Lelit PL41, no pumping

[rodpinna73]

I've seen pumps labour badly if the expansion valve that regulates pressure from the pump stick. Without some flow the pump will go almost silent.

Hmmmm....I wonder. The pressure gauge on the front doesn't seem to be going quite as high as it used to.

[metho]

I've seen pumps labour badly if the expansion valve that regulates pressure from the pump stick. Without some flow the pump will go almost silent.

[rodpinna73]

So what is its modus operandi?
Red light when heating, and no pumping ability, then when hot, the red light goes off, green comes on, and then the pump will work?

Normally, the light behind the pressure gauge is always on. When it's heating, the heating light is on on. There is a seperate switch to turn the pump on, and another to select water from group or steam. The pump can be switched on at any point.

When it wasn't working, the pump was completely dead. No pump light and the light behind the pressure gauge first went dim, then after awhile went completely out. It was still heating, and that light was on.

It sounded electrical to me, which was why I was a little surprised it was just cleaned, but it does seem to be working.

Also thanks for the heads up on dimattina.

[artman]

Dimattina in Osborne Park is a sponsor


Cheers

[Jackster]

So what is its modus operandi?
Red light when heating, and no pumping ability, then when hot, the red light goes off, green comes on, and then the pump will work?

[rodpinna73]

Do you ever clean the machine?
We had a lelit just like this in recently, I’d say it’d never been cleaned probably the worst I’ve ever seen.
In short, if all the water paths are blocked with rancid coffee oils then yes a good clean and service will be all is needed.

Where did you get it serviced?

Caffetto backflush every few weeks. Descaling every few months with either citric acid or vinegar mix. Backflush never looked particularly black (actually usually comes out pretty white).

Generally 2x a day during the week, then probably six coffees over the weekend. Using the steam very rarely.

It's definitely had the screen and sealing ring replaced - the porta filter is tighter to lock into place.

What I found odd about the explanation, as noted by Jackster, was that I would have expected the pump to keep pumping if it was just blocked. I also can't see why the light behind the pressure dial would have gone out.

Bad connection somewhere?

Not a sponsor, so I won't name them. Are there any WA sponsors?

[Ronin]

No. It would still at least try to pump.
Hope the issue stays away. Sounds to me that your machine decided to work ok after a trip in the car.

Bad scale can stop the pump

[Ronin]

Do you ever clean the machine?
We had a lelit just like this in recently, I’d say it’d never been cleaned probably the worst I’ve ever seen.
In short, if all the water paths are blocked with rancid coffee oils then yes a good clean and service will be all is needed.

Where did you get it serviced?

[Jackster]

No. It would still at least try to pump.
Hope the issue stays away. Sounds to me that your machine decided to work ok after a trip in the car.

[rodpinna73]

Shower screen and sealing ring. Will scale build up stop the pump?

[level3ninja]

Does the receipt just say service or does it list parts replaced?

[rodpinna73]

Back to close this out. Had it looked at by a local mob. Apparently it just need a service. Unfortunately there want the tech there to talk to when I picked it up. A bit surprised that a need for service would make the pump cut out, bit there you go.

(If anyone has an explanation, I'd welcome it!)

Guess I need to up my cleaning routine.

[Yelta]

Thanks all. I had a quick look and I'm not even completely sure how to open it. I'm guessing it's the two security screws near the top inside the part where the tank goes.

Might be best if I leave it for a repairer, rather than try myself, of I can't even get into it

Probably a good plan of action.

[rodpinna73]

Thanks all. I had a quick look and I'm not even completely sure how to open it. I'm guessing it's the two security screws near the top inside the part where the tank goes.

Might be best if I leave it for a repairer, rather than try myself, of I can't even get into it

[artman]

If you’re not confident checking 240v wiring and frying yourself then best get it looked at. Otherwise you can check to see if the pump is getting power or where it stops. My guess is that it will be a simple fix.

Cheers