VBM Domobar Junior - Gauge for brew pressure not working

#1: Post by **rx7rotary** » November 18th, 2020, 4:00 am

Hi guys, I am a new member so be gentle

I have a Domobar Junior and I believe its around 10 years old. I have purchased it second hand and since I purchased it the brew pressure gauge has not been working. But also the green light next to it.

Could someone help me with some tips around getting the brew pressure gauge working. Mechanically I have tested it and the needle moves just fine. It always sits around 2.5bar.

Also the green LED i assume its just a bulb replacement jobbie?

Attached is one photo.

#2: Post by **nahau** » November 18th, 2020, 7:06 pm

If just the gauge is bad, then you can probably find a replacement at Stefanos... https://www.espressocare.com/

The green light is a the power indicator, correct? If it's off, then it means the machine is off or something else (like the reservoir fault circuitry) has cut power. Does the machine power on at all? Or does the machine run fine and just the lamp is burnt out?

November 22nd, 2020, 4:15 am

Machine runs perfectly fine. Just the green light and the gauge are the problems.

Thanks

#4: Post by **Jeff** » November 22nd, 2020, 4:26 am

If the machine is 10 years old and has been running on tap or Brita-style filtered water for many locations, it might have enough scale inside to block the thin pressure tube to the gauge. Does the gauge read 2.5 bar even when the machine is off? (I wouldn't descale unless an inspection suggests you need it.)

I'm guessing that the espresso you make is good. If not, how much water does it pump in 30 s without a portafilter in the group? Weighing it is sometimes easier than using a measuring cup.

December 3rd, 2020, 9:57 am

Thanks for your response Jeff and sorry for my late reply.

The gauge is always on 2.5 bar. Even when its off.
Coffee is still perfect, the pressure measured by the technician recently in the group is normal. PUMP is brand new.

So everything runs perfectly fine apart from the little green bulb and the gauge.

Mark

#6: Post by **stefano65** » December 3rd, 2020, 10:33 am

The green light will be your main power
I would consider replacing it just because.... (push in light and push in wires very easy to do once you open the casing from the 6 screws)
the gauge could have some clogging in the capillary tube
and forget when is resting but while heating up and while brewing and backflushing should read