Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
For Jim Tigernuts & Speedbump & others seeking an unpressurised basket, I found that the Breville Bar Italias basket fit the 4800s portafilter very snugly. I bought another portafilter and removed the plastic bits to use it with. Oh, it only cost me about $12 in Perth.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
My old Em4800 had the same sort of problems and Pulled the whole system apart and split the Thermo block etc just to look... It was 18months old... So what did it matter... I found scale in the switching valve at the front... and after a clean and rebulid, it worked for another 18 months before I went to an EM3600 (yep sort of went backwards) as it was cheep and offered some improvements over the EM4800. Needless to say the bug had bit and now a Em6910... Just waiting for the next model up to be released... No Autos for me.Originally posted by Stoney link=1212802805/0#18 date=1222736984We had a similar problem on the final leg of the descaling with our works fully automatic Delonghi Magnifica, it slowed to a trickle then stopped. the thing then sat on a shelf for a year and was going to be sold on ebay as a not working unit .. at this point I thought what the hell and ripped it to bits to have a good look.
Turned out to have a bit of crud (loosened scale) in the 3 way solenoid after the primary boiler. Cleaned this with a pin and put the machine back together, it worked fine for about 5 minutes, then the same happened, same valve was blocked .. so out with the primary boiler which is a mongrel and after dismantling it was FULL of scale .. spent 20 minutes with a pot scourer and tartaric acid .. reassemble and the machine is back working, better than ever for the last few months.
Instead of writing off the sunbeam .. get a screwdriver or 2, what have you got to lose ... I would suggest pulling it to bits on an outdoors table though, you do tend to get water squirting everywhere..
I might post some pics if anyone is interested. I took a few snaps to show the guys at work.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
We had a similar problem on the final leg of the descaling with our works fully automatic Delonghi Magnifica, it slowed to a trickle then stopped. the thing then sat on a shelf for a year and was going to be sold on ebay as a not working unit .. at this point I thought what the hell and ripped it to bits to have a good look.
Turned out to have a bit of crud (loosened scale) in the 3 way solenoid after the primary boiler. Cleaned this with a pin and put the machine back together, it worked fine for about 5 minutes, then the same happened, same valve was blocked .. so out with the primary boiler which is a mongrel and after dismantling it was FULL of scale .. spent 20 minutes with a pot scourer and tartaric acid .. reassemble and the machine is back working, better than ever for the last few months.
Instead of writing off the sunbeam .. get a screwdriver or 2, what have you got to lose ... I would suggest pulling it to bits on an outdoors table though, you do tend to get water squirting everywhere..
I might post some pics if anyone is interested. I took a few snaps to show the guys at work.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Originally posted by SpeedBump link=1212802805/0#16 date=1214132107What!!?? Mine is only 18 months old!! Man - this is getting weird!! So they originally say Important - Dont use vinegar, and then later manuals decide its OK??
Maybe they think they will sell more machines that way :
I wouldnt use vinegar in any coffee machine.... as you dont know what else is in it (or even what strength it is!).... and in a thermoblock you have very fine tubes..... doesnt take much to block em Im afraid.
The correct chemicals are best, but tartaric and citric acid should both be fine (when used at the correct concentrations)
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
What!!?? Mine is only 18 months old!! Man - this is getting weird!! So they originally say Important - Dont use vinegar, and then later manuals decide its OK??
Definitely gunna try for an EM6910 now!!
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Yeah, they prob realised and changed the manual. (My machine is about 3.5 years old... is yours older?)
Ring them and see if theyll replace it with an EM6910.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Well, isnt that interesting! Sounds like others have had problems and theyve realised the vinegar is the culprit! Bit late for me to find out though. I tried the Sunbeam product a few times (including an extra-strength mixture), but the machine is still stuffed. Time for a new one, unfortunately.Originally posted by VC link=1212802805/0#13 date=1214120032Speedbump, its interesting to read that you used vinegar. I have a 4800 as well and my manual actually says (as an alternative to the Sunbeam Liquid Descaler) to use "2 dessertspoons of tartaric acid (creme of tartar) or citric acid in half a litre of lukewarm water." ...and goes on to say, "Important: Do not use vinegar."! (See page 17).
Strange that our two manuals would say explicitly contrary things?
For what its worth, Ive always used the tartaric acid and its worked okay for me.
Perhaps try the Sunbeam product or the tartaric acid solution?
Though I might just try ringing Sunbeam, explaining the problem, and pointing out theyre obviously aware theres an issue cause theyve changed the manual. Its not still under warranty, but theres a good chance it IS stuffed cause I followed their instructions. So, who knows......?
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Speedbump, its interesting to read that you used vinegar. I have a 4800 as well and my manual actually says (as an alternative to the Sunbeam Liquid Descaler) to use "2 dessertspoons of tartaric acid (creme of tartar) or citric acid in half a litre of lukewarm water." ...and goes on to say, "Important: Do not use vinegar."! (See page 17).
Strange that our two manuals would say explicitly contrary things?
For what its worth, Ive always used the tartaric acid and its worked okay for me.
Perhaps try the Sunbeam product or the tartaric acid solution?
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
A quick update on the hassles I was having with my machine after running my regular descaling process as per the 1st post.
Unfortunately, I think Ive wounded my poor machine. Last night I did the entire descaling process twice - using descaling liquid this time instead of vinegar. Alas, no improvement to the running of the machine.
It seems to either still be clogged slightly or has somehow lost pressure. The water seems to struggle to get through - even without the filter basket on. Ive had to wind up the coarseness of the ground coffee just to get some liquid through, and even then its obviously a struggle. And my shot no longer has any crema.
The steam wand seems to be operating at a lower pressure, too.
Oh what have I done!!??

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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
No worries I ordered mine from a local a month ago and I am still waiting. :-/ I am considering looking further afield as others dont seem to take that long to get them. >
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Woooh!! Just rang Sparkys Electrical here in Brissy. Krups brewhead seal $7.95, Krups double basket $39.05!! A lot more than the approx $20 total mentioned in that other thread!Originally posted by SpeedBump link=1212802805/0#6 date=1212833436And thanks for the link to that other thread, Stan. Im also going to invest in the Krups filter basket and seal.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Thanks for all the advice, guys! And yes, KK, I follow the descaling instructions in the manual religiously, and in the past Ive been using the vinegar solution they suggest.
But thats now going on the fish n chips, and Ill be investing in some of the Clean Machine Triple Action Formula descaling liquid (ohh - sounds impressive!!) from one of the sponsors, and continue to clean and descale by the book!
And hopefully all my problems will dissolve away......
Thanks again!!
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Ahh,Originally posted by Koffee Kosmo link=1212802805/0#7 date=1212851648The blind filter will clean the brew head on a regular maintanance prgram
This only works for machines with a 3-Way Valve such as a Silvia for example KK and Im not sure that the SB EM4800 is such a machine. Better to stick with manufacturers procedure unless it specifically states that this machine has a 3-Way Valve. Would still be a good idea to use the product sold by our Site Sponsor "Bombora" rather than vinegar though. Im pretty sure several of our sponsors are able to get or stock the Bombora product and will be only too happy to walk you through a good maintenance programme....
Cheers,
Mal.
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Have you completed the service as per the Owners Manual
Descaling from pages 17 to 20
You may need to do the service again but with the chemical
The blind filter will clean the brew head on a regular maintanance prgram
Ask for a demo when you pick up some descaler chemical
KK
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Re: Sunbeam EM4800 problem (I think)
Im about to get myself some proper descaling product and will be ditching the vinegar, but now Ive got 2 more questions: I follow instructions very closely, and the instructions with the EM4800 seem quite precise and foolproof and talk about running the liquid through the machine a number of times, and at one point switching the machine off for about 15 mins whilst the descaling liquid is in the machine so that the liquid can do its job. How and when exactly would I use the solid filter basket in this process?Originally posted by Koffee Kosmo link=1212802805/0#2 date=1212805694As above
Available in powder or tablet form
use it in conjunction with your solid / blind filter basket
In this case you may need to clean a couple of times to get the water flowing again
KK
And whilst Im changing my evil ways, whats a good regular cleaning and descaling regime to follow?
And thanks for the link to that other thread, Stan. Im also going to invest in the Krups filter basket and seal.
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