I too was very frustrated with foodsaver. I got a new foodsaver for Christmas and within two months is stopped vacuuming the air from the bags and jars. I was able to get a replacement out of them but that too now has the same problem. They told me they would not replace again and I could buy a new one because there was no way to repair. After much pushing they sent me a new set of foam gaskets but it did not help.
I could not believe that I should just though away this very expensive unit. I could still hear the pump working so I figured there was either a clog in the line or a problem with the diaphragm that makes the pump work. I was easily able to fix it and hope this helps any of you who have a the same problem.
On my unit I pulled the 4 rubber feet off the bottom to expose the screws that held the case on the bottom. (Make sure you unplug first). Inside there is a black box about 1 ½ inches big with 4 screws (this is the pump attached to the motor). Remove the 4 screws and pop the top off the box. (I had to slip a butter knife between the box and lid to get it off). Inside this box is a thin black rubber diaphragm. Mine had a bit of white stuff dried on it. I washed it off, dried it and put it back in the same position it was originally. I cleaned the inside of the box, lid and bottom before putting the diaphragm back and blew on the hose to make sure it was clear. Screwed it back to gether and it worked!
The whole thing took only 10 minutes and it is working fine. I presume that a bit of liquid from a bag or jar was sucked into the pump and the little bit of debris made it impossible for the pump to create a seal thus not moving air.
