Shots are watery, pull too fast after cleaning

[gaggia1516]

I seem to be having problems with my Gaggia Coffee De Luxe. I have had my machine for 4 months, everything was going fine until I cleaned the machine. Now all the shots I pull are a watery mess. I have changed the grind setting 3 times and nothing seems to help. The shots pull way too fast and it doesn't seem like I have the pressure I once had at the grouphead when I first bought the machine. Also, it seems my shots are channeling. Please help.

[TimEggers]

Hello! Can you please specify exactly how you cleaned the machine? What type of cleaner(s) (and how much) did you use?

[gaggia1516]

I used Cleancaf and let all of the parts soak in it for an hour. I also ran it through the boiler and the steam wand.

[TimEggers]

Can I assume that you have rinsed and flushed everything extensively?

[miKe mcKoffee]

While it doesn't sound like the cause of shot problems, I'd also suggest removing and cleaning group screen and dispersion block above it as part of normal cleaning procedures.

Also too fast a shot and seemingly lower shot pressure seems opposite what low shot pressure would cause. And channeling problems. Assuming the screen is clear hate to say but sounds like the problem is at the handle side of the PF in consistent dose, distribution and tamp.