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  • Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

    Hi,

    Ive been using my Rancilio Rocky for about 9 months and its started to make some weird noises and vibrations when I turn it on. Its hard to explain so I created a quick video here:

    https://<br /> http://members.iinet....20Problems.wmv

    At first I thought it was a rock or something in it... no luck. Ive checked the burrs and there is nothing obvious. Ive changed the power point to ensure its not a dud power socket. Ive ensured the grinder is flat/stable on the desk. The noise happens regardless of whether there are beans in it or not. Ive given the grinder a little shake to see if there is anything loose in it, ive given it a thorough clean - no luck with any of the above.

    Its hard to see in the video but the vibration is quite intense, like there is something in it or the motor is turning on/off quickly. It even makes it jump/move on the table.

    Any ideas?
    Cheers,
    Gotrec



  • #2
    Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

    Originally posted by 012932342325460 link=1234006135/0#0 date=1234006135
    Hi,

    Ive been using my Rancilio Rocky for about 9 months and its started to make some weird noises and vibrations when I turn it on. Its hard to explain so I created a quick video here:

    https://<br /> http://members.iinet....20Problems.wmv

    At first I thought it was a rock or something in it... no luck. Ive checked the burrs and there is nothing obvious. Ive changed the power point to ensure its not a dud power socket. Ive ensured the grinder is flat/stable on the desk. The noise happens regardless of whether there are beans in it or not. Ive given the grinder a little shake to see if there is anything loose in it, ive given it a thorough clean - no luck with any of the above.

    Its hard to see in the video but the vibration is quite intense, like there is something in it or the motor is turning on/off quickly. It even makes it jump/move on the table.

    Any ideas?
    Cheers,
    Gotrec


    Interesting... Almost sounds like a gear box or  something...  Sounds exackly like a stone that I had in mine...

    However the manual gives nothing away...

    1: There is a cct breaker involved and the older type can make quite a racket... and as it would be cutting in and out would cause all sorts of torque and thus possible movement ???

    2: The Start Cap could be on teh way out...  Causing problems.. Not likely...

    3: Its an induction system... No brushes etc  So unless there is some strange things happening with the windings etc..... Un likley..

    Thus my first guess... Not being able to work on it myself.... Item 1, would be my first check... In addition if it runs ok sometimes and during a run makes the odd noise Vs only on start, then that is also tends to suggest the cap is ok. The cct should be cheep and easy and to replace...

    If you got it new...  I would be returning for a warranty check..

    Once again... This is an electrical component that may not be meant for user replacement...

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

      I would look into warranty repair. Sounds like a bad connection or a bad start cap because it sounds like it is trying to start up over and over. Could be a bad connection somewhere, but it definitely does not sound good. You could try rotating the lower burr manually (with the grinder DISCONNECTED!) to feel the bearings, but that is a last hope guess.

      Nice video and good sound, BTW.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

        Cheers guys,

        I took it back to the place of purchase already but, for some unknown reason, it decided to behave itself and I couldnt reproduce the symptoms - hence the video this time. It makes sense re the start cap or wiring as it does appear to continuously try to start.

        Ive now sent the vendors the video so I will wait and see, but at least I now have an idea of where to look.

        Again,
        Thanks for the help, I will post the outcome.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

          Looking at your video it appears to me that you were turning the hopper to adjust the grind whilst the machine was running. If that is the case, that is definite NO NO for this machine. If you have been doing that since new then probably there is something broke with the grinder plates seating.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

            Originally posted by 150E0B0E50610 link=1234006135/4#4 date=1234053265
            Looking at your video it appears to me that you were turning the hopper to adjust the grind whilst the machine was running. If that is the case, that is definite NO NO for this machine. If you have been doing that since new then probably there is something broke with the grinder plates seating.
            WHAT!??? :-?

            Quite the opposite is true. For any grinder, the grind adjustment should only be done while the grinder is running. Some grinders specifically state that adjusting the grinder when not running will void the warranty.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

              Originally posted by 043738322F091178560 link=1234006135/5#5 date=1234058779
              WHAT!??? Huh

              Quite the opposite is true. For any grinder, the grind adjustment should only be done while the grinder is running. Some grinders specifically state that adjusting the grinder when not running will void the warranty.
              Yep, I was going to say the same..... that is until I downloaded the Rocky manual and had a read.....

              And UNBELIEVABLY they say NOT to adjust it whilst running

              Makes no sense to me.... and must be the ONLY grinder where they say that..... but that is what they say.

              I cant believe that less damage is done if adjusted when off.... all those bean fragments getting compressed between the burrs cant be good!

              Just like drilling a hole with an electric drill - with the power off!!! : :

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                Originally posted by 586B646E73554D240A0 link=1234006135/5#5 date=1234058779
                WHAT!??? [ch65533] :-?

                Quite the opposite is true. For any grinder, the grind adjustment should only be done while the grinder is running. Some grinders specifically state that adjusting the grinder when not running will void the warranty.

                Nonsense.

                Unless you know more than the Rocky manufacturer. I assume you do not have one of these grinders otherwise you would see on page 31 of the Manual:

                "Never press grinding adjustment stop button (4) when the machine is operating."

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                  Originally posted by 475C595C02330 link=1234006135/7#7 date=1234063095
                  Originally posted by 586B646E73554D240A0 link=1234006135/5#5 date=1234058779
                  WHAT!??? [ch65533] :-?

                  Quite the opposite is true. For any grinder, the grind adjustment should only be done while the grinder is running. Some grinders specifically state that adjusting the grinder when not running will void the warranty.

                  Nonsense.

                  Unless you know more than the Rocky manufacturer. I assume you do not have one of these grinders otherwise you would see on page 31 of the Manual:

                  "Never press grinding adjustment stop button (4) when the machine is operating."
                  A reminder that we play nice here. An opinion is welcome, however personal criticism is not. &gt;

                  Might be worth noting that Rancilio also dont recommend that their Silvia be backflushed. Fortunately, most here know better.

                  I concur with Randy on this one- regardless of what the manual says. It saves jamming the grinder and is precisely the reason why the Rocky has a self-tapper installed to prevent burr damage.

                  2mcm

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                    Hey tojo1,

                    Ive read the manual, and about a zillion forum/user groups. The manual is the only documentation I have found that states to change the grind settings while the machine is off. Everything else warns to only change the grind setting while it is running. Some sites will even go as far as to void your warranty if you do change the settings while the machine is off.
                    https://<br /> http://www.1st-line.c...ilio/rocky.htm

                    Please note as with all coffee grinders, it is very important to only change grind settings on Rocky coffee grinders when the unit is powered on and the burrs are in motion. If you do not do this, the burrs will gunk up and require cleaning by you every time this occurs. Changing the grind settings when the burrs are not in motion will render the grinder to only produce very coarse grinds or no grinds at all. If this result occurs, this will be considered operator error for lack of following directions, and will not be classified as a defective grinder - meaning this is not covered under warranty.

                    It seems a little weird that the manual says to not do it, but its not entirely surprising as the manual (like the Silvia manual) is largely useless to actually using the machine. Even the videos on the Rancilio website are hopeless.

                    Anyway, im sure its not this that has caused the noise/vibration, but cheers for the feedback, its bought up another good point.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                      Originally posted by 716A6F6A34050 link=1234006135/7#7 date=1234063095

                      Unless you know more than the Rocky manufacturer. I assume you do not have one of these grinders otherwise you would see on page 31 of the Manual:

                      "Never press grinding adjustment stop button (4) when the machine is operating."
                      I probably do not know more than Rancilio, yet I have more faith in the average consumer than Rancilio demonstrates. Lets remember that this is the same company that tells consumers that they should not backflush the Silvia espresso machine, which is also nonsense, and I have told them so to their face. (well, to the US representative anyway).  And if you dont believe that, I have the proof on my website wh9ich shows why backflushing is necessary, and that article has been gone over and approved by one of Australias most respected espresso machine repairmen.

                      In regards to the Rocky, what they are trying to avoid is the dimwitted user who, while grinding beans,  will just press the adjustment button while the machine is running. What happens is that the hopper will spin towards the coarse adjustment until the hopper stop screw hits which could possibly crack the hopper.  it would seem that this is a good reason to remove that screw which would not only eliminate damage to the grinder in the case that the button was accidentally depressed, but also allows removal of the hopper and upper burr carrier, as a unit, without tools.  

                      A modicum of common sense would state that you may safely depress the adjustment IF you hold the hopper and slowly adjust it.

                      On the other side of this, if the grinder is adjusted while there are beans in the hopper or the burrs have beans between them, and you adjust towards a finer grind setting, it stresses the threads of the adjustment mechanism, stresses the plastic of the hopper, and can throw the lower burr carrier out of alignment. That could easily be a bad thing considering the relatively low tolerances that Rancilio uses in their adjustment system.

                      And just to set the record straight, I had one that was in daily use in my home for 6½ years, so yes, I know what I am talking about.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                        Randy and 2mcm
                        I am also a new user of a rocky and according to the manual have only adjusted the grind setting when the machine is off. This according to those in the know now appears to be incorrect.
                        Just a quick question. The rocky has a toggle switch at the front of the grinder that when released turns off. Therefore 1 hand is needed to keep this switch on and the grinder running. Another hand is needed to press the black hopper adjuster button and yet another hand would b needed to turn the hopper and make the adjustment. 3 hands??
                        I understand I can jam the adjuster button on. Is this what is needed. A little unsure here???
                        PS it is great to b able to learn from others on sometimes small , but significant issues.
                        Thanks Cicarda

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                          Hey Cicarda,

                          Try the teflon tape (plumbers tape) modification to reduce the slack in the grinder, this will make the adjustment with the hopper a little stiffer and allows for easier one-handed adjustment of the grind setting (check my video above).

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                            RandyG

                            I am not going to pursue that matter.

                            However I have just perused your web site - what a truly encyclopaedic work, most impressive. Particularly as you have followed the path I am considering - from Rancilio to Vibiemme Domobar Super lever and your review is most timely.

                            Cheers

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Help Rancilio Rocky - Making weird noises

                              I still go with the cct breaker over the start cap..

                              If the start cap is bad it WILL NOT START... But I understand that it does and then has the start / stop action and movement / shake... This will be due to the torque and with the unit cutting in and out can also cause the system to fault even more as the cct breaker is subjected to even more vibrations and current draw.


                              If you were just down the Rd we could check it out..

                              AM

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