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Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

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  • Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

    11 months into owning my new VBM Super and theres a fair bit of scale forming. Have a look at the two pics below! Mind you these are just of the top chamber of the e61 group, who knows whats going on in the boiler and on the other components! All after just 11 months!

    This all came about when I lowered the OPV pressure a in June this year and noticed the brew pressure gauge needle bouncing a little when the pressure had ramped up during a shot. The bouncing has been getting a little worse so I got on the phone to Talk Coffee today and Chris suggested it might be scale on the spring of the OPV valve and to check the machine for scale...and I did tonight!

    I was using Brita filtered water up until June and since then have installed a water and scale guard filter from Bombora. Now I just need to descale the machine (maybe a few times :-( ). Will leave this till Sunday as Ive got a large gathering at our place this Saturday and am a little pressed for time, and need the machine...

    So anyone else opened up their VBM/machine and peered inside?

    What do others that have had such scale build up recommend to use to descale?

    Ive got some Cafetto descaler but am thinking of Bomboras triple action descaler as it dissolves the scale not just lift it off. Im a little concerned the Cafetto descaler will dislodge a large piece and itll get stuck somewhere, which is partly the reason I will attempt descale after our function!

    Be interested to hear comments.

    Javabeen busy.




  • #2
    Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!


    Id say thats pretty typical Javabeen.

    Coincidentally had a customer come in earlier this week with the same prob, sold him some of the Bombora triple action, and he came back to day just to say thanks because the gauge was back to normal.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

      If thats typical, then thats scary!

      Dennis, I will order up some of the triple action. Given my pics:
      1. How much will I need, is 100ml enough for my situation
      2. Any idea how many applications Im gonna need to do?
      3. How long I should let the triple action rest in the boiler, overnight perhaps as a minimum?

      Thanks,
      Javabeen.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

        JB I only sell the 250ml bottle that is good for about 5 normal uses @ $19.00.  From memory you can double-dose, though check the instructions.  A 100ml bottle will be plenty and the instructions are on the back of the labels.

        I suggest you knock off the bits of scale from components that have been removed, rinse, re-assemble, then follow the instructions given.  

        Overnight is probably overkill.  did I mention to follow the instructions?

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

          Another entry in the Brita jug doesnt do much to remove scale file...

          Might be worth pulling the boiler probe to ensure a complete fill Java.

          I can talk you through this if required.

          2mcm

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

            Additionally, there are step-by-step instructions on descaling the VBM DS HX machines on the 1st-line (usa) site at:
            http://www.1st-line.com/cofffact/vibiemme_descaling.htm
            - as well as the entire owners manual at:
            http://www.1st-line.com/machines/comm_mod/esprmach/vibiemme/Viebemme%20guide7a_press.pdf

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

              hey Javabeen

              You are not alone. I have had my VBM for about 8/9 months. I asked 2mcm about checking scale and also pulled out the top of the grouphead. I have got plenty of scale - but not quite as bad as yours.

              It is a project for when I am on leave : ) as it will probably be fairly involved.

              I also used the Brita religiously - which clearly does not work!

              B

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                All good stuff guys, thanks for the responses. Randy, I know of the excellent manual written as Ive had it since I got my VBM and will follow the procedure outlined.

                Forget using the Brita filter for scale prevention - it doesnt work so others should take note.

                Will post again once I descale and get some pics of the end result as well. Stay tuned.

                Javabeen

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                  Thanks for all the info on the Brita not working, I will head to Bombora pronto.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                    Originally posted by 444F584F4C4B4B402E0 link=1252582960/7#7 date=1252618852
                    All good stuff guys, thanks for the responses. Randy, I know of the excellent manual written as Ive had it since I got my VBM and will follow the procedure outlined.

                    Forget using the Brita filter for scale prevention - it doesnt work so others should take note.

                    Will post again once I descale and get some pics of the end result as well. Stay tuned.

                    Javabeen
                    For those who dont have the option of plumbing something in, Bombora do a flush kit http://www.clean-machine.com.au/product.php?productid=325&cat=8721&page=1

                    Add a filter like this http://www.clean-machine.com.au/product.php?productid=497&cat=8718&page=1 and you have a portable system which can be attached to a laundry tap or similar and will be good for 12 months. RRP is ~$160. and then a $90 filter per year.

                    In my case, I have braided inlet hoses to the kitchen taps. I just popped a filter into the line (good to 9 bar without a PLV) and all our cold water to the kitchen sink is filtered. Tastes good too!

                    Chris

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                      http://coffeeparts.com/accessories/water-filters-softners.html

                      i am running a SCL-10 from ominipure, same as these sold by coffeeparts (top of page) inline on my plumbed in machine

                      any opinion on the wording in the coffeeparts page

                      mine  Cparts jb201 (scl10) - scale inhibitor
                      ones below -  jb202s scale reduction

                      i am hoping for a reduction, but would still expect some over time.
                      was a very low cost option, and would be a simple way of setting an undersink water filter for a tank machine
                      3 way spliter off cold tap, inline tap, filter, couple of hoses.
                      then fill you jug under the sink?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                        Originally posted by 62697E696A6D6D66080 link=1252582960/7#7 date=1252618852
                        Randy, I know of the excellent manual written as Ive had it since I got my VBM and will follow the procedure outlined.[x]
                        very cool.. THANK YOU! nice to hear that all that hard work is appreciated and has been found useful!
                        Forget using the Brita filter for scale prevention - it doesnt work so others should take note.[x]
                        it depends on the water. I use about t
                        1.5 to 2 liters of Brita water to 9 liters of reverse osmosis water. After about a year I descaled and the cleaning solution came out just about exactly as it went in. I also check the mushroom occasionally to keep an eye on how things are going inside.

                        Also, check the The Insanely Long Water FAQ
                        http://www.big-rick.com/coffee/waterfaq.html

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                          Hello all,
                          Little unsure where to go after reading this, monday ill be picking up my GPP, and i have no water fitering arrangement at all, from reading on the bombora website, the triple action descaler isnt too badly priced, if i were to descale once a month, would that keep the scale at bay? or would it harm the machine, or not have the desired effect, I know i shouldnt be picky of this as it is expensive equipment we are trying to protect, but if i tell my other half we have to get water filtration after the 3k for this machine.........lets just say i may not post for a while , lol, I am situated in thornlands in brisbane....also anyone want to sell me one hardness testing strip? ill pay for it, just dont see the sence in getting 50 of em :-?

                          cheers in advance

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                            Originally posted by 5E5A7C6565607F6867090 link=1252582960/12#12 date=1252657646
                            Hello all,
                            Little unsure where to go after reading this, monday ill be picking up my GPP, and i have no water fitering arrangement at all, from reading on the bombora website, the triple action descaler isnt too badly priced, if i were to descale once a month, would that keep the scale at bay? or would it harm the machine, or not have the desired effect, I know i shouldnt be picky of this as it is expensive equipment we are trying to protect, but if i tell my other half we have to get water filtration after the 3k for this machine.........lets just say i may not post for a while , lol, I am situated in thornlands in brisbane....also anyone want to sell me one hardness testing strip? ill pay for it, just dont see the sence in getting 50 of em :-?

                            cheers in advance

                            Simple WSully- buy a good filter

                            Dont descale unless its required...

                            Acid + metal = :-?

                            2mcm

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Scale in my VBM Super - have a look, ouch!

                              but if i tell my other half we have to get water filtration after the 3k for this machine.........lets just say i may not post for a while  
                              did you not read this!, lol jokes mate, yeah ill have to start skimming some money!, she usually good with my spending but the 3k stung a bit!

                              thanks 2mcm

                              Comment

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