Problem with Brew Pressure on ECM Synchronika - Page 2
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The gauge on the front panel is NOT a brew pressure gauge. It is a pump pressure gauge. On the Synchronika, it makes no difference whatsoever if you open or close the FCD or use a blind basket or not. It will always read the pump pressure. The gauge that came with your FCD kit is the only one that reads brew pressure. At this point, given your excellent explanation in the penultimate post, I suggest that your bypass valve (that's the one on the bottom of the machine) is dirty or defective. Turning the screw in and out didn't clear it, as I'd hoped, and it isn't normal that the pressure does not change as you turn it. I think John's on the right track; pull the pump and have a good look at that valve.(1) So yes I'm talking about 6 bar pressure on the brew gauge. This is the pressure that's being read from what I'm calling the brew gauge (the one on the right as opposed to the steam pressure gauge on the left). The small gauge looped copper tubing that leads to this gauge goes directly to pump I believe.
Small edit Jim to John (sorry John!)
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- Team HB
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No. The bypass valve is a part of the pump. You adjust it by turning the threaded part on the side of the pump to increase or decrease the spring pressure exerted on the valve. The greater the spring pressure (tighter) holding the valve closed, the higher the pressure the pump will continue to pump water downstream against.
So, it sounds like yours is seized since adjusting it isn't making a difference.
So, it sounds like yours is seized since adjusting it isn't making a difference.
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Thank you both for your suggestions. I've been way busy with other things but I'm hoping to pull the pump, examine the line filters etc whenever time permits. I may have more questions then, but thanks for the advice.
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I have the exact same issue with my ecm synchronika. Did the suggestion above resolve your issue please?
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Hello chaps,
Any updates on this issue? I am having a similar problem with a plumbed in Rotary HX machine. I did notice the line pressure fluctuating on the gauge over the last couple of days even though I have a PLV in the filter system to set line pressure to 3.5 bar (which it has remained exactly that for 2 years).
Now when I pull a shot with a blind filter, rotary pump pressure maximum is 6-7 bar. I thought the gauge may have been the issue however with a group head pressure gauge, it's quite similar pressure ie no longer 9 bar.
Steam and hot water and flow of brew water haven't changed ie no blockages.
thanks - Jim
Any updates on this issue? I am having a similar problem with a plumbed in Rotary HX machine. I did notice the line pressure fluctuating on the gauge over the last couple of days even though I have a PLV in the filter system to set line pressure to 3.5 bar (which it has remained exactly that for 2 years).
Now when I pull a shot with a blind filter, rotary pump pressure maximum is 6-7 bar. I thought the gauge may have been the issue however with a group head pressure gauge, it's quite similar pressure ie no longer 9 bar.
Steam and hot water and flow of brew water haven't changed ie no blockages.
thanks - Jim
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- Team HB
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Well. Step one. With the machine running, see if you can adjust it by adjusting the pump bypass.
As with any "increase in pressure" adjustment, start by trying to raise the pressure, but not more than 180 degree turn of the bypass adjustment screw. You don't want to go 4 or 5 full turns tighter then have the bypass valve finally slam into place and hammer your machine with a 22 bar pressure spike.
If adjusting it higher (clockwise) doesn't raise it, try backing it off a little, perhaps three full turns so long as it doesn't feel like it's being loosened out. You don't want to create a leak. If you can prove that the pump bypass does have an effect on the pump's outlet pressure and is adjusting it smoothly, but for some reason the machine can't go above 6 Bar, then you can look for the problem elsewhere, the bypass seems to be working.
If you have ruled out the pump bypass, then the pump is probably moving water into the machine, see where the water goes. If it's escaping over an OPV at only 6 bar, then look into why. If it's escaping into the steam boiler (you'd probably see the steam boiler gauge rising weirdly while brewing) investigate the boiler-fill valve.
There could be many reasons, but once you rule some out you'll be closer to the truth.
As with any "increase in pressure" adjustment, start by trying to raise the pressure, but not more than 180 degree turn of the bypass adjustment screw. You don't want to go 4 or 5 full turns tighter then have the bypass valve finally slam into place and hammer your machine with a 22 bar pressure spike.
If adjusting it higher (clockwise) doesn't raise it, try backing it off a little, perhaps three full turns so long as it doesn't feel like it's being loosened out. You don't want to create a leak. If you can prove that the pump bypass does have an effect on the pump's outlet pressure and is adjusting it smoothly, but for some reason the machine can't go above 6 Bar, then you can look for the problem elsewhere, the bypass seems to be working.
If you have ruled out the pump bypass, then the pump is probably moving water into the machine, see where the water goes. If it's escaping over an OPV at only 6 bar, then look into why. If it's escaping into the steam boiler (you'd probably see the steam boiler gauge rising weirdly while brewing) investigate the boiler-fill valve.
There could be many reasons, but once you rule some out you'll be closer to the truth.
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Thanks for the quick response JRising! I will go through the above step by step to work out what the issue is