Hi all,

I have just started using my new espresso machine and I've just noticed the pressure gauge fluctuating during pours. Sometimes it ramps slowly to 6 bar then to 10 other times it rests on 8 bar. Not sure what exactly is going on so any input will be appreciated. The final result on separate occasions seems to taste ok(haven't hit sweet spot on grinder as i'm also having issues with that too) and I've been weighing the dose each time and the shot all within reasonable weights.

Thanks,

Dalton

Usually these symptoms could indicate problems to the pump or to the OPV valve.
When you say "my new machine" you mean it is brand new or it is new to you but used one?
alberto

Brand new got it Thursday.

have you checked the OPV valve setting with blind filter?
do you have pressure fluctuations with it also?

Do you mean have I checked the gauge when using blind basket? I have not, I haven't backflushed yet, I've just powered on the machine to heat up so I'll check in about half hour and reply with results.

I just used the blind basket, it ramps up to 10bar 3 times consecutively and didn't fluctuate. I imagine 10bar is the default pressure setting. I will try lower the pressure to 9bar. I wonder why it didnt fluctuate now?

often things are not as simple as we would hope.
it could be the OPV valve leaking, for example
at its set pressure value it opens regularly and you do not see any problem
at lower pressures, when it should be close, it leaks and you see fluctuations
usally this happens when scale builds up in the valve, but it can't be your case
remember that it could always be a defective pump, also
I suggest you only a couple of interesting readings you can find here in the forum

Pump fluctuations and struggles to reach 12 Bar with blind basket. Bezzera BZ10

Andreja Premium: Pressure gauge fluctuates during shots only

I think that, as the machine is brand new, it is not the case to look inside the machine by yourself
you could void the warranty
I would call the supplier, instead, to have it fixed

alberto

I found a link with someone with the same problem. I have a feeling it has something to do with electricity. I had it connected to a cheap timer (stupidly) so tomorrow I'll lower the pressure via the OPV and connect it straight to the mains and hopefully that will sort it.
Thanks for the help, I'll update results tomorrow.

Dalton

this could make sense
it could be that your timer can't manage the high power consumption of the machine
let us know

If your tamp is bad or the grind too coarse, that will cause this too. There is not enough back-pressure to support higher pressure. If your blind basket was solid at 10, I think this is more than likely the issue especially if you are new at grinding and tamping.

Jim