No I didn't realise that. Are you suggesting I shouldn't run descaler through the HX/groupheads while the machine is at full pressure and temperature? Should I be letting it cool a bit? None of the HX descale instructions I've seen (including the "How to descale a HX machine properly" sticky) mention anything about this.
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Faema Due - $100
Collapse
X
-
That's exactly what I'm saying. At full operating temperature when the water is injected into the HX it flash boils and turns to steam which then condenses back to water after exiting the HX. When the water flashes into steam anything in the water that has a boiling point above ~118C remains behind in the HX.Originally posted by greencardigan View PostNo I didn't realise that. Are you suggesting I shouldn't run descaler through the HX/groupheads while the machine is at full pressure and temperature?
Yup, the water needs to stay water rather than flashing into steam.Should I be letting it cool a bit?
Talk_Coffee's post only discusses descaling the boiler, not the HX side of things.None of the HX descale instructions I've seen (including the "How to descale a HX machine properly" sticky) mention anything about this.
Java "Heat what?" phileToys! I must have new toys!!!
- Flag
Comment
-
It may not hold true for some of the newer custom tuned machines (Chris/Talk_Coffee would have better info on this than I.) but it certainly holds for machines like the older La Cimbali's and by extension I would assume the Faema's as well.
Java "Hot what?" phileToys! I must have new toys!!!
- Flag
Comment
-
Prior to doing any major dismantling I've determined the condition of most critical parts.
- Pump and motor - seem to be running ok, although a bit noisy and not sure if it's providing enough pressure (haven't seen pressure gauge go above 3 bar).
- Control circuitry - seems fine. Auto fill, output relays and control buttons working. Flowmeter lights pulse when running water through groups.
- Boiler - no leaks and holds pressure.
- Boiler heating elements - Both elements working but very rusty contacts.
- Inlet water valves and Solenoid - Possible blockage in plumbing or stuck/leaking valve. Boiler getting filled whenever pump is on. Manual fill doesn't seem to work.
- 3-Way valves and Solenoids - Not really sure but seem ok so far.
- Pressure Gauge - Boiler pressure side OK, not sure about pump pressure side (haven't seen it go above 3 bar).
- Pressure Stat - OK currently turning on at about 1.1 bar and off at 1.4 bar.
- Steam outlets - One has a leaking valve but releases lots of steam! The second one seems to have a bit less pressure although it could be just larger holes on the tip.
- Hot water outlet - Low flow, valve or plumbing blocked.
- Water level sight tube - Looks cracked but isn't leaking.
- Flag
Comment
-
The descaled inlet valve seems to be working a bit better now. The boiler isn't filling like it was before when running water through the groups. The manual fill button is still a bit sticky though.
I've disconnected all the HX plumbing from group 1 and all the pipes were clear so possibly I have a blockage in the group itself.
I have the group removed from the machine but I'm not sure how to go about descaling it. Would a long soak in weak acetic acid damage the chrome finish on the group?
- Flag
Comment
-
I've got group 1 unblocked. I think the main blockage was in the small holes within the group that come to and from the 3-way valve. One was mostly blocked with scale and the other with coffee oils/gunk.
The two little seals that go on the base of the 3-way valve against the group are toast, so they'll be added to the list of minor parts required. The 3-way valve and solenoid seem to be working fine on this group as does the volumetric control.
Does the flow rate look ok now?
- Flag
Comment
-
Senior Member
- Dec 13
- 982
- Brisbane
- Bulk brew; Pour over; Double Ristretto; Oat Milk Cappuccino or Piccolo
- Send PM
That looks good: nice loud click of the coil engaging the nucleus in the solenoid. Quick termination of flow.
- Flag
Comment
-
Coffee Parts doesn't seem to list the old version of the steam valves that my machine has. Will I be able to find parts for the old valve locally? Or will I need to get the new valve unit as a complete unit?
Coffee Parts - Newer version
My machine seems to have this older version as shown on Espressoparts
- Flag
Comment



Comment