Does my Gaggia Baby have a three-way solenoid?

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July
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#1: Post by July »

Hi!

First I have to warn you that I am a total beginner here...

I own my Baby Gaggia machine since many years, probably around 10 years, can't remember for sure. However, I have just began reading about how to properly clean it. Yes, I know, shame on me. :oops: My machine was well taken care of though, with regular cleaning at the shop, but now I'd like to do it myself.

I have been reading the how-to with the info about how to do a backflush, but I can't figure out if my machine has a three-way valves. I read the machine book, I searched online, but couldn't find the info since my model is a little bit dated. Can anyone help?

Also, I am a bit confused about coffee detergent vs descaler. Are they the same?

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erics
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#2: Post by erics »

If you identify your machine from this site, more help can be provided.

http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaHomeEspressoMakers.html

More than likely it does not but . . .
Skål,

Eric S.
http://users.rcn.com/erics/
E-mail: erics at rcn dot com

July (original poster)
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#3: Post by July (original poster) »

Hi Erics,
I couldn't find a picture on this website, but I just realized there's a sticker under the machine and it says it is a 1997 model. Does that help?

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erics
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#4: Post by erics »

Then, post a pic of your machine.

As I sorta said, more than likely it does not have a 3-way valve. Detergent and descaler are two completely different products and are NOT interchangeable.

Try these pics: http://www.partsguru.com/GaggiaBaby.html
Skål,

Eric S.
http://users.rcn.com/erics/
E-mail: erics at rcn dot com

July (original poster)
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#5: Post by July (original poster) »

On the link you suggested, there is no picture of my model but if you download the file titled Diagram Baby 2002, you can see a diagram of my machine.

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HB
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#6: Post by HB »

July wrote:I have been reading the how-to with the info about how to do a backflush, but I can't figure out if my machine has a three-way valves.
Here's an easy test: Pull a shot, turn off the pump, wait three seconds, and quickly remove the portafilter. If your crotch doesn't get sprayed with steaming hot coffee grounds, it has a three-way valve. :lol: Seriously... if it has a three-way valve, you'll see the water discharge into the driptray immediately after you turn off the pump with a "whoosh" sound.

For what it's worth, the Gaggia New Baby definitely has a three-way valve (I reviewed it for WIRED magazine here).
Dan Kehn

frank828
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#7: Post by frank828 »

if you have a gaggia baby 2002, i believe you do have a 3-way solenoid valve. i see something called "solenoid valve" on part 21. If you zoom in on the pdf, you can see the outlet pipe on the top that feeds down into the drip tray and two other holes on the bottom of the valve that are connected to the group body.