first time poster - searched for similarly relevant issues, though i'm still having problems.

i recently purchased a Reneka Viva I machine - my first commercial machine. the machine was used very little, and it has been shelved for the past 3 years. arriving at home, i've plumbed in the machine using 1/4" supply tubing. the boiler filled just fine, in about the time mentioned in the manual [approx 5-mins]. after allowing the machine to come to temperature [machine reaches 0.7 bar rather 0.8], i attempted to program the dose switches. i made the following observations:

- the pump is not delivering water to the grouphead or hot water outlet
- steam outlet and steam pressure is robust

i checked the pump motor and, while it was attempting to run, was not spinning the arbor. i removed the ring and pulled the pump. the rotary pump was frozen [probably from sitting too long], though i was able to break it free. the pump now works. i've checked the integrity of the solenoid valves and they're working [magnetically held a screwdriver to the coil body]. i've cleaned some solids out of a few lines, though it didn't seem excessive [as compared to my cheaper home machine.]

i have noticed a very small leak in the end of the rotary pump. don't know if that can be tightened with some spanning wrenches. trying to figure out why water is not pumping to the grouphead and looking for any input from those more proficient than me!

many thanks.

i spent more time with the Reneka yesterday. i drained the boiler 2x - first time there was some very milky water, though no large solids; second time it drained clear. i pulled several of the Cu lines, and they were clear. again, the pump runs, though no water is delivered to either the group head or hot water outlet.

thoughts? many thanks!

You say the pump works?
How did you confirm this? Spinning != working.
If you remove the pump output line and soak the ceiling, I'd consider that working...
but have you seen any indications that the pump does more than spin?

Could also be the bypass is stuck open. But even so, I'd expect something from the output, at least line pressure...

allon, thanks for your response! i've just removed the output line and tested. this is what i observed: when the output line is removed, water [residential house H2O pressure] continues to flow. when the pump is engaged, pressure increases, though not the 3-4x i'd expect. bypass? i've looked at the manuals and didn't see any mention of a bypass.

My knowledge of rotary pump machines is largely theoretical - I have vibe pump and lever machines - not a member of the rotary club...

That said, I believe that rotaries adjust pressure using a bypass that feeds some of the output back to input.

If you get even line pressure out from the pump, you should get line pressure at the group head.

Can you remove the 3-way valve and see if you get flow there? If so, then either you have a bad 3-way, or it isn't being activated, or the group head is plugged up between the 3-way and the portafilter.

good news! i spoke with gary at boyd's coffee and he was a HUGE help. turns out the inlet side of the flowmeter was plugged. 20 minutes of work later, i have h2o at the grouphead. still no h20 at the hot water tap, but baby steps i guess. so, not unequivocal success, however we're moving in the right direction!

a note about boyd's: so far they've taken 3 calls from me, answering neophyte related questions about my first HX machine. they've sent the parts and service manuals. all in all, VERY good customer service and support!

ae