VBM HX loss of brew pressure?

#1: Post by **YanFox** » July 19th, 2021, 10:30 am

[vimeo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex7pKMoHNbg[/vimeo]
Hi. It looks like my VBM lost its pressure. The water without the portafilter is very weak and when I operate it with the blind portafilter when it comes to max pressure the pump just shuts off. ( not sure if it's normal) I'm guessing that my pump is bad.
Thanks
I can add some video, just didn't find the option to do it here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex7pKMoHNbg

#2: Post by **JRising** » July 20th, 2021, 7:58 am

Yes. If you're hearing the pump stall at a pressure lower than 10bar (Or too low to open the OPV), then the pump is too weak to be any good. Replace the pump.

July 20th, 2021, 11:04 am

Thanks!
I have ULKA Model E Type EX5 pump. 120V 60Hz 1/1min
Should I look for the same one or I can upgrade it somehow?

#4: Post by **RobAnybody** » July 20th, 2021, 2:11 pm

You could upgrade to a model with a longer on/off time
(2/1), or if your old pump has plastic connections change to a version with brass connections.
(there used to be an extensive ulka model list in the recources, but it appears the link is broken..
here is a direct link to the catalogue
https://www.cemegroup.com/Content/image ... o_ceme.pdf pumps start at page 86.)
cheers,
Rob

July 22nd, 2021, 12:05 pm

Here are some videos, hope it will upload properly

Any Ideas?
Thanks

#6: Post by **cafeIKE** » July 26th, 2021, 3:25 pm

Check all the wire connections.

You should check the thermistor to make sure it is still good. It should measure only about 1/10th Ω more than shorted meter leads.

Check the tank filter. If there is no filter, check the pump to see if there is a bit of crud in it. Ulka pumps are easy to disassemble and clean. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=ulka+pump+reb ... &ia=videos

After the above, remove the pump outlet line from the boiler fill valve and see what the flow measures in 30s.

On a recent Vibiemme rebuild, I replaced the EX5 with the EFX5.
It's quieter and mouthfeel is improved.