ruy Senior Member Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 19 Location: New York Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: ECM Giotto Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Tue May 13, 2008, 6:16pm Subject: sirai pressurestat
hi there
i have an ecm giotto espresso machine modified with a sirai pressurestat, it has been running great for years, but lately the pressure gauge has been marking up to 2 bars. i tried adjusting the screw very carefully but i already hit the limit and i can not get it under 1.5 bars, which is still to hot. could it be the deadband adjustment? does anyone have any experience with this?
mhoy Senior Member Joined: 4 Feb 2008 Posts: 137 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 Grinder: KA Proline Roaster: HotTop KN-8828D
Posted Thu May 29, 2008, 9:51pm Subject: Re: sirai pressurestat
There are repair kits for that are available for the sirai for $20-$30. Here is an example: Click Here (www.espressotec.com)
That said, while rebuilding my Elektra, I replace the whole unit because at sometime in the past (before I got it) one of the 3 contacts looks to have shorted out. I think it was about $65 on ebay for a new unit (plus shipping).
Posted Fri May 30, 2008, 7:33am Subject: Re: sirai pressurestat
I've heard that replacing the membrane will usually fix the deadband issues, and the membrane is part of the kit in the link above. If you have a few basic tools and work with the machine off, cold, and unplugged you shouldn't have too much trouble doing the replacement since you're just swapping out the parts. You'd want to remove any scale that's in the membrane area while you're at it, if there is any there.
Posted Sat May 31, 2008, 4:08pm Subject: Re: sirai pressurestat
You might want to independantly check the boiler pressure (perhaps by attaching a gauge to the steam arm with a small section of hose and hose clamp). That way you could confirm where the issue really is. A few years ago I had an event where the pressure gauge on my machine went bad and showed incorrect pressure...causing me to attempt to over-adjust my Sirai pressurestat.
In my humble opinion, the Sirai is more robust than many pressure gauges installed in the machines, so it might be worth checking out.
Beeb Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 70 Location: Tx Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Your name it, I have it,... Grinder: Faema MPN, Mazzer Super... Drip: Fetco 2031E Extractor
Posted Sat May 31, 2008, 6:06pm Subject: Re: sirai pressurestat
Most pressurestats do not need to be changed unless the have been badly neglected. First I unplug the machine, then I file down the contactors with a precision file or emory board to remove the pitted surface at the contact point. Then I apply a very small smedge of dielectric grease. This grease keeps the contactors from sticking again. If you plan to do this, be sure to unplug the machine before attempting this. *****Notice*****, I have clearly stated "Unplug The Machine". Be safe!
ruy Senior Member Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 19 Location: New York Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: ECM Giotto Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008, 1:31pm Subject: Re: sirai pressurestat
well, i changed the sirai pressurestat for a new one. i connected it exactly as the old one, on the middle top and bottom posts and the machine is still running hot. maybe i did this the wrong way. does anybody know where i can get an installation diagram?
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