Steam Boiler Solenoid Fill Valve - Inlet Filter

[bikerdude]

Hey Experts,

I have a Mini Vivaldi II S1 which I have abused with lightly filtered water for a over decade.

Recently I found the steam boiler was not filling; the pump would run for the 90sec or so and then the system would shut down and the boiler error light would come on.

I assumed that my steam boiler fill solenoid valve was either clogged or not opening properly. So I disconnected the Teflon tube at the 90 degree boiler fill elbow (after the valve) and it doesn’t pump any water when I start the machine. Then I disconnected the feed line just before the boiler fill solenoid valve it it pumps perfectly well. So the solenoid fill valve is either blocked or not engaging. I will test these voltage in the solenoid shortly, however in the meantime ...

I decided to remove the boiler fill valve and soak it in citric acid for a few days. It now has a bright new colour and I removed all the crud from inside the valve body. But I also found a solid looking tiny screen, and I can’t tell it if it is fully blocked or if it’s supposed to look so solid. Any thoughts? Should I use it as is, leave it in citric acid for a few more days, or just throw it in the bin?

[bikerdude]

Also, I found a tiny copper washer on the table when I pulled the mesh filter out. Does it go on the valve side of the mesh filter, or on the line side of the filter?

[bikerdude]

Quick check of the parts manual on Chris Coffee shows I should install the washer first (part 1131), then the filter (2284), then attach the line.

Still hoping for input from others about that filter. Use it, soak it, replace it or don’t bother with it?

[goodboyr]

http://s1cafe.com/viewtopic.php?f=57&t= ... 266#p24266

Check this discussion and yes that's the right diagram. If you've soaked it it's probably clean enough since it's a loose fit in the valve.

[bikerdude]

Quick update. I installed the existing mesh filter pretty much as is (per the photo above), having soaked it in citric acid for a day.

Upon installation the machine filled the boiler within about five seconds ... something I haven’t witnessed for a year or more.

I’m happy for now, until the next issue pops up.

Thanks for your input.

[tothemax]

Quick update. I installed the existing mesh filter pretty much as is (per the photo above), having soaked it in citric acid for a day.

Upon installation the machine filled the boiler within about five seconds ... something I haven’t witnessed for a year or more.

I’m happy for now, until the next issue pops up.

Thanks for your input.

After reading this post, I attempted to do the same... I soaked the little screen but it I did not feel comfortable it was clean enough to allow the water to flow properly. I called Chis' coffee where I purchased the machine and spoke to the tech about this screen and how quickly I could get a new one and told me "I see many blocked machines and I always throw this little screen out.. they mostly cause problems" .. I followed his recommendations and threw it out like he recommended, put is all back together and it now works like a charm ... no more pump running on and tripping the machine off ...
Now I have to fix the leaky steam wand who drips constantly ... Some pics of the solenoid... mirror view inside to show where the screen is on the inlet at the base of the brass tee...

I unscrewed the two compression nuts on the tee. disconnected the hoses ... unscrewed the tee and there inside of the solenoid inlet was the little screen .. I jut used a small pick and pulled it out ...

Well I uploaded the photo files but it says "If you wish to attach one or more files enter the details below. You may also attach files by dragging and dropping them in the message box. Maximum filesize per attachment: 19.53 GiB." 3 photos are showing but I cannot drag them & drop them into the message box.. Anybody can explain this? seem the hundreds of little goofy figures on the sides are tanking all the space and I cannot drag the files into the message box... any advice anyone how to post photos on the forum? Also any advice on how to make these icons go away ?