM	#6
Cast Iron Chef is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-01-09 Location: Henderson, NV Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	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 & 22.5" WSM New Brumfield Offset Smoker/Grill 22.5" Weber One Touch Platinum Genesis 3 Gasser Bradley Bisquette Pooper Bullpen BBQ Team

01-25-2013, 03:40 PM	#7
bbqbull Moderator Join Date: 12-27-05 Location: Mid Michigan Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	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. KC I miss your advice. Heavily medicated for your protection. Klose Mobile Pit Klose Owners Reccomended Pit Cookshack Smokette Gasser Little Chief Smoker Large BGE Gifted to me my Pit Barrel Smoker

01-25-2013, 03:40 PM	#8
markdtn Take a breath! Join Date: 06-03-10 Location: Chattanooga, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	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 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have this problem consistently. Which gasket are you referring to? __________________ Traeger lil Tex, 2 Weber 22.5", UDS Mop, Sauce & Two Smoking Barrels BBQ Team "Go Cougs!" They call me "Dave" Noobian Warlord

01-25-2013, 03:43 PM	#10
bbqbull Moderator Join Date: 12-27-05 Location: Mid Michigan Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	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. KC I miss your advice. Heavily medicated for your protection. Klose Mobile Pit Klose Owners Reccomended Pit Cookshack Smokette Gasser Little Chief Smoker Large BGE Gifted to me my Pit Barrel Smoker

01-25-2013, 03:46 PM	#11
Outnumbered is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-18-11 Location: Smithville, Missouri, United States Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	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
Toast Babbling Farker Join Date: 03-17-12 Location: Shreveport, LA Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Thanks for the tip! __________________ Cooking Equipment: Weber WSM Weber Spirit S-320 Charbroil Oilless Turkey Fryer Weber GA Wife LuzziAnn 1956 model. Maverick ET-732 Superfast LSU Purple Thermapen