When I made a quick espresso while tidying up after supper I turned on my machine as usual to get everything warmed up. After a few minutes the boiler reached top temperature and at that time some steam started coming through the group (this is usual) but next the machine started making noise like an old time Calliope at the fair. This would continue till the temp dropped but as soon as the boiler would kick in again the whistling would start again.

So great and wise Peanut Gallery, is this just that the machine is getting old or is it pooched and I need to look for a new one.

BTW my machine is a Delonghi Italia that I bought at SEARS back in 1986 (no I'm not kidding )

the Cod Father