• For Maxvac 500& 1000 sealers unscrew one side of the base Teflon tape with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull back tape and inspect for breaks or burns. Replace the element and tapes above AND BELOW the element. For the MaxVac 250 unscrew the complete element bar assembly from the bottom side of the unit to replace. The SureSeal bar is in the lid of the vacuum chamber and has two screws to remove to replace it.

• Test the microswitch buttons located behind the base oval foam on the MaxVac 500 &1000 by flicking them 10-12 times and testing manual seal again. If you have a MaxVac 1000 that has a manual vacuum that is also not functioning (dead button) then it is most likely the micro switch buttons. If this does not correct the issue, please call 877-536-7763 to discuss options with an LEM Product Tech Representative.

• If you have a MaxVac250 inspect the microswitch actuator tab in the lower left corner of the bottom face of the vacuum lid. If it is cracked or broken, please call 877-536-7763 to discuss options with an LEM Product Tech Representative.

1. There are three tapes total in the unit as well as the heating element. The tape that is connected to the black lid and has a white foam under it. One tape over the element and one UNDER the element.

2. Open lid and unscrew both ends of the Teflon tape that covers the heating element.

3.Unscrew the two screws in the metal heating elements eyelets to remove heating element. If you have an older 1088 the eyelets might just be slung over the male spring bracket electrical connector.

4. It is highly advised that anytime you change the element you change both tapes that the element touches. The “Base” tape, which is the wider of the two types of tapes, is the one that goes over the heating element, which was removed in step (2). The other is the “top lid/under element” tape that is narrower and is underneath the element which the element lays on. This narrower tape is also the same tape that is across the black lid.

5. To remove the tape beneath the element on the ends of the heating bar base (where the spring bracket electrical connectors are) the tape is just folded over the sides. You may need a flat head screw driver to get the tape ends started to peel off.

6. Once removed you can start to unroll the narrower tape and apply it to the heating element base. You will want to pull it taught as you apply it and rub any creases out with your thumb as you go. Each end should be folded over the side like the original tape. You want to make sure the extra tape that is folded over is equal length on each side. If one side is shorter the element might contact the plastic base directly and damage the machine during use.

7. Once the tape under the element is in place you can place the new element in the machine. Screw the first eyelet into one of the sides. Since these electrical connectors are spring loaded to keep the heating element taught when installed you will pull the first side towards the center of the unit, as well as using a small flat head screwdriver to bend the second side towards the center to give yourself enough clearance for the second screw.

8. Next apply the wider “base” tape over the element making sure each end covers each screw hole equally. It is very important to make sure this tape is pulled tight as you apply it to not create any creases in the tape. These creases will create gaps in the bags’ seal which leads to vacuum failure in the bag.

9. If you are changing the lid’s tape you can do so now with the same premise as step 8. If you have an older 1088 the lid tape is applied directly to the white silicon foam that is installed in the lid. You may need to take the whole foam out to access the edges of the tape. Replace this tape as you do the other ones to avoid creases.

10. You may test out a bag to see if it is sealed properly.

External Sealers like the MaxVac 250 or 500 do cannot vacuum liquids and moisture vacuumed past the heat bar can weaking the seal resulting in failed bags. It is recommended that moisture rich items be prefrozen and/or used with absorbent pads so that the seal on the bag is not compromised. Customers looking to seal soups with an external sealer are advised to freeze the liquids in the bag first then vacuum seal.

Chamber Sealers like out MaxVac Pro (1745) and MaxVac Pro+ (1380) can handle vacuum sealing liquids because the chamber does not create a pressure differential like external sealers do.