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Strange Gaggia problem...

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Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Strange Gaggia...

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Nicko999
Senior Member

Joined: 7 May 2012
Posts: 13
Location: Norway
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Breville Smart
Drip: Moccamaster

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 9:41am Subject: Strange Gaggia problem...

Hi all, I have recently received my Gaggia classic, this is my entrance in to the world of coffee! I have also received a Breville Smart grinder, but, for reasons of stupidity on my behalf, I have to wait a week until I can use it! I was getting rather frustrated watching my coffee corner going unused, so I popped to the shop to break the rules and grind a few beans in their machine, just so I could give the Gaggia a try. Unfortunately, as the machine pump came in to action, and the start of what looked like an ok shot began to emerge, espresso started squirting all over my kitchen! I have cleaned the basket, and tried to reinstall it with no coffee in it, same thing happened. I have attached a video, although not the best quality, you can see what is happening. Anyone else had this problem or know what on earth is causing it?! Thanks, Nick. After edit... The video file was too large. To explain where the spray come from: the spout from which the coffee pours, a literally jet like stream of water, firing upwards from either side!

wsikes
Senior Member

Joined: 3 Oct 2011
Posts: 396
Location: West Virginia
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Promac MD-64 AT
Drip: Bunn
Roaster: Behmor

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 9:53am Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Nick, can you post the video to another site like YouTube or similar site and then just post a link on this thread? Are you sure that your portafilter is locking in place? I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to help you solve your problem. Good luck.

Bill

Nicko999
Senior Member

Joined: 7 May 2012
Posts: 13
Location: Norway
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Breville Smart
Drip: Moccamaster

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 9:59am Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Good thinking wsikes! Click Here (www.youtube.com)

Coffeenoobie
Senior Member

Joined: 11 Dec 2011
Posts: 2,368
Location: PNW
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: N S Oscar
Grinder: Vario W

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 11:32am Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

That is strange. What does the flow look like with nothing in the head. Does it flow normally? What is in your filter? Is there a pod set up inside or something else like a pressurized basket? If you don't know just take it out and post a photo/video of it so we can see what it looks like inside the portafilter.

Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)

Nicko999
Senior Member

Joined: 7 May 2012
Posts: 13
Location: Norway
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Breville Smart
Drip: Moccamaster

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 11:49am Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

My terminology needs to be improved in this field! With no filter in the holder the flow is normal, the filter is empty when I took the video, although the same thing happened when filled with coffee. I have tried both the double shot and single shot filters, same result. This does lead me to believe it's something to do with the filters. Perhaps I will try soaking them in the cleaning agent I purchased, seems a little unnecessary to have to do this to new filters. I should point out that I had tried the machine earlier and this problem did not exist then. The photo is too large so here is another video link... Click Here (www.youtube.com)

wsikes
Senior Member

Joined: 3 Oct 2011
Posts: 396
Location: West Virginia
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Promac MD-64 AT
Drip: Bunn
Roaster: Behmor

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 12:14pm Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Nick, I can think of five possibilities... The holes in the filter basket are clogged and are allowing pressure to build up. I doubt this is the problem as the opv should take care of this problem The machine is suddenly pumping at a very high BAR pressure, which again, I think we can discount this possibility. The opv is not working properly. The o-ring on the group head is either damaged or loose. The portafilter is not seating and/or is not locking in place. I am thinking it may be one of the last three, but bear in mind that I am very very new at this espresso thing.

Bill

takeshi
Senior Member

Joined: 12 Oct 2002
Posts: 753
Location: Houston
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Silvia
Grinder: Super Jolly
Roaster: Amaya Roasting

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 12:52pm
Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Nicko999 Said:

My terminology needs to be improved in this field! With no filter in the holder the flow is normal, the filter is empty when I took the video, although the same thing happened when filled with coffee. I have tried both the double shot and single shot filters, same result.

Posted May 9, 2012 link

What you're calling the holder is the portafilter. What you're calling the filters are the baskets.

Nicko999 Said:

I have recently received my Gaggia classic, this is my entrance in to the world of coffee! I have also received a Breville Smart grinder, but, for reasons of stupidity on my behalf, I have to wait a week until I can use it!

I was getting rather frustrated watching my coffee corner going unused, so I popped to the shop to break the rules and grind a few beans in their machine, just so I could give the Gaggia a try. Unfortunately, as the machine pump came in to action, and the start of what looked like an ok shot began to emerge, espresso started squirting all over my kitchen!

Posted May 9, 2012 link

Part of your problem is not having your grinder. Without one you can't adjust the grind for your espresso machine. How did you determine what the correct grind was? Did you just use whatever the shop had their grinder set to?

Nicko999
Senior Member

Joined: 7 May 2012
Posts: 13
Location: Norway
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Breville Smart
Drip: Moccamaster

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 12:52pm Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Thanks for the tips wsikes, I shall look in to these tomorrow. I had a feel of the O-ring for the group head, this seemed to be ok. The opv does give its little shot when I switch off. I shall look in more detail in to these things, give it all a good clean and check etc. This is very frustrating as I was hoping to be posting about my success with making some great coffee, as yet I can only get coffee on my walls, and they are not quite the connaisseur I like to think myself as!

Nicko999
Senior Member

Joined: 7 May 2012
Posts: 13
Location: Norway
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Breville Smart
Drip: Moccamaster

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 12:53pm Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Haha, thanks! I shall brush up on these, at least I was understood :)

wsikes
Senior Member

Joined: 3 Oct 2011
Posts: 396
Location: West Virginia
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Promac MD-64 AT
Drip: Bunn
Roaster: Behmor

Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 1:10pm Subject: Re: Strange Gaggia problem...

Nicko999 Said: My terminology needs to be improved in this field! Posted May 9, 2012 link Maybe this will help a little bit... http://www.coffeegeek.com/opinions/markprince/07-20-2004#1 I am still wondering if the portafilter is seating. You might want to check to see if you are getting it tight enough and check for any residue on the group head and the rim of the portafiler. Hopefully that is the problem, as it would be the simplest to correct.

Bill

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