Boiler pressure reading

Did your new Mini work fine initially but have an in warranty (year one) problem later. Post here for advice. Later report on your fix. Posted photos documenting repairs are encouraged.
Post Reply
KatKat

Boiler pressure reading

Post by KatKat »

I am suspecting I am getting a wrong reading from my boiler pressure. It goes up to just below 1 and cycles between 0.8 to 1 every 1:20-1:30. Temperature probe replaced, but no change.

When I took the cover off I saw 2-3 air bubbles in the small tube that goes to the manometer. I am guessing that this is a problem?
Endo

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by Endo »

It may be the gauge but first you should try and find out if the reading is real or not. How long does it take to steam 6 oz of milk? Mine is 1.3 bar at the start and takes about 20-22 seconds.
KatKat

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by KatKat »

Your numbers seem very similar to mine.
KatKat

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by KatKat »

So far:

* I replaced the temperature probe of the boiler - no change - still cycles between 0.8 - 1
* I removed the vinyl tube from the gauge and tapped it to clear any air pockets, per Tim's instructions - no change

It's time to call CCS again.
Endo

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by Endo »

Probaby just a bad gauge.

I can't see how you could test it, so I suspect CC will just swap in a new gauge and see if that fixes things.

Good news is, it has no impact on your shots or steam. Just an annoyance.
KatKat

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by KatKat »

It was the manometer! I replaced it and the new one reads ~1.3 for the steam. The reading for the pump pressure is different too! The old one showed 9 bars with the blank portafilter and the new one showed 10! I adjusted it back to 9, assuming that the new one is accurate. Another thing I noticed with the new one is that it is not always going back to zero - but I remember that from a different machine and assume that it's normal.

I think that CCS can offer me a job. So far I replaced the following parts in my machine:
* entire steam boiler (I also drained it multiple times)
* temp probe
* manometer
I also fixed a water leak from the water tank connector by slightly adjusting the metal plate behind the water tank (bending it toward the tank)

LOL
What can I do... I love this machine!
Endo

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by Endo »

Man! You had a lot of issues. :shock: They should cut the price in half if they can't offer you a job!

Seems you're not alone though. Chris Coffee and LaSpaziale better get their act together on these day-one issues or they will start to lose business through bad word of mouth.

As Toyota will tell you, good service only goes so far. When we pay top price for a top quality machine....it should WORK!

Chris Coffee or LaSpaziale need to get back to testing each machine prior to shipping (or maybe improve their lousy quality control methods they are using now), at least until the returned machine rate gets back to an acceptable level.
KatKat

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by KatKat »

Well, I cannot think of any other scenario in which I could accept/live with so many issues in a quality product. Well, maybe one scenario - my wife - and in both cases I fell in love :o

I do need to note CCS's service though and the fact that I was offered a full refund when I had the brown water issue. Back then I chose to keep the machine and replace the boiler by myself. Every time I had an issue and called CCS I got excellent service and a promise that if things do not work out, I can send the machine for service. I actually enjoyed taking the machine apart knowing that I have a "safety net".

Overall - I am still very happy with the machine and understand that it is a product that requires more maintenance than, let's say, my home theater amp. It makes such good coffee!
Endo

Re: Boiler pressure reading

Post by Endo »

I like taking stuff apart too. Heck, I even take things apart that aren't broken just to see how they work. :lol: (The wife loves that!!!)

But I don't think there are many people that would be willing to replace a boiler on a new machine. :shock: But once done, you are proabably not too intimidated by things like maintenance or the occasional broken bits. You are now free to enjoy the machine's potential and worry much less.

Actually, I'm getting a little bored of everything going right. I think I may buy a new roaster to play with. I'm toying with the idea of buying a Sonafresco 2lb roaster.
Post Reply

Return to “Mini In Warranty Issues”