Vibratory pump output very low

[sunnyu]

Pump output very low. Since I don't have a gauge the best way to describe it is; my shots barely trickle, whereas when my isomac was new it would vigorously gush out the espresso with youth like enthusiasm. Is there a way to increase the pressure? Why would I need to in the first place? I have already dismantled the e61 group and thoroughly cleaned it out. The pressure is low even without any plumbing in front of pump.

[HB]

The pressure is low even without any plumbing in front of pump.

How are you measuring the pump's flow rate and pressure?

Based on the information you've provided, I can offer some vague guesses at the cause. Either there is an obstruction in the pump inlet (water softener / water filter clogged), an obstruction after the pump like scale, the pump mechanism itself is sticking, or the over-pressure valve (OPV) is releasing too early (the thread Need Help! Wega Mini Nova not working properly?!! discussed a similar possibility). You will find a lot of threads discussing OPVs; the one excerpted below includes a helpful diagram by Jim Schulman and links to more background information:

Sometimes knowing where is should be located is more important that knowing what it looks like. Assuming your machine has a vibration pump, Jim Schulman's Adjusting vibe pump pressure on HX machines explains the mechanics, including the diagram below:

(reproduced with permission)

Tracing backwards from the overflow into the tank, you should find the over-pressure valve. However, if your Epoca has a rotary pump, the OPV setting is only for safety reasons should the pressure rise too high. Rotary pumps have there own relief valve (shown in this exploded view) that serves a similar purpose as an OPV for vibration pumps.

PS: If you are curious about the internals of a vibratory pump, see the enlightening "I ended up with a free Starbuck". The article includes close-up pictures of a completely disassembled vibe pump.

[betxs]

sunnyu,

I do not know what "type" of water you have been using, but...the thread, "Need Help! Wega Mini Nova not working properly?!!"... was started by me. I was having similar trouble with my Wega vibe! I will tell you that the fix for the problem could be easier than the diagnosis!

I would suggest that you do a Descaling before you try anything else! I tried several things, but if I would have done the Descaling first it would have solved my problem. I used Citric Acid. I bought it from a local swimming pool company. There are many places that sell Citric Acid. It is very inexpensive.

Before you do the descaling I would strongly suggest that you order 3 or 4 new GROUP HEAD GASKETs from an online espresso machine vendor, because I think you should remove your current group head gasket and screen before you descale. You will have to replace the old group gasket with a new gasket. The gaskets are inexpensive and easy to reinstall AFTER you do the Descaling.

There are many articles on the internet concerning Descaling, gasket removal and replacing, etc.

Once again, I would just use Citric Acid as the descaling agent. If descaling does not not work then I would suggest going to the link that Dan suggested. It could also be the vibe pump that needs replacing, etc.

My suggestions are based only on my experiences. I would start with, what I believe to be, the easiest and the least expensive first. That is why I would would do the Descaling first.

Dan and many others are much more knowledgeable that me concerning the workings of an espresso machine.




Mike