Shepherd Senior Member Joined: 6 Feb 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 3:28am Subject: Diagnosing a Gaggia Espresso problem
Hi all,
I have a fairly old Gaggia Espresso that I inherited from a very generous guy in Montreal that was cobbling Gaggias together from parts; I've replaced the thermal fuse and re-filled the pump once, so I'm not totally out to lunch, but I have no experience in anything I'd define as "complicated".
Yesterday, it took a dreadfully long time for the machine to brew a shot, which came out very flat and with no crema; I thought maybe I had the grind too fine and left it at that.
Today, the machine started with that kind of rattling "getting ready to pump" sound, then the sound flattened out into the consistent hum that usually means the pump's about to start pumping, and nothing. I took the espresso off and tried just running water through; still only a few drips.
The screen is clean, and I've got the top off the machine and all looks normal. It's generating heat, and the steam function heats up and steams just fine.
Do pumps suddenly "go weak"? Or is it maybe something else? I'm not experienced with repairs and I don't have any special tools (beyond standard handyman stuff), but I'm willing to learn!
Spro745 Senior Member Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 95 Location: North Carolina Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 6:19am Subject: Re: Diagnosing a Gaggia Espresso problem
Well, have you tried descaling it yet? That could be a problem given the circumstances. Another thing to do is remove the shower screen and then remove the dispersion disc, which is removed by loosening the two 5mm allen bolts. Clean the disc really good and wipe the grouphead area down good. With these parts being off is the right time to descale and then put everything back together. Also scrub the portafilter and basket(s).
clairebear3 Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 49 Location: Belgium Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Gaggia Evolution... Grinder: Rossi RR45/SMP Roaster: Whirley Pop
Posted Wed May 14, 2008, 12:45pm Subject: Re: Diagnosing a Gaggia Espresso problem
I'm a complete noob so this is probably going to be wrong but it's just my two cents.
If it came from a guy who has worked/modded on it, is it possible that he has done the self priming valve mod? (i'm not even sure if the GEspresso has a SPV!!). After this is done you have to prime the pump by running off water through the steam pipe not the group. If I now try to run water through the group when I first turn on I also get this 'boiler empty, can't draw water, klunking noise', I don't know, it's just a thought.
JB130 Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 172 Location: Atlanta Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: NS Oscar, Baby Gaggia,... Grinder: Olympia Moccaclub, La Pavoni...
Posted Thu May 15, 2008, 7:16am Subject: Re: Diagnosing a Gaggia Espresso problem
Here's a simple test you might try: Open the steam wand and then turn on the steam and brew switches simultaneously; if the pump is OK you will get a steady stream of water from the steam wand.
If the pump passes the test then your problem would have to be the valve that is sitting between the boiler and the group head.
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