Steam Boiler Pressure Adjustment

[JohnB]

Can the pressure be adjusted up from 1.35bar or is it set permanently by the relief valve?

[zoey]

Ahhh...So I've got you wondering now do I? :P

[Niko]

They come preset from the factory that way.
Spaziale told me that about a year or two ago because I had the same questions

There is no way to adjust it :(

[Richard]

Can the pressure be adjusted up from 1.35bar or is it set permanently by the relief valve?

John, I don't know the answer to your question, but perhaps it's helpful to recall that the boiler is regulated by temperature rather than pressure (a very odd design decision, but that's what it is).

[JohnB]

Oh well, since the machine was just sitting there open waiting for the board to come back I figured I might as well check out a few of the known issues like brass flakes. Didn't find any but I did get a tablespoon or so of soft white flakes out of the steam boiler when I flushed it out. Tightened up the steam boiler cover bolts & will rework the upper pump mount bracket before closing it back up. A couple modular connectors would certainly simplify the board removal/installation.

[Niko]

...but I did get a tablespoon or so of soft white flakes out of the steam boiler when I flushed it out.

Aren't you using a softener?
I assume that's a little scale build up you're describing.

[JohnB]

I do have the CC softener set up but I add some hard water back in so I'm up around 80-90PPM. Would scale just flush out? All I did was pour some water in through the top & then open the drain. No real pressure & no cleaner. With the drain it would be an easy boiler to descale if needed in the future so I'll opt for better tasting water over scale preventing softness.

[Niko]

A sure sign of scale build up in the steam boiler is when you hear knocking like a set of bongos as the element is heating up the water. It's normal to hear a little knocking, kind of like a tea kettle as it heats up with slight low volume knocks and pings. When you hear the bongos fire up, you might want to try testing the water out of the boiler for hardness. There's been some solution(s) posted on the forums of what to use and what-not but the best stuff I've heard from a guy who repairs espresso machines is some commercial stuff. I forgot the name but it's only available commercially from what he told me and the stuff really gets the scale out
As for the other stuff I mentioned to him at the time, it works just OK (he said) and it's only a short temporary fix which doesn't completely remove the scale.
There's a 3rd Vivaldi in my family with a serious bongo drum problem, I'd love to post a sound clip comparing all 3 S1's in a single file so people can tell the difference. My VII is exactly the same as I got it (nearly silent), my old S1 has a little knocking and the oldest one can play for a Cuban band

We can call the video: "American Viv' Idol - Best Bongo Tryouts"...

[JohnB]

I have noticed the knocking is louder then usual when the boiler first kicks in after I drain it down for my wifes tea water. I have some Cleancaf so I might do a descale tomorrow or I might have CC send me a new cover gasket & just open the boiler right up so I can see whats in there.

[Niko]

Yes, now I remember that opening the boiler is the best way to descale it! :P
This is the perfect opportunity for you to do this

...it's also the perfect opportunity to upload a pic of the inside of that baby. Inquiring minds want to know what white flakey things resides inside that boiler.
Are you going to attempt the group boiler too?

[JohnB]

Yes, now I remember that opening the boiler is the best way to descale it! :P
This is the perfect opportunity for you to do this

...it's also the perfect opportunity to upload a pic of the inside of that baby. Inquiring minds want to know what white flakey things resides inside that boiler.
Are you going to attempt the group boiler too?

If CC has the gaskets on hand I will open both boilers. The group boiler has that screw cap on the rear which should give full access when removed. I have no intention of doing anything that will delay getting my machine back in service once the board arrives as I just got in 2 Espressos from Terroir that I'm anxious to sample. If they have the seals in stock I'll go for it.

[JohnB]

Just got the call from CC that my board was done & they had the steam boiler gasket/group boiler o'ring in stock. Everything will be here tomorrow so I'll pull the boilers apart later today or tomorrow and post some pics. I was told to pay close attention to the elbows on the water inlet line between the water control valve & steam boiler. Evidently these get scaled up reducing flow & setting off alarms.

[Niko]

:P Can't wait to see the pics!!

[JohnB]

:P Can't wait to see the pics!!

Pics & info posted in the Tips & Tricks area.