Search found 26 matches

by SNielsen
June 30th, 2009, 12:25 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

Hey Guys, The latest on our machine is that the Gicar was kaput and has been replaced. Faema Toronto did this for C$300 plus C$50 labour for testing and installation. I thought this was pretty reasonable, and saved me the risk of a misdiagnosis and/or blowing the Gicar and being left with a non-refu...
by SNielsen
June 24th, 2009, 10:23 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

Hi Matt, Thanks for the input on this. I'd gladly source out the relay and put it in myself, but, as I said, I'm not sure I'm up to the soldering task. If I had more time too, I might attempt it, but I travel a lot on business, and just don't have the time needed to
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by SNielsen
June 24th, 2009, 12:39 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

Hi Eric, Yeah, the top of the Gicar box looks a bit toasted. Not sure why. We bought it as a used machine, about 2 years ago, and don't know the full history. Looks like an '03 model, judging by the serial number (20031105299), so it was in use for about 4 years before we got
by SNielsen
June 24th, 2009, 10:34 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

So, I had some time last night to put my head into the machine again, and found that grounding the tank sensor prongs and contacts had no effect on the clicking relay. I grounded the bars, prongs, wire, etc., six different ways, and no change. Before that, I had checked the continuity of the prong t...
by SNielsen
June 21st, 2009, 10:34 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

Hi Eric! Took the day off for Father's Day, so no progress to report today. Will take some pics tomorrow and post back here. If you're a Dad, hope you had a good Father's Day too! BTW, my Giotto does not have a mini-reservoir under the main water tank, and thus no sensor in there. I think
by SNielsen
June 20th, 2009, 9:42 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

So, here's the latest.....(problem still not resolved).... I took the Pstat off from the top of the coil tube, and found that the tube was full of water right to the top. Is this a normal condition? Is the water level in the tube too high? BTW, no water leaked out when the Pstat came off, and the
by SNielsen
June 19th, 2009, 10:16 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

Thanks! This place is the best! I'll try that tomorrow and post back with what happens. Quick question: when I take the Pstat off, what should I use to reseal the joint? Teflon tape?
by SNielsen
June 19th, 2009, 2:54 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 25
Views: 1691

Giotto overpressure problem - boiler won't stop heating

OK guys, I need some help getting our Giotto back in action again. Yesterday the safety valve popped and released boiler pressure; pressure gauge read 2 bar; and the heating element was still on. I turned it off immediately, and have not turned it on since. As my knowledge of the inner workings of t...
by SNielsen
April 7th, 2009, 8:57 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 7
Views: 642

Giotto clicking at startup

Hey Eric -- Just noticed your last name. A Svendson helping a Svend...gotta love it! I've got some blue Loctite, and could use that if I pull out anything other than the sensor gland nut. Thanks! I'll try to do this tomorrow, but otherwise it may be a few days
by SNielsen
April 7th, 2009, 8:06 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 7
Views: 642

Giotto clicking at startup

OK - now I get it. Thanks Eric! I'll try that soon and post back to see if that does the trick. When I put the sensor back into the tank, what thread sealant should I use? Teflon tape?