Hi guys,

I need help with my Arrarex Caravel. It is a 220V model, and it is connected to a Seven Star step up transformer. I was using it earlier today, and it was working as normal. Then after a second shot in a row I did notice the back and the sides of the body (i.e., around the heating element) got very hot. Then after that the heating element stopped working. The front light is on, and stays lit. But the machine is not heating up.

Here is what I did:
1. I tried adjusting the thermostat "back and forth", but that did not help.
2. I checked the fuse of the Seven Star step up transformer, but it appeared in good shape.
3. I direct connect the machine to the 110V outlet (using the European adapter), and filled up the boiler with near boiling water. The front light was lit, but the heating element did not turn on (or kept the temperature inside the boiler).

Attached are two pictures of the heating element. You will notice at the front bend an area that seems to have lost its coating. Does it mean the heating element is blown?

Is there any other diagnostic step I should take to try to find the root of this problem?

Thanks in advance!

Javier

Nooooooo! It does look split there, is it?

Hi Mike!

Yeah, I think it might be. I can provide a better picture taken in daylight. I just got today a 5 pound bag of Redbird blend, and was dialing it when this happened. The first shot "chocked" the Caravel for at least two minutes (the grind was too fine), but I kept pressure on it and got a nice 0.5 ounce ristretto. Yes, an act of desperation since I was so looking forward to try Redbird. I changed the grind setting, and the second shot was flowing a little faster than the previous shot. Perhaps I put too much pressure at the front of the machine, and it damaged the heating element.

Yikes -- that's too bad. Not all is lost though, as you can pour boiling hot water into the tank and still pull good shots. I've been doing that for a while now. Of course, it's not going to keep it's temp, but works fine for a shot, maybe two.

Thanks Jack (Peacecup)!

and one for the car: http://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RPBH-012-...pd_cp_hi_3

For the espresso-on-the-go. Can you imagine using the Arrarex Caravel while driving? "Sorry officer, I was not texting - I was just pulling a shot of espresso".

Hey Javier,
Did you work out your heating element situation?
Double O