Strega Pump Issue

Kevohere

Recently, about a month, the pump on my Strega has been cutting out and back in whilst flushing or pulling a shot.
It seems the water level switch is malfunctioning for some reason as it occurs when the tank has plenty of water.

As I write this I am now thinking that I didn't check the water level every time it has happened (too busy making/drinking coffee :coffee🙂, so not sure if all is well when tank is full and it starts to occur only as the level drops to say, less than half.

Maybe its a dirty contact or something is shorting out the switch.
How easy is it to remove the tank to check the sensor switch or should it be service job?
The machine is less than two years old.
Thoughts?

Kev

Koffee_Kosmo

I have the answer Kev And the fix is simple The issue is inside the water tank - it's a mineral buildup inside the water tank on the 2 stainless steel bolts that are used for the low water sensor The minerals create a barrier for conductivity The solution is to remove the water tank and wash it out with a strong detergent Rince well and give the screws a little scratch with fine sand paper Replace tank and fill with water That's it KK

derrilex

Happens with all Bezzeras

Lacehim

derrilex wrote:

Happens with all Bezzeras

Good to see they've found a solution and fixed it them! 😛 :🙂

mwcalder

It happened to mine when I first got it. I just had to bend the tabs on the outside of the tank inwards to form a more solid contact. No problems since!

Kevohere

Thanks for the helpful advice folks. I will attack the issue tomorrow morning and report or seek further assistance if needed.

Kevohere

Job is done, thanks for the info guys. Gave the BNZ a vacuum clean and proceeded to make myself a flat white blend of PNG NCT/Tanzania Machare Estate/Lake Tawa/Monsoon Malabar. :thumb: Now I might have to look at the prospect of unloading the Mazzer (or maybe the Breville SG), just to de-clutter the "work" area. I've virtually taken over the whole stove side of the kitchen with coffee stuff since I've moved in. Have to analyze the pros and cons of the two for a few days. Nothing has been said but, I sense the other half would approve. :coffee2:

Brett_H

Great to see such a simple solution offered, enacted and resolved. Great stuff team. Jealousy's a curse Lacheim!

Kevohere

Probably can still come under this same thread heading with an "Operator Fault" amendment. 😉 Had a bit of a scare with the Witch today when preparing to make a coffee for a friend. I pulled the lever down for a cooling flush and somehow :question: the lever slipped from my hand (it's okay, my jaw wasn't in the way) and as it does, flew up, bouncing the machine and knocking the drip tray out, spraying the content down the kitchen drawers and over the floor. :-[ Scared the hell out of me, not to mention my friend waiting nearby for her coffee. All the warning lamps went off and I thought: " I've buggered it now!" 🙁 I assume the sudden jolt affected the tank sensor switch and after removing the tank, checking the tabs, and letting the machine rest (with the power off) for about an hour, everything came good. Whew! Not sure why it happened as it's never occurred before. Maybe just distracted or my hands were still a bit smooth and oily after a lengthy remedial massage? :doh: BTW, while the machine was OOS, I knocked out the (expensive Columbian Gesha) grounds from the basket and proceeded to make a pour over to avoid the exy waste.

cosmic_couple22

Were you more focused on a pretty lady than on your coffee making process Kevohere ? >😃 ;D Chester

Kevohere

Hmmm.... Didn't think of that! I used the term "distracted" I believe. :🙂

cosmic_couple22

Hmmm yes distracted was a term used but I'm fishing for the reason behind the distraction 😉.

Lacehim

Yeah, been there done that, filled my shorts too! Never did it again! :coffee2: Lesson 1 of owning a lever... do not do cooling flushes. You don't need them, the group is temp stable with all that brass. IMO the lever should never be pulled without a puck in it to provide the resistance to the spring. Your lucky it didn't clobber you on the way up! :pan

Koffee_Kosmo

That's why I had special longer handles made for my Strega The current one in use now [attach=1] This is a timber hand made spare [attach=2] KK

Kevohere

Doesn't a longer handle also increase the leverage and thus possibly tip the machine especially if the water level is low? How much longer do you suggest? I'll take Lacehim's point, though my understanding was a flush is necessary if the machine has been on for a couple of hours (with the group in) as there is some heat build up.

derrilex

As the strega is a HX is does require a flush if left idle for long periods but definitely not between shots

Koffee_Kosmo

Kevohere wrote:

Doesn't a longer handle also increase the leverage and thus possibly tip the machine especially if the water level is low? How much longer do you suggest? I'll take Lacehim's point, though my understanding was a flush is necessary if the machine has been on for a couple of hours (with the group in) as there is some heat build up.

IMHO a longer handle makes it easier to operate and no it has never looked like tipping The bulb shape on the end prevents ones hand from slipping off and gives better grip Length I use is 180 mm Cheers KK

derrilex

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

The bulb shape on the end prevents ones hand from slipping off and gives better grip

Said the actress to the bishop :rofl:

Koffee_Kosmo

derrilex wrote:

Said the actress to the bishop :rofl:

As an engineer I was thinking a gear stick shape :lamp: KK

conikal

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

IMHO a longer handle makes it easier to operate and no it has never looked like tipping ...

Yes, basic mechanics 101.... The longer handle simply increases the lever length, making the applied force (arm pull) less whilst the force "moment couple " ( or tipping force). on the machine remains unchanged !