Need Help! Wega Mini Nova not working properly?!!

[betxs]

My Wega(older model, black top) vibe pourover(NOT Plumbed) has not been producing shots the way it has in the past.
It is now taking about 30-35 seconds before the first drops start to show. Then, about another 30 seconds four the shot to get to 2oz. Hardly any crema when the shot does finish.

I've adjusted and tried different grind settings. I've used various tamping pressures. As low as 15-20lbs. It used to be no problem to grind close to the Mazzer factory grind settings with 25-35 lbs. tamp pressure to get 2-2.5oz. in 25-30secs. total shot time. I would see the first drops of the shot around 8-10 secs.

My Mazzer is working fine. I backflush regularly. My manometer seems to be showing the same "pressure" as always. The safety valve seem to be okay. Steaming and hot water are working okay. No scaling. Pressurestat seems to be working based on making adjustments and noticing that the pressure does change.

I've REPLACED: vibe pump; anti-siphon valve; grouphead gasket




Mike

[HB]

The replies on CG (link) weren't helpful? I've followed your story and it looks like TerryZ is on the case. I agree with Rick -- the pressure is off, probably because the OPV spring is releasing too early so the brew pressure is too low. They get "tired" after a year or two and have to be tightened down to maintain the same resistance. Also confirm the inlet isn't being restricted as suggested by ck72. Checking the unrestricted flow rate from the pump would confirm that diagnosis.

PS: If your machine doesn't have a brew gauge, see Testing Brew Pressure for your options.

Man, It is difficult to diagnose a problem sometimes without having the machine in front of you. Well I gave it a shot, but clearly we need to look further. Mike, give me a ring today. I'm out and about on calls, but will get back........

[betxs]

Thanks Dan for your response!

In fact I, just (well, about an hour ago) got off the phone with TerryZ. I will be trying the OPV "adjustments" tonight or tomorrow. If I understand correctly, I believe this is what you stated and that is what TerryZ also told me to do!

Terry has very helpful!! The reason I posted here was to just see if there were any more suggestions. Also, I feel somewhat guilty calling Terry. I know he has a business to run and helping me or anybody else is very hard to do and time consuming over the phone. I have and will continue to be a customer of EPNW, because of situations just like I'm having now! I'm getting great service and help!!

As far as ck72's suggestion, I do not know where the small mesh filter is located?! I did check and clean the screen like filter that sits above the mushroom.



Mike

[kav]

I think the mesh filter he was talking about was on the end of the intake hose that sits in your reservoir... Good luck!