Rancilio Silvia v1 no pressure - pump or solenoid?

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robertcoffsteen
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#1: Post by robertcoffsteen »

Hi all,

I spent the day looking at old threads here but can't find one - I know its here, just couldn't find! - one that addressed my specific issue.

Today, I pulled two shots on my v1 and some steam. I left it on all day, then tried to make another one and no pressure at all from brew head. No pressure from the steam wand anymore also! I took apart the machine to clean the solenoid as described in these pictures - http://memweb.newsguy.com/~jenkins/silv ... epage8.htm - and nothing. I recently descaled but we have good water here in NYC.

Can anyone advise what to do next? Is it as easy as a pump replacement? I tried to unscrew the brewhead but the screw is so old and tight in there that I stripped it a little!! So I can't even take it out to see if thats the issue. But I imagine if the steam, water and brew all have zero pressure its a pump issue?

Thanks in advance for all the help.

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baldheadracing
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#2: Post by baldheadracing »

Try resetting the high-limit thermostat - it may have popped out ... but start with Alan Frew's guide: http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/repair1.html

Good luck!
-"Good quality brings happiness as you use it" - Nobuho Miya, Kamasada

robertcoffsteen (original poster)
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Joined: 9 years ago

#3: Post by robertcoffsteen (original poster) »

Hi baldhead
Tried that, no luck! That guide doesnt havea 'path' for low pressure... What are your next thoughts? Thanks!

petr0x
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#4: Post by petr0x »

Hi,
for me it is not clear if the pump and boiler runs, but you just do not have any water or steam on the output. Please describe what the machine does, when you turn it on or push brew button. Is there any sign of "life" like switching solenoids, heater, pump or even light bulb?

robertcoffsteen (original poster)
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#5: Post by robertcoffsteen (original poster) »

Hi petrox
There are signs of "life" for sure - lights go on and off, sound is made when i turn the brew on -but no pressure. water just pours out of the brew head in long drips like turning on a faucet on very low. From the steam wand, a few tablespoons of water will come out, then nothing.

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erics
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#6: Post by erics »

Before you do ANYTHING ELSE, disconnect one of the heating element leads and apply a small amount of electrical tape to cover the female spade opening on the disconnected wire. You do not need heat to solve this problem.

Next step would be to get that dispersion screen screw removed. Although this shop is primarily an Olympia dealer, he may be able to service that "stuck screw" : https://www.cerinicoffee.com/ . Your dispersion screen is likely heavily coated with coffee remnants.

And I would have the same question as the previous responder, i.e., does the pump even run?
Skål,

Eric S.
http://users.rcn.com/erics/
E-mail: erics at rcn dot com

robertcoffsteen (original poster)
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#7: Post by robertcoffsteen (original poster) »

Hi Eric,

How do I know if the pump "runs"? When I click the brew button I hear a low sound, but nothing is "pumped". No water is taken from the water thing in the back. Is that a sign its just a "pump" issue?

Boiler light goes on and off at the same interval that it alway has. Machine seems to run at the same temp - MAYBE a little hotter.

Also, which heating elements should I disconnect? Do you have a picture indicating this? Thanks so much!

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erics
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#8: Post by erics »



Either 1 or 2 - it does not matter. There is only one heating element on Silvia. This is simply a precautionary measure because, as I said before, you do not need heat to solve this problem.
Skål,

Eric S.
http://users.rcn.com/erics/
E-mail: erics at rcn dot com

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erics
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#9: Post by erics »

I just reread your original post and while it is still a good idea to get that dispersion screen off and cleaned, I would test the solenoid valve.



Disconnect one of the leads to the pump. Remove the coil and unscrew the valve body as before. Now replace the coil on the valve body with the assembly removed from the machine. Activate the brew switch and by slightly pressing down on the valve, it should snap downward. This will confirm that the solenoid is working.
Skål,

Eric S.
http://users.rcn.com/erics/
E-mail: erics at rcn dot com

robertcoffsteen (original poster)
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#10: Post by robertcoffsteen (original poster) »

Eric-

EDIT - wait I tihnk I got it - please see attached image! What happens is that when I click the brew button, it instantly snaps down *on its own* and vibrates very quickly up and down. Seems to work smoothly? No need to tap the valve. Is that the desired behavior?



my old post
I'm confused by your language - can you restate? You wrote

"Now replace the coil on the valve body with the assembly removed from the machine. Activate the brew switch and by slightly pressing down on the valve, it should snap downward"

Isn't the coil/valve body *above* the assembly, so thats what it looks like in the first place? Do you mean the electrical assembly removed? Or connect the coil without anything? I'm very confused - I got to here: http://memweb.newsguy.com/~jenkins/silv ... epage8.htm - what should I do next? Thanks again for your careful assistance.

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