Rotary pump repairs?

[cdhjrf]

Hi Guys, a mate of mine just picked up a 1980s Rancilio L6 single group machine real cheap, but it looks like the rotary pump is not functioning properly probably due to wear and tear.
My question is are these pumps a serviceable item and if so where in Sydney should he go?
Or does he just source a new pump?

Any advice appreciated

Craig

[TC]

Buy a new pump....

[blend52]

... it looks like the rotary pump is not functioning properly probably due to wear and tear

It sounds like you are not certain what the problem is.
It could be very simple, why dont you pull the pump down and inspect it before you spring for a new one ?

[noidle22]

I did some research on this idea for an old Boema I have. Contact the pump manufacturer directly and you should be able to post it to them for a rebuild.
Most people found that this worked out a bit cheaper than just buying a new pump but for convenience and guaranteed future reliability, a new pump is also a good idea.

[cdhjrf]

Yep, just thinking of that.

[Mouldy]

It sounds like you are not certain what the problem is.
It could be very simple, why dont you pull the pump down and inspect it before you spring for a new one ?

Agreed. I just dismantled the rotary pump off a La Cimbali that wasn't working (power to motor but pump not functioning and start capacitor was ok). The machine had been sitting switched off and not used for 6 months and rotary pumps don't like that. Once I had removed it I was able to confirm that the shaft was difficult to turn (build up etc) and was able to use some espresso detergent and run water through without dismantling it by turning shaft by hand to pump the solution through. After this and some flushing it was perfectly fine.

[chokkidog]

Out of curiosity Mouldy, was the machine stored drained, or still full of water?

[Mouldy]

Out of curiosity Mouldy, was the machine stored drained, or still full of water?

The machine had been left with water in the boiler when I received it. I also had to clean and free up the pressure switch as it wasn't functioning properly either.

[sprezzatura]

I've resuscitated 5 Procon rotary vane pumps almost exactly like Mouldy has described. I use a solution of very hot filtered water out of a kettle and a tablespoon of citric acid. Rest the pump ten minutes in it and then (carefully) remove and snap a pair of Vise-grips on the shaft of the pump. Turn slowly and if there's a some resistance from scale build up dunk the pump again. Repeat until free turning. Flush well with fresh, hot water then dish detergent then hot water again. Remove pressure adjustment screw on the side (release lock ring first) and apply a small amount of food-grade silicon grease on 'o' ring - this is very important! If pump is still difficult to turn (when looking at pump shaft pointing at you: please turn anticlockwise or the pump's nylon vanes will not be happy) the bearing may be shot or there may be something non-dissolvable in the pump rotary chamber. Time for a new pump.