I have a 2008 Salvatore Automatic and a couple days ago the flow through the group was half of what it normally was. I routinely (7-10 days) back flush the group head with Joe Glo and only use bottled water. The pump still functions, it still makes steam and water comes out of the hot water tap.

I called Salvatore and spoke with Wendy who had me disassemble the group head screen and the brass nozzle and clean them which did not solve it. Then they recommended to clean out the 3 way solenoid assembly and the mushroom cap which I did, and it still has not corrected it. I am not an espresso tech but am competent with plumbing and electrical, but I have run out of ideas. Not sure if it is possible that the pump could still work but fail partially? It just seems like the water out of the head does not come out with any real force as it use to.

Any ideas?

I have a video showing the flow out of the group,

Here's a good lesson for all. it is good to have a benchmark so you don't go chasing your tail... Go to your machine now. Put a measuring cup beneath the group. Turn on the brew function and time thirty seconds. EDIT:Turn on the brew function and when the full flow has established itself, capture and measure 30 seconds of that flow of water from the group." Quantify the volume of water, write it down, and file it where it will not be lost.

Now, is you machine plumbed or on a reservoir? Rotary or vibratory pump? HX? Maybe someone else here with the same model and set up can give you those figures from their machine to verify flow rate...?

I assume you have the E-61 group?? Next step is to remove the screen and gicleur fro the group and examine the gicleur with a magnifying lens in strong light. If there is any doubt, run the pump with the top of the group off. HAVE TOWELS HANDY. If the flow out of the top of the group (and all over the machine and possibly your pants) seems insufficient, then the problem is before the group.

Next step would be to disconnect the feed tube after the solenoid valve but before the HX. Securely attach a length of vinyl tubing there and check the flow rate from that tube.

By this time you should get the idea of how to isolate the problem causing the low flow, if indeed that is the problem.

Have you checked the intake side of the water circuit? Is there a filter or softener on the intake? There have been reported problems like yours with the tube being sucked down to the bottom or side of the tank and limiting flow. The cure for that was to cut the tube end on an angle to prevent it pulling tight against the tank wall.
KDM

Absolutely right Eric. Good catch.

I should have said, "Turn on the brew function and when the full flow has established itself, capture and measure 30 seconds of that flow of water from the group."

Thanks for all the replies.
This is a 2008 Salvatore Automatic (E61, HX, Vibe pump, pourover, no filter just the internal reservoir) if I did not mention it. Also the folks at Salvatore have been helpful and responsive. But I am bummed to not have espresso and have the mechanical capability to fix it once pointed in the right direction.......

I sourced a new pump for $50.00 from a local supply house and installed it. Unfortunately, it did not solve the problem. I am not familiar enough with the rest of the components to know where to go next. This is what has been done:

1) Group head was cleaned out to include the screen and brass nozzle. There was only minimal oils and some remnants.
2) The mushroom cap and Gicleur were removed and cleaned in citric acid solution heated to 190 degrees. Again, there was some mineralization but not a lot based on some of the pictures on this site.
3) The 3 way solenoid valve, stem and neculus were removed and cleaned in the solution as well. All of the seals were in good condition and were reassembled.
4) The Ulka pump was removed and replaced with a new one. I tested the old one while it was on the machine and noticed no voltage drop during operation but wanted to eliminate the pump from the list of issues.

So..........Since it builds pressure fine, the hot water valve puts out hot water. The water out of the group head is anemic and when you try to pull a shot it is flat on the naked portafilter, where 2 days ago it did a nice cone and stripping. I have changed nothing with the water, beans, tamp etc. It seems to build pressure to make steam but the pressure is not making it to the brew head.....


Ideas?

Eric,

I timed it.

It took 33 Seconds to fill to 8 ounces. I started timing from when the water started flowing out of the group head.


Yes, I would agree on the patience part.......but I am learning.....


Also when I pulled a shot this morning it did expell some pressure after the shot into the drip pan, but it was not as audible as it is usually, more of a drain than a discharge....

Eric,

Thanks for all the help it turned out to be the pump because after I posted the last reply I decided to let it heat up and give it another try and all is well. Not sure why it was still anemic after I originally changed the pump but it is flowing great and I have pulled 5 shots since and all is good. Thanks to everyone for the advice!