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Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

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  • Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

    Hi

    Normally when I turn my machine on I hear the boiler boiling for few minutes and then I hear a small bit of steam being released and then the pressure gauge quickly rises to about 1 bar.

    The last couple of times I have turned the machine on the pressure gauge has quickly risen straight away to 1 bar (no delay for a few minutes and no short sound of steam being released). However, when I turn on the steam wand their is no steam there and the boiler pressure drops to zero so the gauge is showing a false reading.

    The salesperson where I bought the machine said something about a sticky valve causing the problem which can be overcome by turning on the steam wand a couple of times while the machine is heating up. This fixes the problem and it works fine after that. Does anyone know what valve might be causing the problem and how I can fix it. Presumably it needs a clean.

    Any advice would be appreciated.


  • #2
    Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

    The anti-vacuum valve. If its in the same place as in the larger Cimbalis its usually found sitting atop the fill gauge sight glass. Remove it, clean it, and replace the o-ring and washer and all should be well again.


    Java "Been there done that!" phile
    Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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    • #3
      Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

      Thanks Javaphile

      Ill check it out The Junior/M21 one I have is a Oct 2008 version which probably doesnt have a fill glass but Im sure the anti-vacum valve should be similar. A friend has the same machine and he also has the same issue so it seems it must be a design issue.. It just happens sometimes. If the machine is less than a year old do you think the oring and washer will need replacing or will it just need a clean? It sounds like its something I will have to do on a regular basis.

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      • #4
        Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

        I have had the exact same problem with my machine but it is about 6 years old. I pulled out the valve last night (it was stuck up) and there appeared nothing wrong with the seal. Put it back together and this morning heated up as per normal. My La Cimbali Junior is the tank version and the anti vacuum valve is located on top of the boiler. 19mm socket and it screws off. Take the circlip off and inspect the o-ring and sealing surface. 10 minute job!

        All the best

        Alistair

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        • #5
          Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

          Hi Alistair

          Thats the same machine as mine. I am extremely happy with it and its makes great espressos!! Did you put any gasket/washer lubricant on the oring or just clean it and put it back?

          Thanks

          Graham

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          • #6
            Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

            Hi Graham,

            Yes I too am very happy with the Cimbali! I bought mine second-hand sight unseen - bit of a a gamble but worked out awesome. Apart from being quite dirty it was as new condition.

            I didnt put anything on the o-ring - I dont think you would want to as I would think that would encourage it to stick. The valve moves up and down controlled by the pressure in the boiler. The o-ring looked like a very standard size - you would find one in any hardware store or car spare parts I would think. There is a white plastic seal around the bottom of the valve body (evident when you screw it out)- mine was still fine so I just reused it.

            Alistair

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            • #7
              Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

              Thanks Alistair

              While I have had an espresso machine for a few years now, I have only had the LC Junior for several months and it was a big step up from the previous $300 machine I had, so I am still learning how to get the best out of the machine. Im learning new things every day and am getting to appreciate the quality and output of the machine the more I use it.

              Graham

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              • #8
                Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

                I replace the o-ring and washer on the anti-vac valve as part of my annual maintenance routine along with the grouphead seals.

                If the valve is sticking sometimes all it needs is a tap on the post that protrudes through the top of the valve to free it up.


                Java "Everyone needs a good tap every once in a while!" phile
                Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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                • #9
                  Re: Cimbali Junior False Pressure Reading

                  Thanks Javaphile

                  Another job added to my annual maintenance list!! In between annual maintenance I will try out the "tapping" option as suggested.

                  Graham

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