Reneka 2-group machine problems

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oofnik
Posts: 274
Joined: 17 years ago

#1: Post by oofnik »

Hi all,
I've got a friend who runs a small coffee shop. Unfortunately, their sub-par cleaning and maintenance routines have caught up to them and their espresso machine is having some problems. So, of course, she calls me up to come check it out. It's a Reneka 2-group, but I'm not quite sure what model. It's an interesting one, though; in place of one of the groups is a pod brewing mechanism. From what I could see when we opened it up, It's got this hydraulic actuator that seals against the pod as it's dropped in vertically from the top of the machine. The whole thing bolts onto the boiler just like the regular group head. Anyway, the pod brewing side seems to work fine, but the standard group, not so much.

What's going on is when the shot buttons on the standard group side are pressed, you can hear a dull click and the rotary pump engages. Pressure builds, but no water comes out. I'm thinking it's the brew solenoid that's totally gunked up and stuck closed, because normally I think you'd hear a noticeable, sharp click as the 3-way valve opens. I can't imagine the plumbing to be too different from the Wega machine I stripped to the frame an rebuilt last year.

I know of course that they should get a professional tech to come out and look at it. I don't think there is anything I can do short of removing the solenoid and getting a good look inside, hoping that's the problem. Can anybody think of any other potential problems that would cause this to happen? Or if anybody has a link to a parts diagram or some other sort of documentation, that would be great too. Thank you all for the help!

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cannonfodder
Team HB
Posts: 10497
Joined: 19 years ago

#2: Post by cannonfodder »

A blocked gicleur, plugged up group filter/screen (descale issue), burnt out solenoid would be some of my guesses.
Dave Stephens

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oofnik (original poster)
Posts: 274
Joined: 17 years ago

#3: Post by oofnik (original poster) »

Well, they decided to call a tech to come out and fix it. I was right, it was the brew solenoid that just had to be cleaned out. I wonder how much he charged to do that :?. Ah well, thanks Dave.