Need troubleshooting help - Quick Mill Anita pump runs continuously

by **taxman10002000** on Sun May 15, 2011 10:14 am

Greetings. I have a 3+ year-old Anita. It broke down a week ago when the pump ran incessantly to the point of failure. This was not good on my part, but I didn't know what to make of it at the time. I replaced the pump and the expansion-valve seat based on advice I received from the seller. The pump still runs incessantly, so I shut it down. I'd like to take another shot at fixing it before using this as an excuse for an upgrade. I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

by **cafeIKE** on Sun May 15, 2011 10:46 am

Have you checked the water level probe wire?

It will be a wire attached to a probe into the boiler.
Try grounding it. If the pump stops, there's the problem.

Have you ever descaled the machine?

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Sun May 15, 2011 11:08 am

Your boiler fill valve is not opening - perhaps bad coil or stuck valve. Call if you get stuck.
301-587-5033

by **Muskie** on Fri May 20, 2011 10:41 pm

Hello, I have a Quick Mill Andreja Premium, also about 3 years old with what is soundling like it might be a similar problem with the boiler solenoid. When the unit is hot and there is need for water to be pumped into the boiler (while making an espresso shot) the sound of the pump is not right and it continues to run with that sound. Normally I only make a couple at a time, and this isn't and issue. The next time I use the machine, after it has cooled and is restarted, the pump fills the boiler and shuts off. The machine did not behave this way until a few months ago. I use reverse osmosis filtered water, so scale buildup is not likely the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Fri May 20, 2011 11:17 pm

Certainly the boiler fill valve can open while you are brewing but this is typically a rare occurrence. When this happens, the brew pressure will drop dramatically - maybe down to 5 or 6 bar vice a typical 9 bar brew pressure. But, it would be helpful, perhaps, to have a video/audio recording of this "not right" sound.

When the pump is only trying to fill the boiler, the brew pressure gage will read around 3 bar with your machine when all is working properly. When the pump is only trying to fill the boiler and the boiler fill solenoid valve malfunctions, the brew pressure gage will read around 9 bar or wherever you have your OPV set to. No water is entering the boiler and the pump will continue to run because the proper water level is never attained.

by **P.B** on Sat May 21, 2011 6:08 am

On my Andreja the noise the pump makes is significantly louder when filling the boiler than when brewing. You should be able to distinguish between these two noises if yours is the same. My solenoid failed earlier this year and stuck in the brew position. Therefore when the boiler level sensor sent a signal to refill the pump activated but all the water went back into the water reservoir via the OPV.

Replacing the solenoid isn't easy on an Andreja as it's half under the boiler. I was charged a hours labour after I'd decided it was too difficult. Good luck.

Paul.

by **DonTom** on Mon May 23, 2011 6:30 am

I've just had a similar issue with a VBM Domobar. Eventually discovered that the issue wasn't the solenoid, but the pipe from the solenoid to the boiler was blocked with scale, at the boiler end. Worth checking before spending the dollars for a new solenoid!

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Mon May 23, 2011 7:11 am

I've just had a similar issue with a VBM Domobar.

The thread that Tom is referring to is here: Vibiemme Domobar Super - boiler not filling! .

I agree that this can (obviously) also be the cause of a boiler not filling but the big difference between the two causes is that one is typically more gradual (scale) while the other is typically instantaneous (boiler fill valve malfunction). Pump pressure on Anita is ~ 3.0 bar when operating in boiler fill mode alone. I'm not sure what it is on the Vibiemme but it must be SIMILAR. The buildup of scale in the boiler fill line would cause a gradual increase in this pressure and a corresponding increase in fill time.

In the case of this particular machine (Dave's Anita), the problem was solved by descaling the disassembled boiler fill valve in white vinegar for about an hour.

This was done after syphoning the majority of water out of the boiler via the hot water tap connection and checking for proper voltage applied to the solenoid.

by **DonTom** on Mon May 23, 2011 7:50 am

Hi Eric,

Quite right. The pump was up to full pressure when trying to fill the boiler, now it runs at about 3bar when filling. My machine had multiple problems, all scale related! Live and learn. Still, not going too bad for a 6+ year old machine, putting through 5-6kg per month. Only replaced a pump prior to this.

Cheers, Tom

by **chris** on Mon May 23, 2011 8:45 pm

First thing to do is pull the wire off the top of the liquid level sensor and ground it to the frame of the machine. If it stops then the problem has nothing to do with the pump it is more than likely your liquid level probe. Simple inexpensive fix.


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