Why won't my model V3420 complete the seal process?

It sounds like you are having some issues with your FoodSaver vacuum sealer. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Make sure that the FoodSaver is plugged in and turned on.
2. Check the sealing strip on the vacuum sealer to make sure it is clean and free of debris. A dirty or damaged sealing strip can prevent the vacuum sealer from working properly.
3. Check the vacuum bag to make sure it is properly positioned in the vacuum sealer. The bag should be inserted with the open end facing the sealing strip.
4. Make sure that the bag is not too full. Overfilling the bag can prevent the vacuum sealer from working properly.
5. If the problem persists, you may need to take the FoodSaver to a repair center for further diagnosis and repair.

Does it try to vacuum but never flattens the bag? Make sure the bag you are using is completely sealed on the opposite end. Otherwise, the seal on the sealer is probably allowing air to leak into the sealer. If it has a foam sealer, I've found it sometimes helps to run the foam sealer under water, squeeze out the excess water, reinsert the foam sealer (make sure it is seated all the way) and then try again to seal the bag.

Try making a seal with nothing liquid in bag, check seal on bag after. If seal looks good it could just be liquid getting on seal area causing it not to seal. There are tips online on how to help prevent this (example: placing rolled up paper towel sheet). If seal still looks bad than you may have a bad spot on the heat seal wire.

wow when I ran my food business I seemed the only one that could get this thing to seal right every night , Im gonna say it was because I wasn't in a big hurry , these machines work great but there not fast it takes sometimes 5/10 minutes to get a good seal on them , and you cant overload them either , when it comes to these less is more , makes for a easier time using them

allow the food to stop about two inches from top edge of bag , and wipe any loose food from the sealing surface (inside) as this will affect the seal as well

I've found with mine I have to hold down firmly on the top while unit is heating the bag to seal it. I continue to hold the lid down for about 10 seconds after heating stops until the seal cools. Hope this helps.

There is a heating element in your unit that seals the bags. Most of the units you cannot replace the heating element. The company is pretty good about warrantying the units. They go by the number on the plug to tell if the unit is still in warranty. Give them a call. 877-777-8042

The tape trick didn't work for me. Had to cut the wires. Works for now.
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On most models of vacuum sealing systems, you cut off the roll the size of bag you need. Slip one open end of the bag just on top of the heating element over it about 1/8-1/4" and press down the lid to seal the bottom of the bag. Fill the bag and then place the open end far enough into the vacuum cavity over the heating element and close the lid and press down and hold until the cycle finishes. If you don't want a vacuum, just put enough bag material to cover the heating element but not into the vacuum cavity. Hope this helps

This style of vacuum sealer has to use a special bag with a " dimpled " surface to let the air escape through the pinch jaws of the vacuum sealer.

The folowing web site has bags and rolls that can be cut ro make any size of bag you require. You can buy on line direct from the manufacturer as well as purchase more industrial vacuum packers

http://www.foodmc.co.uk/Category/113-textured-bags-for-external-bag-machines.aspx

Take apart and see if wires are connected That is what was wrong w/ mine. Soldered wire now works fine.