Espresso machine pump making weird sound... any thougths?

#1: Post by **gungabin** » January 1st, 2015, 8:18 pm

my espresso machine has a 110v procon pump attached to a motor. It was working fine and today when I turned it on to make a latte I turned on the brew switch and the motor made a quieter hum rather than its usually noisy sound. The water didnt seem to come out as strong and the machine got quieter the longer I experimented. I know something is wrong I just dont know what...is it the pump? the pump motor? What can I check and how can I check it? Im prepared to rip the machine apart If I need to

#2: Post by **cannonfodder** » January 1st, 2015, 10:54 pm

First thing I would check is your pump pressure. Has it dropped, second would be water pressure. The pump pressure is dependent on the input pressure unless you have a balance bypass pump. If you mains pressure drops, your pump pressure drops with it.

January 1st, 2015, 11:58 pm

well, I dont have a pump pressure gauge on the machine. the line in pressure has not changed, I have it on a flo-jet from a 5 gallon water bottle.

How can I check the pressure of the pump to the portafilter?

#4: Post by **cannonfodder** » January 2nd, 2015, 9:22 am

Make a portafilter mounted pressure gauge

Portafilter pressure gauge

January 2nd, 2015, 2:33 pm

The Procon is s a rotary vane pump?

My rotary vane pump started making noises but it was actually an issue with the no-return valve; hot water flowing back into the pump.

Open the machine up, check if it's getting hot, take some video and share it.

January 3rd, 2015, 10:11 pm

alright, ill tear into ol' bessy and post an update soon. Thanks guys!