Hello snobs. Not sure if this is the forum but I’ve got an issue with the vib pump on my Giotto and would love anyone’s advice. It’s early 2000’s model and I’m 3rd owner, not sure whether pump has been replaced. YouTube link below to give an idea of what’s going on : https://youtube.com/shorts/qAcBFbGSI-k?feature=share Basically the pump starts up as normal, then as soon as it needs to drive some pressure it slowly fades in volume and no longer works. Video showing using blind filter for effect but same thing happens with coffee grounds. Anyone experienced this before? Is it time for a new vibration pump ? Is this a simple replacement or better to take to the shop? Many thanks Sam
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Help pls- Rocket Giotto pump issue
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Sam I dont think thats a Rocket Giotto. But an (original) Italian ECM Giotto. Note not the current German ECM brand.
Anything up to a 2006 I'd guestimate.
That video show nothing other than it may have a blind basket in it, Or the grind setting if there is ground coffee in a basket, was way to fine and 'locked' up the machine.
Or the brew pathh is blocked - maybe the Gicleur is blocked etc.
If yours is doing the same as you say -
Does it flow water out of the grouphead / shower screen with no handle in?
If so loosen (coarser) the grind setting a step at a time till you get some flow.
Also be consistent with you dose weight and dont overdose the basket.
When was the last time it was serviced?
Pls Report back you findings.Last edited by EspressoAdventurer; 24 September 2021, 05:23 PM.
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Could be a Giotto Classic. The ECM Giotto usually has a semicircular gauge.
Anyway, difficult to analyse any fault from your video. Ideally, we need to see what it looks and sounds like when pouring a normal shot. Given its age, getting it professionally serviced annyway is not a bad idea
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Yes Im hearing you Flynn. True regarding the gauge.
I dont recall seeing a Rocket with the Wire type drain tray....but maybe early models in the ECM to Rocket handover.
They offending machine (video) also has late model chrome caps over the water / steam knobs !!
Maybe a Freudenstein?
Anyway the video showed the machine releasing water pressure via the drain/exhaust valve.
So appears the pump and brew group are building / holding pressure,
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When Rocket took over the Giotto, I think a few Classic and Premium machines were built under the Rocket brand before it released the Premium Plus in 2008.
Yes, the pump and 3-way valve clearly work and it is usual for the pump to sound different when under load. It could be ok but I wouldn't give it a pass mark on the basis of the video. Not saying there is or isn't anything wrong, just need to se a shot prepared and poured.
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First crack or nothing
- Nov 13
- 3441
- Sydney (West)
- Filter or long black: clean with crisp acidity
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Thanks guys! Not sure on the rocket v ECM but will make a closer inspection to see if there are any other serial numbers or indications on back/inside. Could well be ECM just recall the last person sold as a rocket. I’ll try again tomorrow and if happening will video with a coffee puck. For reference the change is where you hear an audible pump sound followed with silence. Normally pump starts out as it does in video then goes up in pitch as pressure builds. This silence thing has happened sporadically for the last month or so (maybe once a week) then operates as normal after knocking out the puck and pulling another shot. Today was the first time it consistently when silent, lost pressure and shot wouldn’t flow even with courser grinds; tried backing off to a courser grind a step at a time up to 3 steps (using a sette 270i). I tried about 4x shots of coffee before I switched over to an aeropress. Anyway let’s see what tomorrow brings, thanks again for jumping in with your 2c.
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Good question Ninja. Not sure whether it has an opv. I’ll have a look tomorrow. but you comment on a stalling pump is a good description. When pulling a shot it seems like it looses mojo just as its about to flow. Also so you know I am using the same coffee I’ve been using all week, same grind setting and it has been delivering 40grams in 30 seconds with a 20g dose so it’s weird to now completely choke. Will report tomorrow.Originally posted by level3ninja View PostDo these have an OPV? Sounds like a stalling pump to me, the question is why.
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Coffee changing its flow characteristics yes you may feel its weird but in fact its not.
Increase in temp / humidity can effect the flow rate therefore grind setting.
First check the unrestricted flow thru the G/H without the handle.As stated prev.
Rocket Spec is 6-8ml/sec. Assume ECM the same. so 60-80ml in 10sec.
Yes these run an OPV routed internally back around into the water feed line.
To check when in operation you need to remove side panels.
Now with the further info you posted, yes could be a failing pump - when under pressure flow is decreasing.
Or Id check for scale buildup first. From water inlet right thru to the Group.
Water supply inlet side could be restricted. Same for outlet side after HX.
The reason you need to Id whether its ECM or Rocket is that when Rocket took over control they redesigned / upgrade
the wiring / electrics including the control box and pressurestat (on some models).
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Yeah, I think the pump is on its way. It’s back to working normally again without any issues. The flow rate was 70 mil per 10 seconds so that seems fine. I’ll see how it goes for the next week. If it keeps playing up will take it for a service and a new pump. Thanks for everyone’s input. Cheers!
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