Hi. I need some feedback from someone who has experience with the Astoria Argenta 1 group JUN machines.

What is the default amount of water flow you get out of the machine?

I get 40-50ml per 10 seconds - max. Is that normal?

For reference, It's a 1996 110 volt machine. Internal Procon pump. I have removed and checked the pump, and it seems fine. Looks stock all the way. I have taken the group apart, and it's totally clean. Gicluer is fine. No signs of scale anywhere. If I remove the bell entirely, I still get the 40-50 ml per 10sec flow - max.

It is plumbed behind a watts regulator set to ~35psi. The stock pressure gauge is shot, but I have set the brew pressure to about 9bars w/a pf gauge.

The shots it pulls are gorgeous in most every way. It's just there is pretty much a full 10 seconds before first beading due to the low flow rate and ramp up.

Thanks much for your reply.

Do you have a flow meter? If you do, check the inlet passageway as it is a very small opening and can get clogged easily. I had the exact same problem with mine. Actually, I am now having the opposite problem...too much flow. I replaced the stock procon with a fluid tech and I think the flow rate is a little more. I am just about to install a needle valve after the pump so I can regulate the flow rate. From what I have read, the optimal rate is 75-90 ml/10 seconds. Great machine though.

-David

That was it David. Thanks!

I had a teeny 1mm drill bit, poked that through w/my hand and tada - in bizness - 80-90ml per 10 seconds now.

Now I have to heat it up and see if losing that luxurious 10 second preinfusion will be missed.

Seems to be a pretty weak link in the design. I guess clearing that orifice needs to be a part of regular mainentence.

Thanks again!

Your welcome.

I spoke to a knowledgeable service tech in the my area when I was having issues with mine. It was one of the first things he told me to check. He said that even new machines that were tested at the factory are sometimes clogged there if they sat around for a while. Have fun with it.

-David