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Hi all,
Sometime ago, I was pretty lucky to receive a free upgrade from my Oscar to an La Nuova Era Cuadra. I was given this from a mate 2nd hand. I was pretty stoked to get it for free and in relatively good nick, so I thought.
I'm having a hell of a time trying to work out issues with the group head. First of all, it does not heat up, unless I give it a flash. After that, it does nothing but dance and flash boil every flush, no matter how long it's been sitting between flushes. The only exception to this is if I refill the reservoir with cold filtered water(not ideal but gives a great shot). Brew pressure sits at 1 bar once properly heated. I'm also inclined to think my OPV is cactus as it pops and gargles when on and especially heating up. The brew pressure drops to around .7 Bar when brewing (is this normal?) Could the OPV be causing my problems?
When I've finally looked inside, I've noticed significant calcification around the boiler. Can only assume how bad it is on the inside. I was led to believe it was backflushed reguarly but not sure how often it's been descaled if ever. Pics attached.
So in wondering a couple of things.
1. Is this machine with fixing?
2. What is the likely problem with the head?
3. What would you expect a tech to fix and how much?
Ive just invested in a new grinder so hopefully I can get away without needing a new machine too for another few years.
I also forgot to mention that the head burps and splatters steam when the lever is in the middle position. Might be worth mentioning.
Sometime ago, I was pretty lucky to receive a free upgrade from my Oscar to an La Nuova Era Cuadra. I was given this from a mate 2nd hand. I was pretty stoked to get it for free and in relatively good nick, so I thought.
I'm having a hell of a time trying to work out issues with the group head. First of all, it does not heat up, unless I give it a flash. After that, it does nothing but dance and flash boil every flush, no matter how long it's been sitting between flushes. The only exception to this is if I refill the reservoir with cold filtered water(not ideal but gives a great shot). Brew pressure sits at 1 bar once properly heated. I'm also inclined to think my OPV is cactus as it pops and gargles when on and especially heating up. The brew pressure drops to around .7 Bar when brewing (is this normal?) Could the OPV be causing my problems?
When I've finally looked inside, I've noticed significant calcification around the boiler. Can only assume how bad it is on the inside. I was led to believe it was backflushed reguarly but not sure how often it's been descaled if ever. Pics attached.
So in wondering a couple of things.
1. Is this machine with fixing?
2. What is the likely problem with the head?
3. What would you expect a tech to fix and how much?
Ive just invested in a new grinder so hopefully I can get away without needing a new machine too for another few years.
I also forgot to mention that the head burps and splatters steam when the lever is in the middle position. Might be worth mentioning.
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