Hi, all. My Lelit Elizabeth v3 is around 3 months old now, and has started to behave a little strangely with regard to pressure. If I put in the blind basket, then engage the pump (no preinfusion, and it's been an hour or so since last use), the pressure spikes up to around 11 bar, then drops quickly to around 10 and holds. If I then do this again very soon after the first time, the pressure will only go to maybe 9.5 bars and hold. Then on the third such run, and all subsequent runs in this sequence, it will just go to 9 and hold there. Something very similar happens with coffee in the portafilter, though the pressures there decline during the shot as expected. I have found on other message boards that a few others have also had this problem, but I haven't really found any solution. One person suggested adjusting the OPV, which I had already done long before this issue arose to set it to 9 from the factory default of 10. I did adjust it again just to see, and it did not seem to help. In fact, when I adjusted it I set it to around 8.5 bars (as the pressure it gives after several runs in a row with the blind basket at least), but the next day it was back to its previous level and behavior, as if the OPV adjustment had undone itself. Is this a case of a bad OPV? How difficult is it to change out the OPV entirely?

> @"Pygmalion"#p1227 Is this a case of a bad OPV? How difficult is it to change out the OPV entirely? it's not difficult, but it's very unlikely that the expansion valve (OPV) has gone bad. If it had you would probably be getting other sumptoms. For the OPV to cause the behaviour you're describing, it would have to be stiffer and open later for the first shot, then open a bit further when the pressure drops to 10 bar. Then as you do more shots…it is loosening up. That' not really normal behaviour for that type of valve. If it was sticky, then usually it would jam up on other shots, possibly randomly…it's also very hard for it to stick. As you can see, the only bit that moves is the pad, held by the spring against the port. There is not much to stick or jam. The only par that could is the relatively loose fitting metal bit with a pad. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/fX9CLwu.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/fX9CLwu.png[/IMG] From your description, the behaviour seems to follow a consistent pattern, which would indicate another cause. I'm just not sure what at the moment?

@"DavecUK"#p1229 Thanks for the detailed reply DavecUK (BTW, I'm using your advanced parameters for the Elizabeth; thanks!). I wonder what could cause an issue like this, then? Could it be a temperature thing? That is, the first shot might be hotter (if I haven't done a purge, which I often don't), then subsequent ones in somewhat rapid succession are a little cooler, etc. Would this make the pressure behave in this way? My understanding of the OPV is that it sets an upper limit on the pressure, and that it should never rise above this if the OPV is working correctly. Of course, that's only the pressure at the OPV itself, which is not directly what the pressure gauge is reading (pump pressure?). So, if the OPV is not the problem, then it could be the gauge I guess, or it could be that somehow the pressure in the system where the gauge is reading is higher than the OPV in some strange, consistent-ish way. Anyone else having similar behavior?

@"Pygmalion"#p1238 In a rotary pumped machine, odd things can happen because the water goes into a sealed system through a 1 way valve. The expansion valve in that sealed system is set to 12 to 14 bar. In your system it's the expansion valve as you correctly say controlling the pressure, so there is an upper limit….not really sure…am cogitatingt. I even though perhaps air in the capillary tube, but that wouldn't case the problem you're getting.

Morning all, I noticed this morning that I have the exact same thing happen! Preheated for about 40 mins, purged for 3-5 seconds out of the hot water tap, waited a minute or 2, puled a shot with a 10 second preinfusion at 2 bar, after the 10 seconds it shot up to 10-10.5 bar before dropping back to 8.5. Subsequent shots only reached 8.5 bar after PI (I did another 2, one for my wife, the other for 'science', aka my second double before 0700 what could go wrong). The strange thing is, the timings were all exaclty the same, 16g in, 33 out in 33 seconds. I'm wondering if it's more of an issue with the display then with the valve? I've possibly got some friends coming over tomorrow for a pre/post run brew so if I do more then 3 shots I'll pay close attention to the needle and report back...

I've thought about what might be happening by imagineering how I this could be created if one wanted to do so. and looking at the way the Elizabeths were made (factory photos of first production run…I can't see how it can happen, or be made to happen, unless i'm missing something. The repositioning of the expansion valve is still within the sealed brew area, and they changed it for a much better and reachable/adjustable valve. The V2 I had which I modified to a V3 still; has the old valve, as you can see from my review photos, and hydraulically is in essentially the same position (if not physically) https://coffeeequipmentreviews.wordpress.com/2020/05/08/lelit-elizabeth/ So here is the image, just to orient people 1. Expansion valve controlling brew pressure max 2. Manometer take-off for pressure gauge 3. Autofill solenoid for steam boiler, opens to fill steam boiler 4. Exit port from ring group to vent solenoid 5. Vent solenoid, opens at end of shot. As you can see 1, 2 and 4 , all form part of the sealed brew circuit. The expansion valve is directly connected to the boiler, whatever pressure is experienced by the coffee, the same pressure is seen by 1, 2 and 4. The other numbered components take no part in this. The component under the autofill solenoid (3) is what does the steam preinfusion and incidently takes part in the clever way the machine does hot water. This component can't have any impact as it still only feeds into the same sealed brew circuit controlled by the expansion valve. This means any thermal expansion of water would be controlled ultimately by the expansion valve. My only possible conclusion is perhaps a shock wave caused by any slight airspace and water hammer due to closing of valves? **Perhaps someone could try switching of bloom phase and steam preinfusion, just have a straight shot…then see if it happens** [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/B9miMjc.jpeg]

Do you mean turn off the steam boiler or just not have any preinfusion? If so I got it just now with just a stright shot, no 10 second bloom, just 8.5 bars. It still spiked up to about 10 bars and the second shot rose to 8.5 and stopped.

> @"Del_UK"#p1323 Do you mean turn off the steam boiler or just not have any preinfusion? If so I got it just now with just a stright shot, no 10 second bloom, just 8.5 bars. It still spiked up to about 10 bars and the second shot rose to 8.5 and stopped. Everything off, probably even steam boiler (even though it shouldn't matter)…but certainly both preinfusion functions (one is referred to as bloom phase). Effectively turning it into a dumb machine. If it still does it, more evidence for a water hammer effect due to air…well that's the theory. ***P.S. If you turn off steam boiler…wait until it's below 100C***

Thanks for all the continued feedback and interesting information, everyone. Also glad (sort of) to hear I'm not alone. DavecUK, this happens even when using no preinfusion of any kind, and also with steam boiler off and cool.

I will keep an eye on mine. I never noticed this. But then again, I only have one coffee in the morning, and one in the afternoon. If there’s any testing I could do, please just let me know. 👍

@"Pygmalion"#p1333 If that is the case, I can only assume it must be a transient water hammer effect type of thing due to air? I would expect it to have no impact on the shot. Any chance of video of it doing it?

Lelit Elizabeth pressure spiking/inconsistent

MediumRoastSteam

Inspector I would.

TheDamnedCoda

Hi I’m also trying to get one of these new OLAB OPVs are people being able to get these through warranty from BB or are people just biting the bullet and purchasing them?

Ando

TheDamnedCoda Mine arrived today from BB, and it is the Olab one. I had to send them an email from Lelit before they agreed to send it, but to their credit they sent it very quickly once I sent that email

soundwave1

TheDamnedCoda Shouldnt have to bite the bullet and purchase if its under warranty, Lelit should man up and sort this issue out. I’m still waiting on my retailer to come back to me with an answer as mine is only getting worse. I get over 12 bars on the first shot now, but the second is bang on 9 all the time every time.

drdre89

@DavecUK should buy a whole heap of OLAB OPV’s on the black market and sell them on here 🙃

europa

Inspector

Mine was so tight and difficult to get back on - had to remove the back casing - that a cable tie was deffo not needed. But yours could be different. Let us know how you get on.

DavecUK

europa a cable tie was deffo not needed.

Put there just for fun…🤣

MediumRoastSteam

europa - You’ve been warned. It happened to me… Just saying….

I do wonder whether it’s all good when the hose is new and it hasn’t been connected to anything. But once you remove it from a connector, it no longer forms a very tight seal and eventually it can pop out.

The other solution is to cut 1cm of the hose or so and then pop in again.

Granted for me it wasn’t on the expansion valve but on the X connector.

europa

MediumRoastSteam

I have far bigger worries just now lol

Ando

OPV swapped over and pressure now constant at just over 9 bars - will see what difference this makes to my coffee, if any, over coming weeks - but happy it’s now working as it should be.
On topic of maintenance - how often should I be swapping the small red ring under shower screen - and the group silicone gasket? When will I know that these things need replaced?

@europa - hope you get problems sorted / fixed soon!

MediumRoastSteam

Ando how often should I be swapping the small red ring under shower screen

hopefully never!

Ando and the group silicone gasket

If you replaced with a silicone gasket, again, hopefully never, as it won’t bake with the high temperature like the rubber ones - it should last you many many years.

The only reason you would change them is if they get damaged when servicing the group. Be extra careful, specially with the red o-ring as it’s difficult to source.

postexitus

Related, but not exactly the same issue - My Lelit Elizabeth started to up to 12 bars on manometer (consistently, with blind filter as well). Should I adjust it back to 9-9.5 as advised elsewhere, or is this not an issue?

europa

postexitus

You could adjust it back down, but, if you have the old-style OPV, it will most probably creep up again.

Regardless of what LELIT or any retailer says, an OPV that doesn’t maintain itself at the pressure you set it to is not functioning as intended.

woodymogs

Having suffered the same problem with the OPV I contacted my retailer (in Italy). They’ve refused point blank to send me a new OPV, even after I offered to buy the part and pay for the postage to the UK (and it’s still in the guarantee period); citing Brexit, they say they can no longer ship to private customers in the UK.

Can anyone suggest somewhere that may be able to let me have a new OPV please? I see BB have some in stock, listed as MC 931, but from reading some of the earlier posts, I’m not sure if it’s just stock of the faulty type I already have and would prefer not to fork out £30 unless I’m sure it’ll do the trick.

MediumRoastSteam

woodymogs citing Brexit, they say they can no longer ship to private customers in the UK.

Not sure of the amount of bureaucracy involved, but it’s certainly not as simple as it used to be I don’t think.

In any case, did you try Bella Barista? Failing that, maybe try The Espresso Underground - give them a ring, they sell a lot of Lelit stuff, and last time I had to buy the group o-ring for my Elizabeth (don’t ask, I managed to destroy it), they were extremely helpful and my o-ring arrived next day.

DavecUK

woodymogs That’s rubbish, you’re retailer wasn’t Cafeitalia by any chance?

woodymogs

MediumRoastSteam thanks for the info. I’ll give Bella Barista a go as they have stock of the OPV but another poster mentioned that they’d supplied a replacement that was the same type as the faulty one and I’d like to avoid that if possible, especially as I’m having to buy it.

woodymogs

DavecUK hi Dave, it’s actually Lamacchinadelcaffe. To be fair, they were very apologetic about being unable to send me a replacement but it does seem that the supposed 2 year guarantee is worthless.

I also think I need to replace the steam control mechanism as it’s not been closing properly for sometime and is getting worse. I’ve seen a video about replacing it (on Lelit insider) and was hoping to order this from my retailer at the same time as the OPV but now need to find another source for this too.

I’ve always followed your advice about using and maintaining the Elizabeth and have never over tightened the steam control so I guess what with that and the OPV I’ve just been unlucky with my machine 😕

MediumRoastSteam

woodymogs it’s actually Lamacchinadelcaffe. To be fair, they were very apologetic about being unable to send me a replacement

The only reason I might think they don’t want to send you lower cost items directly to you is because the part is liable for import tax and vat, and, according to HMRC rules it’s up to them to register with HMRC and collect VAT. Maybe it’s just too much hassle for them. I wonder whether if you were to buy a more expensive item, such as a coffee machine, they would send it no problem as it is up to the client to pay duties.

In all honesty I’m a bit sad to hear all of this as the aforementioned retailer has a really good reputation and they do seem to stock a lot of spares and make it easy to buy on their website.

europa

woodymogs

Have you tried raising a ticket with LELIT directly?

Del_UK

How much luck have people had getting a replacement from BB, what did people say and who did they email? My warranty is until November this year so hoping that it should be easy to get one sent as the spiking has gotten worse recently…

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