I recently rebuilt a Brasilia Cappuccino machine and am fine tuning some things.
The pressure on the manometer only gets to a max of about 1.1 - 1.2 BAR. I've considered that this could be a gauge issue; but doing a temperate test of water coming out of the group I only get readings in the 185-190 range. My understanding is that I am looking for ~195-200 degrees and a bit higher pressure.
I've adjusted (turned up) the pressure stat as far as it will allow. There are no more threads left on the bolt that holds the plate to push down the springs.
Does the pressurestat need to be rebuilt, replaced, other? Or is it potentially not a problem with the pressurestat at all?
You may very well have an p-stat problem. Mine easily could be set to produce 1.5 bar or more (ask your uncle:). If you are inclined to replace it anyway, why not take a look inside first?
In older machines the diaphragm can become hardened or even brittle, and there are rebuild kits available to allow you to correct that problem. While your at it... there can also be scale build up on the rod that can restrict movement, additionally, sometimes the electrical contacts will need to be cleaned as well. So... open it up and see what's going on.
As said, they do get "tired" and Sirai can be rebuilt. How are you measuring the temp of the water out of the group head? I keep my machine set at 1.1 bar and it is all need. YMMV!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
I'm not sure I completely understand how the diaphragm works; I'll have to take it apart to find out.
To measure temp I cut a styrofoam cup to fit snugly under the group, poked a hole in it so that I could fit an instant read thermometer through. Run the machine like I am pulling a shot and read the temp. Is there room for error and do I lose a few temp? Probably.
I am pretty happy with my shots at the moment; more of a fine tuning thing.
Although there are rebuild kit available, (we and many other vendors sell them) you'll be solving only the "scale" build up or the "water/steam" part of the component keep in mind that the "electric" parts of the Pstat such as contact and of course the spring are not part of the kit, carbon on the contact COULD be cleaned but eventually the "tips" wear out making arching sparks over heating etc etc and the spring will loose is "springyness" so sometimes the rebuild kit will not achieve or solve completely the situation, my suggestion a complte new one
I offered the comment about rebuilding because it was mentioned but I agree with above, when you need to replace it, just spend the money and replace it, in the long run you will be better off.
As to the temp, you are in the ball park for a cup/thermometer reading. If you are getting the water dance after the machine sits for a while, you are hot enough (provided you are under 2000 feet in elevation) as the water will boil at 212 and you do not want to brew that hot, the dance shows you are boiling.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
I do get the water dance, espresso taste is good, and temp is fine. I guess I need not be concerned about not getting to 200 degrees with my measurement.
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