I have had a Saeco Aroma and Rocky Rancilio for about 4 years now. For about the past 6 months or so, I've been having a lot of problems with consistency in my shots. I typically set my Rocky to around 8-10 and pull around a 25s double shot. Sometimes, though, the Aroma completely stalls out. When this happens, the grinds turn to much and I have to rinse out the portafilter. I thought maybe it relates to my beans aging, or variation in the bean types that I use, but often I have to set the Rocky to something around 20-25 just to get a stream of espresso. Other days it works fine around 8-10. What's going on? Is my pump failing? Is there any kind of diagnostic test I can do? Appreciate all your help!!
I can't say for sure without hearing how the pump sounds, but if it is dropping from its normal noise to a light hum and ceasing to move any water, then yes. If the pump is unable to produce flow at the pressure required to force water through the espresso and/or the relief valve, then the pump is in the stages of dying. If this is the case you can dismantle, clean/descale and reassemble the pump or simply replace it. If you're having a service shop do it, I suggest having it replaced because rebuilding it may only give it anoother 2 or 3 months.
Yes, I forgot to mention, the pump does seem to drop to a hum when it stalls. It will occasionally make a sort of pulsing hum and let out a few drips. Is it typical behavior for the pump to sometimes work ok when it's failing? The stalling seems to be somewhat random, with the pump working ok on some days.
Yes the pump can act flaky before it dies. Mine acted a lot like yours and because it moved water with no coffee I did not think it was the pump at first. I believe Vibe pumps last about 4 years.
Coffeenoobie
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