Originally posted by SunnyCoastDazza
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Yeah, scale will screw up the process and when you buy a used machine, you never know. Before becoming too concerned with brew pressure, I would disassemble the brew group and inspect and clean and replace parts as needed. Then using the blind filter do a descale of the brew group so it cleans out all the channels inside and pull off the rubber or silicone gasket and strainer and clean them and if there is a way to do the same with the boiler, I would.
Then you need to know if your pressure gauge is working correctly. So, using the blind filter like you would when descaling the brew group, turn on the pump and see where the needle goes and when the pump is off the needle should go to zero. Do this repeatedly and write down the results, like 10-12 times in order to check repeatability. If you believe the gauge is ok, then adjust the pressure to 8-9 bar, your choice. Do this by inserting the blind filter and turning on the pump and make your adjustment while the pump is running if you can, its just quicker. Again, check for repeatability. If you suspect your gauge is not right, replace it and then perform the procedure. You do not need more than 9 bar.
Once the machine is set and repeatable, your next and more major job is to calibrate the grind setting while trying to achieve a consistent tamping pressure.

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