Javier wrote:For the past year or so I have noticed a significant decrease in steam pressure from my Gaggia Factory. The boiler pressure is still factory set at 0.75 Bar (i.e., I have not changed the boiler pressure).
Javier,
This problem seems to be going around. My Gaggia Factory was doing exactly what you describe. Last night I guessed (correctly) that there was a deposit build-up clogging the short p-stat tube that runs between the inside boiler and the p-stat beneath the boiler element, and the element wasn't getting the re-cycle info it needs to maintain pressure correctly. The deposit is most likely within the boiler where the short tube enters and extends a bit above the boiler bottom. The good news is that you probably do not need to remove the p-stat tube from the element/boiler bottom to clean it.
To see if this is the problem:
1) Remove the screw holding on the plastic bottom;
2) Using two 17mm wrenches carefully unscrew the tube where it joins the p-stat (not where it joins the element - leave that alone);
3) mark the p-stat contacts and wires so you can remember which wire goes where before removing the p-stat;
4) set the machine cross-wise on a heavy baking dish that won't rock (I used a rectangular pyrex) so that any water draining out the tube drains into the pan and not your counter top, and your machine electricals are above the water;
5) pour a cup or so of plain water (enough to get above the union where the tube extends above the boiler bottom) into the boiler tank and see if water runs right through, not at all, or only drips.
If the water doesn't run right through, the p-stat tube is clogged with deposits.
If it only drips or doesn't run at all:
1) Heat 1 cup of descaling liquid (I used white vinegar) in the microwave in a pyrex till on the verge of boiling: using a funnel pour this into the boiler through the top;
2) Leave it stand for an hour, agitating the machine every so often; shine a light into the tank: you should see little bubbles if the descaling liquid is dissolving the scale around the union where the short tube penetrates the element/boiler bottom. After an hour check to see if water has drained.
3) after an hour the machine should be cool enough to handle; otherwise use an oven mitten;
4) On a pad, with the tube tipped towards the steam wand side (to avoid damaging the switch or sight tube), slide the copper wire up the tube from the bottom side. Probably this will increase the flow and little pieces of deposit and cloudy liquid will flow out.
5) Repeat the whole process till water runs freely through the tube.
6) swab the inside metal (not electricals!) with a bi-carbonate mixture to neutralize effects of any descaling acid that may have splashed onto the chrome;
7) Gently clean the round compression end of the copper tube with a NON-abrasive cloth); reassemble the p-stat and machine.
8 ) flush two or three times to get the descaling liquid completely out of the machine.
Fill the machine and see what happens. Mine worked perfectly thereafter, and I did not need to fiddle with the p-stat adjustment.
by Javier on Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:43 pm 
. And I have removed and cleaned the steam wand tip with a needle and toothpick more than once.
