I stupidly ran my new Lelit PL042 out of water the other night while I was cleaning it before putting it away for the night. I was running water through the portafilter empty when I noticed the flow slowing. A few seconds later, I realized that what I thought was the water level on the tank was actually a shadow.

I quickly turned off the pump, filled the tank, and everything still seems to operate normally. However, worry that I damaged the vibratory pump has complicated my subsequent efforts to learn to use the machine - I switched to a new coffee the next morning, which seemed to require a coarser grind (by almost a full increment, i.e. 3 to 4). However, I can't be certain if it is simply requiring a coarser grind because the pump is producing less pressure, or because the coffee really is that different.

The pump is not noisy or otherwise erratic. Is there any way to tell if it was damaged, and if so, is it something I can easily replace myself?

I second that your pump should be completely fine. Running dry is an inevitable accident - I've done it several times to no ill effect. As long as you catch it in a few seconds it's no big deal. Switching coffees can require a substantial amount of grind adjustment both from coffee origin and roast level. That's not unusual either.

As for checking, if you are still nervous (dont be!), an easier check is to measure flow rate at zero pressure. It's a good bet that you have an ULKA E5 pump. From their company website...



If your pump is pretty close to 600 ml/min with the portafilter out, it's running correctly. Be advised, I think some people have found that the flow rates vary a bit more than the company's publication.

I'm hesitant to say this, but just for general information, pumps are not difficult to replace. My Le'Lit even has quick release joints. Connect two hoses, attach two wires, remount it, that's about it. Like I said, though, I'm sure your pump is healthy.

Fresh coffee will take a coarser grind, dont worry about it. When those pumps go bad, they go bad in a big way. You would end up with very little to no flow or the pump itself would just not work.

This is very common and nothing to wory about. A few second with no water will not harm the pump. Running the pump for a minute or longer (with or without water) is probably not a good idea.