Wednesday Sept. 9th 2009

Expobar Office

Another pressure stat "eats it."

Notes on Expobar Office:

This is a low cost HX with volume dosing (push button panel). User is an avid coffeegeek and all around good guy. no gauge for brew or boiler psi.

Reason for service:

"Pop, hissssssssss"

Diagnostic & Repair:

Looked to be either a spent pressure stat or possibly a bad safety valve. After a bit of monitoring , determined that... another p-stat "eats it." Replaced with a MATER. Using a group thermostat, I set the boiler to produce 204 f. after robust flushing routine. Temp before flushing runs up to 211 f.

Sept 3 2009

La Spaziale S1

Onsite rescue at busy tech co. in Silicon Valley.

Notes on the unit:

This is the La Spaziale S1 double boiler espresso machine. Set up as 15 amp service. It is used by a bunch of coffee geeks at a tech co. I have been surprised how well it has held up in this demanding environment.

Reason for service:

Office manager called to report leaking water on floor - she unplugged & shut water valve. The coffeegeeks were getting antsy for their coffee!

Diagnostic & Repair:

Found the group solenoid was jammed allowing water to flow directly to drip tray (overfilling it quickly). Removed solenoid to determine if needed replacement. After thorough cleaning and installation the unit was working as it should. Instructed the OM to back flush to prevent the problem.