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Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

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  • Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

    Hi All, I have an Expobar Minore 3 - which is just over a 1yr old.

    Fantastic machine but just this week, it has stopped producing steam. IT still pumps hot water through the tap and brews espresso just fine, but cant seem to produce steam at more than a trickle.

    Pressure build up to 1-1.5, which I think is normal, but no steam

    Taking it into the shop next week but does anybody have any ideas what may be wrong? Hopefully nothing too serious, it is only just out of warranty!!!!!

  • #2
    Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

    stick a straightened out paper clip into the holes in the steam nozzle and try again. The nozzle may be blocked with milk scum.

    If you are more adventurous and or the above doesnt work, unscrew the nozzle and blow steam out of the unrestricted pipe and see how much steam comes out that way. Look into the removed nozzle from the delivery side and see what scum if any has accumulated.

    If the delivery is still restricted, milk could have made its way into the steam tap and blocked that up.

    Is it giving a false pressure reading at first start up (ie the steam dies immediately you open the tap) but then it builds up and is fine after the first symptom, or is it happening all the time?

    Its hard making diagnoses from the relative blindness of a key board and if I could fix the thing remotely from here I could make a squillion



    Regardz,
    Attilio.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

      Hi Attilio

      I did take the nozzle off last night and it seemed unblocked.

      I tried letting steam straight through the wand and it was still restricted.

      It does seem to be happening all the time. That said yesterday it was low, then after a little while it seemed fine. BUt know it never seems to get pressure.

      Thanks for your input

      Glyn

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      • #4
        Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

        Having never owned one, but going back to basics...

        Hot water and Pressure all OK, Steam tip not blocked... What is left ?

        Crap or  stuff in the Steam Valve / Needle / Seat

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        • #5
          Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

          Yeah, perhaps up in the steam wand? I might try and have a look up ...

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

            I am trying to find directions to removing the steam wand itself. Is this possible? ie Easy?

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

              If its difficult to see up you might take it off at the ball joint connection and see if you can blow air through or run hot water through it.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                Is it just a matter of using a spanner near where it joins the tap?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                  Perhaps you could try increasing the steam pressure to 2.5 and see if this is enough to clear out any possible blockage.
                  If you need a pic of where the steam pressure adjustment is located let me know.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                    Originally posted by 0E0C1706630 link=1296207584/7#7 date=1296291137
                    Is it just a matter of using a spanner near where it joins the tap?
                    Yes.

                    I changed my original steam arm for the cool touch one.
                    It was easy.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                      Thanks all for your help, CJT10 - a picture would be grand.

                      I have managed to improve the flow by poking a pipe cleaner up the steam wand but concerned I may push the blockage further up into the machine ...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                        Reading up on changing the steam pressure and I am a bit hesitant to. The machine is only a few weeks out of warranty and if there is something that may fall under a "generous" warranty I dont really want to risk it ...

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                          Good idea.
                          You might be covered by the "Statutory Warranty".

                          However if its just gunk youve allowed to build up inside the steam wand thats user error.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                            Gents,

                            The key issue here is not statutory warranty, but why the change- if in fact a change has been noticed. The Minore III is not a steam train and this is due to narrow valving. You get that when you choose the machine.

                            If the machine comes to pressure normally, which it is, and the steam pressure has changed, there must be a partial blockage somewhere. The most likely cause is milk debris within the teflon tube inside the steam wand due to poor hygiene. Believe me, it happens more than youd think.  :

                            The only other likely place for an issue is degradation of the sealing area within the valve. O-rings and grommets are commonly used and if not treated well, these can be damaged and causing blockage. Wear is not a warranty issue.

                            Best bet is to remove the wand completely with the machine cold. It requires nothing more than an appropriately sized spanner and no rocket science is required. If you wish, then check the valve performance at pressure.

                            Chris

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                            • #15
                              Re: Expobar Minore 3 - low steam pressure

                              That sounds like it should do the trick, I will get that wand off and see what I can blow out.

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