ECM Technika not boiling water

#1: Post by **autotrader** » September 7th, 2014, 1:50 pm

Hello, my ECM machine turns on but the boiler doesn't seem to be heating up. Any ideas? Machine is Probably 8 months old and gets a fairly low amount of use

#2: Post by HB » September 7th, 2014, 7:25 pm

Does it start heating if you open the valve of the steam wand? If so, the vacuum breaker is sticking. See False pressure on start up for more details.

September 8th, 2014, 6:24 pm

No it doesn't heat up with the wand valve open

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · #4: Post by **erics** » September 8th, 2014, 7:13 pm

autotrader wrote:Machine is Probably 8 months old . . .

Then I would send the dealer from whom you purchased the machine (together with invoice number, serial number etc., etc.) an email and thus initiate a problem report.

If I recall correctly, that machine is fitted with two safety thermostats on top of the boiler. So, one of those may have tripped, the pstat could be faulty, the heating element could have died.

How are you from a mechanical/electrical troubleshooting capability ??

September 10th, 2014, 2:30 pm

Thanks for the reply, 1st line just advised checking the safety valves as you have. I'll check that tonight, hopefully a simple fix as I love the machine, it's awesome!

I'm quite good mechanically with cars etc but not good with electrics

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · #6: Post by **erics** » September 10th, 2014, 5:59 pm

You also need to ENSURE that the boiler is APPROXIMATELY 2/3 full of water making the assumption that one of the safety thermostats has opened its circuit.

This requires selecting a suitable opening and constructing a dipstick.

September 11th, 2014, 6:45 pm

Ok, so I opened her up and pushed the trip switch back down. The boiler started to boil. I wish that were the end of the saga but one of the wires above the boiler looks singed / a little burnt. Once the boiler got up to top temperature I thought I could smell/sense that the wire was getting really hot, maybe even a little smoke was coming off it

I assume I'll need to get these cables replaced and that should be it or would there be an underlying issue causing this that also needs to be rectified?

Thanks

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · #8: Post by **erics** » September 11th, 2014, 7:01 pm

I believe it is time for a visit to the hospital.

Did you check the water level in the boiler as advised?

What is the MAXIMUM reading you see on your boiler pressure gage when the heating element cuts out?

And a pic of this wiring would be most helpful.

September 11th, 2014, 8:08 pm

How would figure out how much is in the boiler?

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · #10: Post by **erics** » September 11th, 2014, 8:22 pm

Remove the vacuum breaker and use a small wooden dowel to check for ~2/3 full.

Yes, the wire looks unhealthy . . . possible a loose connection at the thermostat . . . more resistance = more heat.

But this machine is still under a warranty so I would work this problem out with the selling dealer and reference this thread to them.