Vball5153 Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Cincinnati Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Isomac Millennium Grinder: Solis
Posted Wed May 18, 2011, 12:43pm Subject: Isomac expert needed
The rush of pressure and water that is usually released into the drip tray after I pull a shot with my Isomac Millennium isn't happening. That seeming lack of pressure is accompanied by soggy pucks in my portafilter. Can anyone diagnose my problem and suggest a solution that I may be able to handle on my own? Twice, I've had to pack up the machine and send it off for service, which is a real pain.
Do you do a clear water backflush after each session? Do you chemical backflush every two or three three months? (depending on usage pattern)
Most, depending on the age of the machine, the internal seals in the group may need replacing. They look like faucet seals washers- rubber with a hole in the center. Not difficult if you are handy. The one that is most likely the culprit is the lowest one (at the bottom, inside the lower protrusion of the group), but might as well replace all three as they are inexpensive, and as long as it is apart...
Here is a pic of an entire E-61 group. The red arrow is the part I am thinking needs to be checked.
And here is that part disassembled. 1 - the replacement seal 2 - that is where the seal goes 3 - place the washer on 4 - then screw the shaft back on.
The wood is a jig I made. It holds the main body of the part while you unscrew the retaining portion of the shaft (I don't know the correct names of the parts offhand). Check a parts catalog for you machine as yours may differ slightly.
Sounds like the 3 way valve isn't doing it's thing. If you pull the PF out right after a shot you might even get a portafilter sneeze. Might need just some serious backflushing with detergent or could need to be taken apart and cleaned out well.
I'm the guy with the Isomac. Yes. I regularly clean/flush the machine with Cafiza espresso machine cleaner. But I've had the machine for many years. It may just be time to replace the washers. I'll do it. Final question for you helpers: Am I right that this problem has nothing to do with the pressure stat (Is that the right name for the part?)? The word pressure buried in pressure stat makes me think about that question. Thanks.
Am I right that this problem has nothing to do with the pressure stat (Is that the right name for the part?)? The word pressure buried in pressure stat makes me think about that question. Thanks.
The pressurestat is a mechanical device that senses the pressure inside the boiler and based on that pressure it turns the heating element inside the boiler on and off (pressure thermostat as it were). Because the boiler is a sealed chamber, pressure is an indirect measurement of temperature. This has no effect on the problem you are having.
Based on the age of the machine, be sure that you also get a small packet of Dow111 silicone lube. Stefano, who replied above, has all the parts you will need at his online store/website http://www.espressocare.com
Here is an article I wrote about how the pressurestat works: http://www.frcndigital.com/coffee/pressurestat.html
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