I have a problem with my Elektra. When I make a shot the 3 way exhausts normally when the extraction ends. However, when I backflush the valve refuses to operate and the group handle jams in place.

The only way to get it out is to wrap the group in a towel then firmly and repeatedly knock the handle with my hand until it releases. Then the 3 way works but it's too late. Compared to a Pavoni sneeze this is like a land mine full of brown custard. Hence the towel and goggles . It's been like this since I bought it and I have managed by sort of only doing a half backflush by not quite locking the handle in. I might sell it so I thought it best to fix it.

Sometimes this explosion sucks the group seal out. I'm not sure if it's related but occasionally the group handle unwinds during an extraction. An even bigger land mine. I suspect this is just a worn seal.

The solenoid also dribbles a bit during a shot. I replaced the O rings but it still drips.

Sounds like the Elektra from hell doesn't it?

Sounds like a bit of scale (or other debris) in the solenoid. If it opens without a blind basket than the solenoid is getting power but binding under pressure. They are easy to take off, I would just take the solenoid off, take it apart and clean it. If the solenoid is scaled, then the rest of the machine may need a descale as well.

As Dave says, it's usually a sign of debris -- the pipes are narrow on the Semi's group, and clog easily. Descaling usually solves the problem.

You do not need to force out the PF. Pulse the boiler fill valve. This equalizes the pressure and allows the jammed three way valve to open.

allon wrote:Edit: Hmm, looking at parts diagrams of this machine, I can't figure out where the 3-way valve is...

It's under the bell and exhausts down the chrome tube into the tray.

Thanks for all the advice. I took the valve apart as best I could and gave it another clean but it cannot be taken completely out (coil) without cutting the leads. I have always run the machine through an anti scale filter after another water filter. Shall give the old girl another complete descale and see what happens.

I guess if I have to replace the 3-way I can cut the wires near the valve, put some bayonet connectors on and tuck the wires up under the bell.

Thanks again

I had a similar problem twice with my Semi. I posted about it the first time towards the bottom of the thread here

Backflushing on an Elektra Semiautomatica

it was when I first had the machine and did a detergent backflush. I have since put in less detergent and never had an issue except one time when I again put in a little too much detergent. It seems these machines may be a little sensitive to debris in the 3 way valve even something as simple and soluble as detergent.

Both times it happened to me I turned the machine off and 10 minutes later it relieved itself with a bit of a loud whistle and the problem cleared up.

Scale is not much of an issue for me because my water is closer to too soft than to too hard.

If it ever does happen again I'll try Jim's solution.

da gino wrote:I had a similar problem twice with my Semi. I posted about it the first time towards the bottom of the thread here

Backflushing on an Elektra Semiautomatica

Interesting. I thought I had read just about every Semiautomatica post here but must have missed this. It also happens to my machine if I backflush without detergent.

I agree that you just have something in there already that isn't coming out. Hopefully it is just scale that will clear out with a descaling. The lucky thing for me about the detergent is hot water will eventually work it out, but I think most comparable machines won't have this issue with detergent in the first place because they have less narrow pipes.

I took the valve apart as best I could and gave it another clean but it cannot be taken completely out (coil) without cutting the leads.

What can I be missing here ???


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Removing the coil should be easy: remove the drain tube, bell, unplug coil, lift off, & unscrew the valve housing (11A). Soak 11A,11B, & 11C in descaling solution for 30-45 minutes and you should be in good shape.

The problem is not in the 3 way itself, which is standard, but in the very tight pathways in the group block. These get clogged. When I back flush, jams in the three way are not all that rare. I don't know if its the detergent itself, dislodged coffee bits or scale. First off, it's not a problem and requires no repair. Second, just pulse the boiler fill to fix it.

On my two Semis, I've changed pstats 3 times, pumps twice, and 3 way valves never.