Search found 3020 matches

by chas
Tue Mar 06, 2018 10:41 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve
Replies: 8
Views: 12315

Re: Hiss from boiler pressure relief valve

Sounds like you need a new valve. They're about 50 bucks.

Of course, that assumes the hissing is coming from the top where it blows out pressure. If it is coming from one of the threaded joints, you may just have to unscrew the hissing section and put some teflon tape on it.
by chas
Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:37 pm
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head
Replies: 5
Views: 34314

Re: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head

Glad to hear it. You will want to buy or build a portafilter pressure gauge at your earliest convenience. You can buy a pre-built one for about $100 USD but much of that price is for the portafilter itself. It is cheaper since the S1 comes with two portafilters to just buy a gauge that screws onto t...
by chas
Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:41 am
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head
Replies: 5
Views: 34314

Re: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head

The flowmeter has filter screens just before its input and at its output. It might be worth a check of both screens for a partial blockage. See the diagram below for location of the two screens (part # 275). The flowmeter is right behind the front chrome panel with the pressure gauge sticking throug...
by chas
Sun Feb 18, 2018 3:36 pm
Forum: VII Day One Problems
Topic: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head
Replies: 5
Views: 34314

Re: Brand new Unit - low pressure from group head

There are a few key possibilities: 1) If the expansion valve adjustment is wrong, water may be dumping through a pipe and directly into the drip tray rather than flowing through the group head. You would see this water flowing into the rear right corner of the drip tray while pulling a shot. 2) It i...
by chas
Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:55 pm
Forum: Dream and Dream T Common Feature Discussions
Topic: how do you use the 4 custom profiles on your Dream
Replies: 3
Views: 9708

Re: how do you use the 4 custom profiles on your Dream

I too thought the idea of having four profiles on the Dream was great, before I owned one. Now that I have a Dream I find that I only use one profile. Hopefully another Dream user has a better answer for you. The problem is that I never seem to buy the same coffee twice and, since I roast my own bea...
by chas
Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:13 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: anybody figured out how to plumb their tank version Vivaldi?
Replies: 1
Views: 5086

Re: anybody figured out how to plumb their tank version Vivaldi?

My short answer is "No" since I don't have a Mini. I used to have an Isomac Tea a number of years back. Chris Coffee Service offered two plumb in kits for that one. The float option that still used the water tank was cheaper so I went with that. It worked fine but after a few months I star...
by chas
Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:00 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Troubleshooting Significant steam differences between the Lucca A53 Mini and S1 Vivaldi II Mini?
Replies: 1
Views: 4481

Re: Troubleshooting Significant steam differences between the Lucca A53 Mini and S1 Vivaldi II Mini?

1) There is absolutely no linkage between the group boiler settings and the quality of the steam from the steam boiler. 2) If you still have access to both machines, have you tried swapping the steam tips between machines? There are two styles of four holed steam tips in use. One has slightly smalle...
by chas
Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:14 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions
Replies: 9
Views: 13581

Re: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions

A couple of things:

1) You specified that the problem was the over pressure valve, but what you described is the Vaccum Breaker Valve.
2) Water will not come out of the VBV ever if the water level sensor is working properly.
by chas
Sat Jan 13, 2018 9:19 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: V1 and V2 Gaskets
Replies: 0
Views: 9169

V1 and V2 Gaskets

S1_Gaskets_Web.jpg
S1_Gaskets_Web.jpg (67.33 KiB) Viewed 9151 times
by chas
Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16002

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

Did that fix change the group pressure readings or do you still need a new gauge?
by chas
Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:55 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

According to Tim Catalfalmo at CCS, the V2 and V2 Mini failed their most recent ETL/NSF certification at 20A but passed at 15A. NSF is a sanitation rating for using in commercial operations so that really couldn't have been the part that failed. There is no sanitary difference in that area between 1...
by chas
Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:57 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

I sent an email to Chris yesterday and asked what became of the V2 20A mode. I got an automated reply that he is out of the country for most of January. I assume he is either golfing at some exotic locale, visiting espresso vendors in Italy, or both! I just resent the question to his tech that mainl...
by chas
Sun Jan 07, 2018 1:32 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

In the early days the machines imported from Italy did not have an internal fuse. Chris Coffee was adding them before customer shipment. I am not sure if this has changed and, if so, when it did.
by chas
Sun Jan 07, 2018 12:02 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: No more 20 amp Vivaldi
Replies: 16
Views: 20287

Re: No more 20 amp Vivaldi

Interesting. I hadn't noticed that before. I see that the Dream still shows 15/20A mode and it should be pretty much the same power drawn as the V2. I wonder if there was really a problem with 20A mode or if they are just trying to add more differentiation from the Dream? I also wonder how they impl...
by chas
Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:22 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16002

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

Yes, it should. BTW: The failure mechanism for pressure gauges is usually that a hard knock or drop will change the zero point. That said, I've never known one to fail with 11 as the new zero but there's a first time for everything. Normally, until replacement you could just subtract the 11 from the...
by chas
Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:24 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16002

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

1) Don't remove the acccumulator. My suggestion was actually to add one if you didn't already have one, so you are good to go. 2) If your group pressure gauge reads 11 with no pressure rather than zero, then it needs to be replaced. 3) When you removed the 3-way solenoid and valve, how far did you g...
by chas
Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:11 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 V1 no flow question - obstruction in flow meter outlet pipe
Replies: 4
Views: 5149

Re: S1 V1 no flow question - obstruction in flow meter outlet pipe

This is what the machine is telling you when you press either the one or two-cup buttons. It actually means that the flowmeter vane is either not turning or is turning too slow. However, anything blocking the water flow between the pump and the group head will cause this. It doesn't necessarily mean...
by chas
Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:04 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 V1 no flow question - obstruction in flow meter outlet pipe
Replies: 4
Views: 5149

Re: S1 V1 no flow question - obstruction in flow meter outlet pipe

The part you're describing sounds like part #276 that your machine doesn't? have. 276 is called a gicleur which just means a part with a small orifice to restrict flow. That "bead" in your line is apparently providing the equivalent function. Bottom-line: Are you getting flow into the grou...
by chas
Sat Jan 06, 2018 4:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16002

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

If you have one of the newer models where the water line is plastic between the output of the flowmeter and the input of the group boiler, unscrew the water line - with the flojet off - where it attaches to the group boiler and stick the end in a bucket. Be sure that water line is held or fastened d...
by chas
Sat Jan 06, 2018 9:46 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!
Replies: 15
Views: 16002

Re: S1 Vivaldi II - no water through grouphead, have tried everything!

Even in this weather when you have drained the boilers, most folks don't drain the water out of the water lines so it is possible that there was some freeze damage. Not draining water out of the lines is also an issue on espresso machines for long term storage. This is probably not the issue based o...
by chas
Wed Jan 03, 2018 11:39 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

It's the same type of function, but I think it's actually a needle valve not a true gicleur which screws into the side of the steam boiler solenoid valve. On my original S1 I started getting a steam boiler alarm which turned off the entire machine every time the steam boiler tried to fill. It has a ...
by chas
Wed Jan 03, 2018 9:51 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

The gicleur screws into the output of the flowmeter. From there water flows directly to the group boiler. (Part # 276 on the drawing in an earlier post.) The group pressure gauge is right at the output of the water pump. There is nothing that isolates it from the water when the flow is going to the ...
by chas
Mon Jan 01, 2018 3:37 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

Do you mean when you switch the machine on (rather than the pump) the group boiler pressure goes into the red and water comes out of the expansion valve? I make this distinction because you can't turn the pump on and off. The controller board does this when you have pressed some button or combinatio...
by chas
Sun Dec 31, 2017 11:20 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

That device is the expansion valve. It prevents overpressure in the group boiler. In a normally operating set up, it will drip just a few drops when the group boiler is actually operating. It should be set to start dripping at 12.5 bar. This prevents the group boiler pressure from getting too high w...
by chas
Sun Dec 31, 2017 9:43 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

1) Steam Boiler: Water shouldn't come out of the OPV (the tall brass part under the plastic cover) when the water is first connected unless it is broken. If water is actually coming out of the VBV when water is first connected,that is a normal result from the water level sensor not working or the st...
by chas
Sat Dec 30, 2017 8:54 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Now what do I do?
Replies: 14
Views: 15494

Re: Now what do I do?

When you say you replaced all the gizmos, did that include the temperature probe? How soon does the steam boiler pressure go red line? The steam boiler is not supposed to even turn on until the group boiler is up to temp. If the steam boiler appears to be turning on immediately, then it sounds like ...
by chas
Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:09 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II hot water sputtering out of grouphead - Help needed
Replies: 5
Views: 6957

Re: Mini Vivaldi II hot water sputtering out of grouphead - Help needed

In spite of what you might have read about and tried to emulate for group temperature measurements provided in extremely old Forum posts, that styrofoam cup method is not accurate. It results in temps several degrees low. It appears that your high temp settings are causing a steam lock in your group...
by chas
Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:49 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II hot water sputtering out of grouphead - Help needed
Replies: 5
Views: 6957

Re: Mini Vivaldi II hot water sputtering out of grouphead - Help needed

You need to look at page 4 of this manual for the diagram of the V2 Mini steam assembly: http://s1cafe.com/s1v2/V2%20Manuals/RICAMBI%20S1%20NEW.pdf It's most likely one of the gaskets labelled 219 or 221. I'm still thinking about your boiler issue. That's a strange one. BTW: When you say the gauge n...
by chas
Fri Dec 15, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

I already had an S1 Dream before I learned about this undocumented feature on the Vivaldi's. The Dream has a pretty wide programmable steam boiler range and I explored the quality and quantity of steam across the entire range. When I found the spot that gave me the best results it was right at 1.3ba...
by chas
Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:53 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

BTW: About two years ago someone on the forum reported an undocumented feature that allows some fine tuning of the steam boiler pressure. It is documented in the latest version of the User's Manual available here: http://s1cafe.com/s1v2/V2%20Manuals/V2Owner'sManualRevH.pdf Check page 15. Even if thi...
by chas
Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

Normally the gauges fail by not returning to zero which causes a linear offset. So if your gauge rests at .22bar when there is no pressure, then you just subtract this amount from the actual pressure reading to get the real pressure. If this results in a good pressure and you can live with it, there...
by chas
Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:03 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Steam Boiler Overheating
Replies: 60
Views: 70232

Re: Steam Boiler Overheating

Are you replacing the old "well" style sensor with the new standalone sensor. The "well" style consists of a metal tube and a sensor with a long pair of wires that you pushed down to the bottom of the tube. The newer sensor is just a stubby thing about 1.5" long. It replaced...
by chas
Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:58 am
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam Boiler issues
Replies: 5
Views: 8378

Re: Steam Boiler issues

A few other comments: 1) If the VBV is leaking or not closing, you wouldn't have any steam pressure, so that's not likely to have anything to do with your issue. 2) If you hear the hissing sound when the steam pressure is below ~1.3 you might check the boiler lid. I had this issue once with my previ...
by chas
Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:15 pm
Forum: S1 Operational Problems
Topic: Steam Boiler issues
Replies: 5
Views: 8378

Re: Steam Boiler issues

It's most likely the temperature probe.
by chas
Thu Nov 30, 2017 12:24 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Pump priority
Replies: 7
Views: 11197

Re: Pump priority

Do you get the Low Group Pressure warning message when this happens? How low does the group pressure go when it happens?
by chas
Thu Nov 30, 2017 10:27 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Pump priority
Replies: 7
Views: 11197

Re: Pump priority

I don't think that's what this fix is saying. To me it says that it delays display of the "Refill Water Tank" message on the Dream T while a shot is being pulled. That's different than refilling the steam boiler.
by chas
Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:20 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Pump priority
Replies: 7
Views: 11197

Re: Pump priority

I'm not aware of a programming option to change that. It sounds like a firmware issue.

Does this happen because you are steaming or drawing hot water at the same time as a shot. Does it happen occasionally or constantly?
by chas
Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:06 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Group solenoid outlet tube blocked?
Replies: 2
Views: 4976

Re: Group solenoid outlet tube blocked?

Re: your high steam pressure issues. Before troubleshooting an actual repair, be sure that the steam pressure gauge itself has not gone bad. With the machine off and cold, the steam pressure gauge's needle should sit exactly at zero. If instead it sits at 1 bar, then your gauge has been damaged and ...
by chas
Sun Nov 26, 2017 9:03 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1V1 Motor
Replies: 45
Views: 47393

Re: S1V1 Motor

Given the mineral deposits on the bottom side of the motor and on the motor mounts, I suspect some moisture got inside the motor, minerals deposited and froze the bearings. If so the motor will probably fail again at some point. If you do decide to replace the motor in the future and don't also repl...
by chas
Wed Nov 22, 2017 6:18 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1V1 Motor
Replies: 45
Views: 47393

Re: S1V1 Motor

Depending on what's wrong with it, you might look for a local electric motor repair shop and get an estimate assuming it's otherwise in reasonable physical condition. A new one - including capacitor - runs $169 w/ free shipping from Chris Coffee.
by chas
Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:50 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: New to me S1 Vivaldi power on problems
Replies: 2
Views: 4454

Re: New to me S1 Vivaldi power on problems

1) I have no idea what that board is. As far as I know it's never appeared on an 115V models. Others in 230V countries will need to respond as to whether they have it. 2) It makes sense that the problem is caused by one of the two boiler heating elements. This is the cause of tripping GFCI/RFD almos...
by chas
Wed Nov 08, 2017 2:09 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Beaten up S1 - version?
Replies: 11
Views: 15130

Re: Beaten up S1 - version?

At 16C a good temp probe should be very close to 1060 ohms, but I'm not sure it's time yet to buy new ones. While the two red lights are supposed to indicate a temp probe failure condition, it should only happen when the machine has been turned on. The blinking green LED means the machine is still i...
by chas
Sun Nov 05, 2017 10:20 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions
Replies: 9
Views: 13581

Re: 2 year old Lucca- troubleshooting questions

Leaving an espresso machine unused for long periods of time w/o draining the boilers and water lines doesn't constitute disuse so much as misuse. I also had a lightly used Dream that was stored for a while with boilers drained but water left in all the lines. It did not work when "de-mothballed...
by chas
Fri Nov 03, 2017 9:18 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Going from Vivaldi II to Dream
Replies: 6
Views: 10727

Re: Going from Vivaldi II to Dream

That adjustment mechanism is not only different than stock, the metal is shinier. It looks to me like this part has been replaced by the previous owner.
by chas
Thu Nov 02, 2017 9:47 pm
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Going from Vivaldi II to Dream
Replies: 6
Views: 10727

Re: Going from Vivaldi II to Dream

Hi, I recently replaced my 9-year-old Vivaldi II with a brand new Dream, and after a few weeks of use wanted to share my experience and raise a few questions. I like the Dream and the coffee quality is at the same level as before, but in some areas I find the Vivaldi II better. So in my opinion the...
by chas
Wed Nov 01, 2017 12:17 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Vivaldi S1
Replies: 3
Views: 5727

Re: Mini Vivaldi S1

In that case I'd wave off your purchase. In late 2004 Chris Coffee Service became the sole importer of the Vivaldi line. Somewhere around 2007 they released the Vivaldi V2 and Mini-V2. CCS never resold the Mini-S1. That was only available in other countries. So this machine is either from another co...
by chas
Tue Oct 31, 2017 2:42 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Mini Vivaldi S1
Replies: 3
Views: 5727

Re: Mini Vivaldi S1

That's a tough call. If you can truly plug it in and start using in with no repairs needed once it arrives, then it's a pretty decent deal. But if it does have issues or gets damaged in shipment, things can quickly get painful. At least you'll have this site as a resource. There have been a lot of m...
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 9:23 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

Ah, you left out the most important piece of information. To get rid of that vibration you need to add an accumulator tank. https://www.amazon.com/Flojet-Mini-Accumulator-Model-30573-00008B/dp/B01NAIZ213/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1509412752&sr=8-16&keywords=accumulator+tank BTW: The rotary...
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 7:43 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

I didn't think that was going to be the issue. The manometer might have rattled but not rumbled.
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 5:13 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

My memory was correct. On the Dream the gauge is actually screwed to the front panel. Hopefully the V2 just has a hole so that you just use a nut, bolt, and washers. In that case it really doesn't matter what size you use so long as it's not too small and still fits through the hole. It may even be ...
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

It's been a while since I had the S2V2. I now have a Dream. I'll check to see how it attaches. It may or may not be the same as the V2. There is either a bolt that threads into a hole in the chassis or else the bolt goes through the chassis hole and then a washer, lock washer, and nut go on the back...
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

Ideally you want 9 bar at the puck when pulling a shot. Since the manometer tube is attached near the output of the pump, the pressure shown on the manometer will be higher than the pressure at the portafilter except when you have a blind basket installed. If you are using the pressure gauge value w...
by chas
Mon Oct 30, 2017 7:25 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?
Replies: 12
Views: 11843

Re: Vivaldi S1 VII - vibrating manometer and proper pressure?

I hear a rumbling noise that exactly matches the shaking of the manometer needle. That noise shouldn't be there. It sounds like something is loose inside.
by chas
Mon Oct 23, 2017 9:32 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Beaten up S1 - version?
Replies: 11
Views: 15130

Re: Beaten up S1 - version?

It sounds like one side of the 230V power line may not not connected correctly so that the machine is trying to run at 115V. That could explain why the lamps are only dimly on.
by chas
Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:16 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mini Vivaldi II Disassembly Guide?
Replies: 4
Views: 6129

Re: Mini Vivaldi II Disassembly Guide?

Sorry I can't help. I've never owned a mini. While both machine flavors are 85% identical, your questions are about the parts that are different.
by chas
Wed Sep 27, 2017 9:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: S1V1 Steam Boiler tripping GFI outlet
Replies: 5
Views: 6589

Re: S1V1 Steam Boiler tripping GFI outlet

If it's the heating element, unplugging the power wires at the top of the boiler will stop the GFI from tripping.Then you'll know for sure.
by chas
Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:57 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Descaling V2 (again)
Replies: 4
Views: 5780

Re: Descaling V2 (again)

I never tried that with my S1 but I have done it with my GS/3. The GS/3 comes with the ability to plumb it in or use it with a tank. So to descale I drain the boilers, fill the tank with descaler, and then run the pump to push descaler through the system. After about an hour, I then refill the tank ...
by chas
Mon Sep 04, 2017 2:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No pump for double shot
Replies: 5
Views: 6267

Re: No pump for double shot

1-3 Reading between the lines, was the pump not coming on because you had the timer switch on the control box in the Off position? If so, does that mean that the pump still works when the single-cup button is pressed but not when the two-cup button is pressed. I was assuming both buttons would exhib...
by chas
Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:51 am
Forum: Dream General Q&A
Topic: Dream T - Full Power
Replies: 2
Views: 6039

Re: Dream T - Full Power

That's the way it works by design. Once the group boiler is up to temp both boilers can be on at the same time but not until then. Otherwise, during initial heat up both boilers would be on simultaneously for 15 min or so. With both boilers on the machine is drawing right about 20A. Even though a 20...
by chas
Wed Aug 30, 2017 11:01 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Exploding Vivaldi?
Replies: 4
Views: 5377

Re: Exploding Vivaldi?

First things first. Assuming that you plan to descale both boilers, be sure to buy and have on hand new lid gaskets for each before you start. Also, get some food grade citric acid powder. The cheapest option for the latter maybe your local beer store or an internet beer store. You can probably get ...
by chas
Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:36 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: New to Me V2 Issues
Replies: 9
Views: 11628

Re: New to Me V2 Issues

The white is mineral deposits suspended in the water. The blue is from copper etched from the boilers by the chemical used to descale the boilers. Obviously someone did a poor job descaling before you purchased the device and did not properly flush out all the chemicals or the minerals. As mentioned...
by chas
Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:50 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

How much did Seattle Coffee charge for parts & labor? Were you able to physically take it there rather than shipping?
by chas
Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:59 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No pump for double shot
Replies: 5
Views: 6267

Re: No pump for double shot

What you are describing only partially sounds like it could be this problem, but it's worth checking. The controller box has two switches on top. One controls whether the machine runs in 15A or 20A mode. The other tells the machine whether the optional timer box is installed. If the timer switch is ...
by chas
Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:37 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No pump for double shot
Replies: 5
Views: 6267

Re: No pump for double shot

Tell me more about not being able to program volumetric dosing, especially when programming the one-cup button. What are your exact steps? Where in that process does it fail? And what is the specific failure? You can get a replacement Gicar flowmeter lid from EspressoParts.com for $44 or the whole e...
by chas
Fri Aug 11, 2017 8:40 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: mini vii
Replies: 5
Views: 7691

Re: mini vii

Will it hurt the machine or parts of the mechanism if i manage to keep the lever on just a little and hold the pitcher with the other hand? Is this bad on the long term? No. Glad to hear it is possible. I have a GS3 with a lever and it is very difficult to have it in any position other than off or ...
by chas
Wed Aug 09, 2017 5:06 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: mini vii
Replies: 5
Views: 7691

Re: mini vii

OK, if you get to the point where you want to change the steam pressure, it is documented here:

s1v2/MiniV2Manual/Mini_V2_Owners_Manual_RevG.pdf
by chas
Wed Aug 09, 2017 1:47 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: mini vii
Replies: 5
Views: 7691

Re: mini vii

They make 1-hole, 2-hole, and 3-hole tips plus a 4-hole tip with bigger holes. Some of these would probably make it easier for you, like training wheels. However, the currently shipping tip (assuming no recent changes) is the most loved of all by users. While you are getting a handle on it, the easi...
by chas
Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No flow from group head and hot water tap
Replies: 4
Views: 5005

Re: No flow from group head and hot water tap

I bought mine from Chris Coffee many years ago. It was nowhere near as nice as the one below that they currently carry and was probably 1/2 the price. I originally bought it with the 1/4" JG fittings, but later upgraded it to 3/8". For the S1 V@ or Dream preinfusion where the water just ru...
by chas
Mon Jul 31, 2017 3:19 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No flow from group head and hot water tap
Replies: 4
Views: 5005

Re: No flow from group head and hot water tap

The hot water flow is completely determined by a solenoid valve. Either the valve is mineraled over inside so that it is stuck closed or else the solenoid itself has failed. If you press the hot water button do you hear a sharp click? If so, odds are the solenoid itself is OK and you probably need t...
by chas
Mon Jul 24, 2017 9:09 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No water from S1 group head
Replies: 8
Views: 7711

Re: No water from S1 group head

Congrats
by chas
Mon Jul 17, 2017 9:44 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No water from S1 group head
Replies: 8
Views: 7711

Re: No water from S1 group head

Is it also safe to assume by the age of your machine that it is a plumbed-in, rotary pump machine and not the vibe pump, tank "Mini" version? I think your next step is to methodically check the water path and find out where it fails. You mentioned checking and cleaning the flowmeter. Assum...
by chas
Sun Jul 16, 2017 10:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: No water from S1 group head
Replies: 8
Views: 7711

Re: No water from S1 group head

You mentioned that the pump runs and refills the steam boiler. However, you didn't mention whether the pump runs when you press the 1 cup or 1 cup buttons.
by chas
Fri Jul 14, 2017 9:56 am
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: New to all this; and bewildered
Replies: 4
Views: 7824

Re: New to all this; and bewildered

This is the only parts manual I am aware of. It includes several models in one catalog and it's in Italian but you should still be able to find what you are after.

http://s1cafe.com/s1v2/V2%20Manuals/RIC ... %20NEW.pdf
by chas
Sun Jul 02, 2017 11:15 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?
Replies: 12
Views: 14286

Re: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?

If you are looking for better group temperature control, you may want to emulate the change they made to the Dream group boiler temp probe design. In the original S1, both boilers used the metal well design where the temp probe was on the end of two long wires and you just pushed the probe down to t...
by chas
Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:55 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?
Replies: 12
Views: 14286

Re: What type is the coffee boiler temp sensor?

RTD PT1000 Type 501
PT1000 RTD Temp Sensor Chart.jpg
PT1000 RTD Temp Sensor Chart.jpg (133.56 KiB) Viewed 13817 times
by chas
Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:44 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

There's one of those one way valves built-in right behind the tank to keep water from running back out and into the tank. If this valve is leaking water back into the tank perhaps the pump could partially lose its prime the next time it is run. To test this I guess you could pull the tank out for a ...
by chas
Mon Jun 26, 2017 9:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

Quite a few owners of the Mini have mentioned this. Why the flowmeter alarm on the Mini doesn't work reliably but does work well on the plumbed models is a mystery to me.
by chas
Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:06 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

It sounds like you bought the machine with the mechanical pre-infusion already installed. If not, you would have the bolt that goes in the hole where the preinfuser attaches and you could do a quick test by removing it to confirm that it is not causing the problem.
by chas
Mon Jun 26, 2017 1:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

Some questions: 1) Is it a Mini or a Plumbed model? 2) If plumbed do you have the mechanical pre-infusion or the electronic? 3) Did you really mean that a coarser grind causes a longer shot??? Normally it's the opposite. 4) Based on your Forum Join date, is this a 4 year old machine that just starte...
by chas
Mon Jun 26, 2017 1:10 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Impending failure?
Replies: 22
Views: 18618

Re: Impending failure?

That's a tough one just from your description. We might have a better idea if you could make a video of it with your phone, post to YouTube, then use the above YouTube icon to insert the YouTube link into your reply.
by chas
Mon Jun 26, 2017 9:39 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Beaten up S1 - version?
Replies: 11
Views: 15130

Re: Beaten up S1 - version?

Check out the boiler electrical connections especially on top of the steam boiler. The plastic insulator material tends to get very brittle with age. Also, the bare stranded wire between where it goes into the crimp connectors and where the insulation starts tends to get moisture in it and corrode w...
by chas
Sun Jun 25, 2017 9:03 pm
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: S1V1 boiler material
Replies: 1
Views: 5136

Re: S1V1 boiler material

I think the group boiler is nickel plated copper while the steam boiler and group head are nickel plated brass. Some of the newer machines have dropped the plating from the group boiler and it just looks like copper. Only the exterior metal panels of the newer DREAMs and the steam wands of all machi...
by chas
Sun Jun 25, 2017 9:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Filter replacement o ring
Replies: 3
Views: 5172

Re: Filter replacement o ring

Google: 10inch water filter o ring

There are many sources.
by chas
Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:14 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Screen bolt
Replies: 9
Views: 13877

Re: Screen bolt

I use a triple basket so that I have more headroom rather than to pack in even more coffee. I think you definitely want to prevent or at least reduce contact with the brew head which will create a disturbance in the force!
by chas
Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:37 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Mystery Spring for Vivaldi II S1 plumbed version
Replies: 1
Views: 3305

Re: Mystery Spring for Vivaldi II S1 plumbed version

Did you unscrew the expansion valve?
by chas
Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:19 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Preinfusion chamber warmup?
Replies: 3
Views: 6646

Re: Preinfusion chamber warmup?

The preinfusion chamber connects to the side of the group head via a small diameter copper tube about 3" long. Therefore, there really isn't much mass hanging directly off the group. The warming shots are due to the fact that the mass of the group head is just hanging out in the cold in front o...
by chas
Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:51 am
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Questions - my first day with Mini V2
Replies: 6
Views: 11171

Re: Questions - my first day with Mini V2

I just noticed that my steam pressure gauge is registering really low (though I seem to have lots of steam). It's only registering in the blue (.5 bar) even though the steam temp offset is adjusted to +3. I also notice my brew pressure is registering 2 bars even though I'm not pulling a shot - so I...
by chas
Sat May 13, 2017 11:55 am
Forum: General Q&A
Topic: Beaten up S1 - version?
Replies: 11
Views: 15130

Re: Beaten up S1 - version?

Wow. Have you got a project and a half on your hands! I usually go by the type of gauge and whether the label on the LEDs is in 1C or 5C increments to tell what model it is, but yours has neither. The first S1 Vivaldi generation imported to the US was a dual boiler design that had a single round gau...
by chas
Tue Mar 28, 2017 4:00 pm
Forum: VII General Q&A
Topic: americanos and water through the hot water tap
Replies: 2
Views: 5532

Re: americanos and water through the hot water tap

Chris Coffee recommends 6oz and then let the pump catch up to refill the boiler before pulling more hot water.
by chas
Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:17 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

RogerB wrote:Chas,
I can see that the elbow is threaded into a bung with a hexagonal head. Can the bung be unscrewed from the boiler?
Yes, it unscrews.
by chas
Sat Mar 25, 2017 10:58 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

Sounds like you may need to unscrew the fitting and wrap some teflon tape around the threads.
by chas
Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:10 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

Unplug the power cables from the boiler heater elements,then turn it on and see if it still trips. It's always possible that the drop that obviously occurred in shipment damaged the boiler heater element. Also, if you have an ohmmeter you can unplug the machine and also both boiler leads and ohm bet...
by chas
Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:39 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

Remove the right cover. You will see the white plastic pieces sticking through holes in the side of the chassis. Just pinch the ends with a pair of pliers, preferrably needle nose, and push through the hole.

Taking them both out will also give you a chance to dust under them, too!
by chas
Wed Mar 22, 2017 9:50 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

It looks like the box got drop kicked.
by chas
Wed Mar 22, 2017 9:20 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

That one looks FUBAR, too.

Should look like this ; i.e. both gauges on 0.
2017-03-22_21-25-56.png
2017-03-22_21-25-56.png (52.37 KiB) Viewed 17810 times
by chas
Wed Mar 22, 2017 6:15 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?

No tricks. Just bolt it in. When you're done as long as both gauges are sitting exactly on "0" things are good.
by chas
Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues - What to Check?
Replies: 21
Views: 18322

Re: Ebay Mini Vivaldi II initial issues

You might as well order a new manometer, too. Yours is toast.
by chas
Thu Mar 16, 2017 9:18 pm
Forum: Mini General Q&A
Topic: Brew pressure and start-up time basic questions
Replies: 22
Views: 27591

Re: Brew pressure and start-up time basic questions

This is where it attaches on a plumbed in V2. However, I am not sure whether this spot exists on a Mini. Perhaps another mini owner can let you know. s1plumb.png If your mini does NOT have the mechanical pre-infusion device installed on the left side of the brew head then there will be a bolt blocki...

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