Hi All,
I sold my S27 to my friend and he called me with a problem. He said when he turns the machine on (from cold) it builds pressure but then as soon as he goes to steam the pressure drops like a stone and he has to wait for it to heat back up again. I know its vapor lock but I'm not sure what part controls it or how to fix it. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Joe

Sounds like a sticky vacuum breaker valve.

Yup, sounds like a typical sticky vacuum breaker.

Is it fixable or just replace it?

Edit: just read the link, I'll replace it
Thanks!!
Joe

You can take it off and descale it or just replace it. I keep a spare in my parts cabinet, it happens after a few years of use. You could also just try poking the valve (once it is cool) so it drops open and see if it sticks again.

Simple fix, simple to replace, choice is yours.

you might try fiddling with the little "stick" which pokes up when the vac-breaker seals. Mine was malfunctioning a little while ago, and I bought a new one. Before installing it, I played around with the old, JUST as it was about to seal.

As pressure was building, the stick popped up, but still leaked pressure. I just fiddled it around, and it popped up a bit further. Been working ever since.

Taking it off is relatively easy.. You will probably need a deep socket to reach the bottom of it.. I did at least.


Chris' Coffee sells two different Vacuum Breakers. He has a small, "standard" one, which will fit if there is very low clearance inside. The other one is bigger, but there is a barb connection on the top of it, so you attach tubing to it, and run it somewhere, so any water spits don't spit on electronics or anything like that.