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Tag: Technical Support

  • Draining Boilers – ACS Vostok

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    Note: This process of emptying the boilers only needs to be done in rare cases such as:

    • If you need to ship your machine for repair, especially during cold months to reduce risk of the boilers/pipes from cracking
    • if there is a prolonged period of non-use of your machine

    Method #1 – this method requires some tools and removes virtually all the water from both boilers

    • Power off and unplug your machine. Allow it to cool as much as possible to avoid the risk of burns.
    • Unscrew the plate underneath the machine (photo 1) using a 3 mm hexagonal wrench. There are 6 screws total.
    • To empty the coffee boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (photo 2, top) and open the valve to let all the water out. If you are having difficulty, you can remove the back panel of the machine for easier access.
    • To empty the steam boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (photo 3, bottom), open the valve and let all the water out.
    • After finishing, close the valves and replace the cap under the base.

    Method #2 – this method doesn’t require any tools and removes most of the water from both boilers

    • Power on the machine and let it fully heat.
    • Remove the intake hose from the water tank.
    • Put a large cup underneath the grouphead.
    • Pull the lever down until steam comes from the grouphead and immediately power off the machine! (Please Note: you don’t want the machine operate without water in the boiler, but you cannot empty the coffee boiler with the machine off. So attentiveness and speed is important with this step)
    • Empty the cup and put it underneath the hot water wand (you may need a bigger cup).
    • Open up the hot water wand and keep open until as much water can be pushed out.

    If you have any questions, please contact us.

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  • Draining Boilers – ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva

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    Note: This process of emptying the boilers only needs to be done in rare cases such as:

    • If you need to ship your machine for repair, especially during cold months to reduce risk of the boilers/pipes from cracking
    • if there is a prolonged period of non-use of your machine

    Method #1 – this method requires some tools and removes virtually all the water from both boilers

    • Power off and unplug your machine. Allow it to cool as much as possible to avoid the risk of burns.
    • Unscrew the plate underneath the machine (photo 1) using a 3 mm hexagonal wrench. There are 6 screws total.
    • Photo 2 shows the valves where the included PTFE tubes must be inserted to empty the boilers The top one is the steam boiler and the bottom is the coffee boiler.
    • To empty the coffee boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (top of photo 3) and open the valve to let all the water out.
    • To empty the steam boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (bottom of photo 3), open the valve and let all the water out.
    • After finishing, close the valves and replace the cap under the base.

    Method #2 – this method doesn’t require any tools and removes most of the water from both boilers

    • Power on the machine and let it fully heat.
    • Remove the intake hose from the water tank.
    • Put a large cup underneath the grouphead.
    • Pull the lever down until steam comes from the grouphead and immediately power off the machine! (Please Note: you don’t want the machine operate without water in the boiler, but you cannot empty the coffee boiler with the machine off. So attentiveness and speed is important with this step)
    • Empty the cup and put underneath the hot water wand (you may need a bigger cup).
    • Open up the hot water wand and keep open until as much water can be pushed out.

    If you have any questions, please contact us.

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  • Draining Boilers – ACS Minima

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    Note: This process of emptying the boilers only needs to be done in rare cases such as:

    • If you need to ship your machine for repair, especially during cold months to reduce risk of the boilers/pipes from cracking
    • if there is a prolonged period of non-use of your machine

    Method #1 – this method requires some tools and removes virtually all the water from both boilers

    • Power off and unplug your machine. Allow it to cool as much as possible to avoid the risk of burns.
    • Unscrew the plate underneath the machine (photo 1) using a 2.5 mm hexagonal wrench. There are 3 screws total.
    • To empty the coffee boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (photo 2) and open the valve to let all the water out. If you are having difficulty, you can remove the back panel of the machine for easier access.
    • To empty the steam boiler, insert the supplied PTFE tube (photo 3), open the valve and let all the water out.
    • After finishing, close the valves and replace the cap under the base.

    Method #2 – this method doesn’t require any tools and removes most of the water from both boilers

    • Power on the machine and let it fully heat.
    • Remove the intake hose from the water tank.
    • Put a large cup underneath the grouphead.
    • Run the coffee switch until you see steam come from the grouphead and immediately power off the machine! (Please Note: you don’t want the machine to operate without water in the boiler, but you cannot empty the coffee boiler with the machine off. So attentiveness and speed is important with this step)
    • Empty the cup and put it underneath the hot water wand (you may need a bigger cup).
    • Open up the hot water wand and keep open until as much water can be pushed out.

    If you have any questions, please contact us.

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  • Technical Support – Pump/Gauge Oscillating

    Customer issue: Why do the pump and respective brew pressure gauge oscillate during an espresso extraction on traditional espresso machines (not super automatics)? This is typically for vibration pump espresso machines, not rotary ones.

    The usual suspect is the grind fineness not being consistent or coffee beans that are too fresh (not degassed, but to rule out the espresso machine, the following should be performed:

    1. On a machine that is capable of backflushing (not all espresso machines are capable and skip this step if not), insert a blind basket in the portafilter or a blind insert into the 2-cup basket, and insert the portafilter into the grouphead. Engage the pump for 30-40 seconds, If there is no oscillation, then it is the grinder, beans, or grind fineness that is the issue. If it continues, proceed to Step 2.
    2. If there is no water softener in the tank, proceed to Step 3. If the pump oscillates like in Step 1, remove any water softener. Perform Step 1 again. If it doesn’t oscillate, then the water softener is clogged and usually needs replacement. If it continues, proceed to Step 3.
    3. Remove the water from the tank, fill it with a descaling solution, and run 8-12 ounces of solution through the grouphead without the portafilter. Perform a backflush routine (without backflush detergent as there is a descaling solution in the boiler and grouphead). Allow to sit for 4-8 hours. Remove the solution and rinse the tank. Then fill the tank with plain water. Run 8-12 ounces of water through the grouphead. Perform Step 1. If there is no oscillation, then you cleared the pathway causing the oscillation. If it still oscillates, proceed to Step 4.
    4. When using the blind filter or insert, check the power light to see if it dims. If it does dim, then the power supply may be an issue. If there is no dimming, then proceed to step 5.
    5. The pump at this point will need replacement. Please use the parts diagrams to find the correct part, and search by part number on our website for availability, pricing, and ordering.

  • Technical Support – Bellezza Bellona Safety Reset

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    If your Bellezza Bellona overheats, it will trip the safety themostats.

    There are 2 thermostats, 1 on the coffee boiler and 1 on the steam boiler. You can see in the pictures below with a red circle. To reset them simply push the button on them. If they are hard to reach, you can use a screwdriver (as pictured) or even a pen.

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    If the problem persists, you will have to take it to a repair facility to troubleshoot the issue.

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  • How To: Repackaging Your Elektra Semi-Automatica

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    If you have to ship your Elektra Semi-Automatica, it must be very securely packed to prevent shipping damage. We highly recommend saving ALL the packaging after you have set up your machine. If you can’t keep the packaging for whatever reason, please read the steps below to see if you can replicate the packaging at the very least.

    Note:

    • When returning a machine for a refund, ALL the machine components must be returned. All of the following instructions must be done to prevent damage/partial refund.
    • When sending a machine for repair, we usually need JUST the machine and NONE of the loose components (unless their is a specific issue with one of the components). Some of the following instructions involving the loose components can be skipped.

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    First, unplug the machine and let it cool. Empty the water out of the top basin. The easiest way to empty the water from the boiler is from the steam valve. Unscrew the wand, open the valve, and tilt the machine into your sink. Then close the valve.

    Keep the wand separate for now.

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    To protect from scratching, place the machine into a plastic cover.

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    The electrical cord can be wrapped around the grouphead. To prevent the plug from scratching, wrap it with a plastic covering and tape it to the cord.

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    Unscrew the top eagle. Place the lid in a separate cover and place it on the machine upside down. Put some cushioning between the two and then tape over the lid to secure it to the machine.

    Lay the 2 styrofoam halves down. The one with the large opening on the top (left in the picture) is where you lay the machine in on its back.

    Under the tape of the left half is where you put the eagle. Under the tape of the right half is where you put the portafilter. Both should be put in a bag before placing inside.

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    After placing the machine in, the steam wand can be placed near the upper right of the box. The wand should also be put in a bag.

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    The drip tray & grate and the extra accessories & parts should be wrapped in bags and placed on either side of the machine.

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    To prevent the machine from shifting while in transit, fill both sides of the machine with packaging material. Instapak is the ideal solution as it will fill all the open space. Place on both sides of the machine and separate from the loose components.

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    Seal the 2 styrofoam halves together and carefully place it into the main box. As you will see the top basin is sticking out from the top of the styrofoam. To keep it from shifting in transit, place packaging material around the basin. Again, Instapak is the ideal solution. Make sure to fill small space around the back of the basin.

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    Also, don’t forget the instruction manual.

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  • Quick Note: Rocket Appartamento (No Power)

    A customer who purchased a Rocket Appartamento from us said their machine wouldn’t power on. Our technical support staff worked with the customer over the phone. After removing the body panel and sending some pictures, we noticed one of the wires was disconnected from the brain unit. Once the customer connected it, the machine powered on normally.

    Part of our process when we sell an espresso machine is to bench-test them (with water only) before they ship out. Sometimes we catch some small issues even though they come straight from the manufacturer. In this case, the customer’s machine worked normally. During transit, a wire came loose. A simple issue like this has happened in the past on other models, but is rare.

    Rocket-Appartamento-no-power

  • Quick Note: Lelit 2100026

    Lelit has informed us of a change regarding the Lelit Bianca.

    The fitting that connects to the copper pipe (SKU 2100026) has changed. Originally the fitting consisted of 3 parts (2x CD024-442 & 1x CD024-462).

    On newer Lelit Bianca’s they have replaced that fitting with 1 part (9700069).

    Lelit-new-1000166

    Unfortunately, Lelit does not offer that part separately.  You would need to purchase the whole hydraulic circuit (SKU 1000166).

  • How to Maintain your VBM E61 Grouphead

    How to Maintain your VBM E61 Grouphead

    Some dual boiler espresso machines and heat exchange espresso machines feature an E61 grouphead, which defines a modern size and fitting of a portafilter (typically 58mm) to hold your ground coffee. One of the espresso machine brands, Faema, created the original E61 grouphead, but some espresso machine manufacturers like VBM and Lelit were inspired to design their own. Each type of E61 grouphead comes with differences in how to maintain it or install spare parts because some cams or gaskets may be different on them.

    Precisely, if you have an espresso machine with a VBM E61 grouphead, you can learn about a general overview on how to maintain it by taking it apart and lubricating the various components inside, as well as potentially using a general E61 grouphead maintenance kit we offer.

    A Step-By-Step Overview

    First of all, when performing your maintenance, you may need an Allen key. In other cases, however, you may need two wrenches. Additionally, the E61 grouphead MAY not allow water inside because the pinhole might have limescale or blockage.

    1. For a VBM E61 grouphead, use an Allen key screw to remove the mushroom. This is easier when it is actually on the espresso machine. If there is limescale, you COULD run some descaler through the machine, but it is best that you use a water softener. Feel free to learn more about which water softener to use in our “Water Choice” customer education article!
    2. The first section you can work on is the side of the E61 grouphead. First, take off the nut. There might be a large screw on the side. The hand leveler will typically slide out easily. What is nice about the VBM E61 grouphead is that it is normally easier to leave the grouphead on its side. 
    3. Use the Allen key again to remove the whole mechanism.
      • Please DO NOT use too much backflush detergent since all the grease or lubrication will be removed. 
        • We sell Petrol-Gel lubricant to use for your replacement gaskets and cams. If your espresso machine is being used for commercial use, you will be happy to know that it is NSF-approved for food-grade use!
    4. When getting ready to use the Petrol-Gel, we recommend wearing gloves before applying this because your hands will feel greasy. Take out the lube to apply it on the cams and other components. Feel free to use as much as necessary!
    5. The next section you can work on is the bottom of the E61 grouphead, where you will need two wrenches. Perform your maintenance from the bottom to the top.
    6. Remove any additional screws with a 12-inch wrench as well as a 10-inch wrench.
    7. Remove the big nut with the same 12-inch wrench. A long spring and a cam with another gasket will come out.
    8. The E61 grouphead maintenance kit that we sell will change the different components. As previously mentioned, this kit is very general since all E61 groupheads have different designs, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. You MAY need some original spare parts from the manufacturer or you may purchase the general spare kit.

    Overall…

    …by following these general steps, E61 groupheads typically last for 5-10 years as long as you take the time to maintain them as well as your espresso machine. However, if you do get a lot of limescale in the E61 grouphead, this could unfortunately cause them to have a shorter lifespan.

    Have any questions? Feel free to post a question on your E61 espresso machine’s product page’s Q&A section on our website or contact us, and someone in tech support will get back to you!

     

    Check out our YouTube video about maintaining an E61 grouphead!

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