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How do I adjust the temperature on my Brasilia Mini Classic?

Postby Yerushalmi on Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:55 am

I am pretty sure that the temp on my machine is too low. I rarely get a water dance even after the machine has been sitting a couple of hours unused and the coffee is sour tasting.
Can someone help me to find the temp adjust in this beast? thanks!
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Postby HB on Sun Jul 05, 2009 12:11 pm

What's the steam boiler pressure? Have you descaled it lately (see Checking an E61 Espresso Machine for Scale)? My quick search of the internet didn't turn up a lot of interior photos, but this article Product Spotlight: Brasilia Mini Classic from WholeLatteLove had some pictures, including the pressurestat (second photo on the right; see the brown cylinder with yellow dot and two wires attached).

How to adjust an espresso machine pressurestat (boiler temperature) explains the basics of adjusting the steam boiler pressure / temperature on HX espresso machines like yours.

PS: Many of our members frequent multiple coffee sites. Please avoid cross-posting your question, or mention the other site with a referral link to avoid repetitive responses (link). Thanks.
Dan Kehn
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Postby Yerushalmi on Sun Jul 05, 2009 3:40 pm

Many thanks Dan! I really appreciate your time and expertise!
A while ago I tried to adjust the pressurestat and I'm not sure if I put the two wires back in the right places. Maybe that's my problem?
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Postby Yerushalmi on Sun Jul 05, 2009 3:46 pm

Dan -
My pressurestat is painted over with paint and I'm scared to turn it as it seems that it might break. What should I do?
thanks!
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Postby erics on Sun Jul 05, 2009 6:18 pm

Send a pic of your pstat so we make sure you turn the right screw.
Skål,

Eric S.
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E-mail: erics at erols dot com
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Postby HB on Sun Jul 05, 2009 7:02 pm

Yerushalmi wrote:What should I do?

You could start by answering my questions (What's the steam boiler pressure? Have you descaled it lately?). It may be that your pressurestat doesn't need adjustment. Generally speaking, once adjusted from the factory, they either work or they don't.
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Postby Yerushalmi on Mon Jul 06, 2009 1:58 am

Pressure reading 1.7bar
Bought the machine second hand from the importer. Have asked if it was descaled before resale
thanks!
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Postby JmanEspresso on Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:22 am

1.7Bar?? Something isnt right here. At that setting, you should be well into the red zone on the gauge. Generally 1.4 is the max setting on these type of home machines. However, running at 1.7, you should certainly be getting a water dance, and a long one at that, if the boiler didnt explode first.. Im running 1.35 and Ive got a heck of a flush after a long idle.
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Postby cannonfodder on Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:04 pm

at 1.7 bar you are near the danger zone. Much higher and your boiler over pressure safety valve may pop. High temperature but slow recovery tends to be a sign of scale build-up. How long have you had the machine? Do you know what your water hardness is?
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Postby sweaner on Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:44 am

That, of course, assumes that the gauge is accurate...a big assumption.

However, better to be safe and lower that pressure.
Scott
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Man does not live by coffee alone...we need beer too.
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