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Faema Due - $100

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  • #31
    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.
    Last edited by greencardigan; 10 February 2016, 02:50 PM.

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    • #32
      Originally posted by greencardigan View Post
      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?
      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.

      Should I be letting it cool a bit?
      Yup, the water needs to stay water rather than flashing into steam.

      None of the HX descale instructions I've seen (including the "How to descale a HX machine properly" sticky) mention anything about this.
      Talk_Coffee's post only discusses descaling the boiler, not the HX side of things.


      Java "Heat what?" phile
      Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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      • #33
        Originally posted by Javaphile View Post
        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.
        Thanks. I've been reading about HXs but hadn't picked this up.

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        • #34
          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?" phile
          Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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          • #35
            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.

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            • #36
              Oh that's good that's everything is intact and in a semi workable state. Definitely worth pressing on and giving it a good birthday you think?

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              • #37
                Yep! Planning to keep on with it while looking around for a parts machine. I've had plenty of fun tinkering with it already.

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                • #38
                  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?

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                  • #39
                    Did you check the small pipes that go to/from the flow meter?

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                    • #40
                      Yep. I took the pipe from the inlet valve to the flow meter out and was able to blow through it. I also ran the pump with the flow meter to HX injector pipe disconnected and was getting water flow through the flow meter.

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                      • #41
                        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?

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                        • #42
                          That looks good: nice loud click of the coil engaging the nucleus in the solenoid. Quick termination of flow.

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                          • #43
                            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
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                            My machine seems to have this older version as shown on Espressoparts
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                            • #44
                              Originally posted by greencardigan View Post
                              Coffee Parts doesn't seem to list...
                              Pickup the phone and give them a call... they are super helpful and always look after CoffeeSnobs!

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                              • #45
                                Too right...

                                Coffee Parts have been super helpful to me over many years and I am very thankful for their support with several different machines.

                                Mal.

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