Posted Wed Dec 7, 2005, 7:39pm Subject: Machine broken? Repair in Chicago?
I have an Isomac Venus that has worked beautifully for the past year, but recently it's had some problems. If, when pulling a shot, it happens to go over 12 bars of pressure (when I pack too hard or use too fine of a grind), that pressure seal is lost and—with a small hissy burst—water spits and drips out from the edge of the portafilter around the grouphead, and pressure drops to an ave. 4 bars.
I took apart part of the grouphead (as if cleaning) and noticed something. It appears that the plastic gasket is jammed quite far up into the machine, and it isn't coming out (not on its own, as it has in the past, and I've tried to get it out myself and am not having any luck).
I'm not sure I can fix this problem myself (if you think otherwise, please advise!). So, if anyone knows of a place in the Chicago area that could take a look at my machine, please let me know!
itinerant Senior Member Joined: 1 Sep 2005 Posts: 901 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Dec 8, 2005, 1:00am Subject: Re: Machine broken? Repair in Chicago?
It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with your machine at all. A normal shot should be at 8 or 9 bars & as I understand your comments, thise problem only occurs if you tamp too hard or grind too fine, which results in leakage at 12 bars. If there is no leakage on a normal shot at 8 bars, then the only thing I would want to do is to have your vibe OPV or rotary pump adjusted to 8 or 9 bars maximum, so that it never gets to 12 bar.
You could try replacing the grouphead gasket. It's a $5 or so part & easy enough to gently pry off the old one yourself if you let your machine cool down first. Be careful not to marr your grouphead though. Or if you prefer, any dealer should replace the gasket for the cost of parts plus their minimum labour charge. With a new gasket it will probably maintain a seal even at 12 bar. You may even get a 12 bar seal just by tightening the portafilter a bit more before the shot.
Posted Thu Dec 8, 2005, 9:27am Subject: Re: Machine broken? Repair in Chicago?
Thanks for the prompt reply. The gauge goes up to 16 bars and it used to be able to go that high without the seal breaking. The problem is it's easy to accidentally go over about 12 (especially with a new set of beans), but if it's a steady shot, it's at least still tasty. However, when the pressure drops to 4ish bars, mid-shot, i get a lot of grounds spit into the cup, and the espresso itself tastes more bitter and watery.
I think I'll just see about getting a new gasket installed. Thanks!
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