Hi Dave

I took using my iPad. I reset the quality to the auto setting but it is taking ages to download and I can’t see how to copy the link to add it to my post.

Mike

Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

Surely a leak since you can hear it. Apparently you cannot see it. OK, I would get a dental mirror or perhaps a cheap inspection mirror on a stalk that you can get from the auto parts store and look around with it near the top of the boilers. Perhaps if the mirror is cold the leak will cause condensation on the mirror as it sprays it, and you will then find the leak. You have to find the leak obviously.

    The noise is when I turned on the steam to try and fill the steam boiler a bit and show the bubbles moving in the tube. I can’t see any sign of a leak.

    Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

      MBdoc - there’s definitely a noise. You can clearly hear it on all videos. Of course I can distinguish the noise from when you turned the steam tap on - that’s not what dndrich is referring to. His advice is spot on. If you can’t see where it’s coming from, then the cold mirror is the way to go.

      Also, next time, best if you turn the TV off, as it would be easier to hear out noises. 👍

      Edit: are you saying that on the other videos you had the steam tap on all the time? In that case disregard the bit about hearing a noise.

      Question: ignore the water moving inside the hoses. But… on the tank, there are two hoses: one for water inlet (it has a cut at the end) and one which is the return - you can follow that one as it is the one attached to the 4-way fitting going to the tank. If you lift that hose from the tank, is steam coming out of it? Do you see/hear bubbles in the tank?

      dndrich - well… if the safety valve is shot, then the steam could be coming from inside the tank (going back through the return hose), as he also says there was condensation underneath the tank.

        I can’t see anything obvious, so I’d do a couple of things to eliminate the other possibilities,

        First, preferably take the outer shell off, it’s in one of my videos. Then run a shot against the blind filter, for about 30 seconds, and check just to see there’s nothing spraying somewhere onto the steam boiler itself or some other thing causing a problem.

        Observe underneath the steam boiler just in case something is leaking there that hasn’t been noticed, you’ll get a better view from the sides as well and have a good look around.

        Observe the tube in the tank, see if it bubbles or noticeably steams, and if this continues after the vacuum breaker is closed. You might just be seeing the normal vapour that comes out just prior to the vacuum breaker closing.

          DavecUK Observe the tube in the tank, see if it bubbles or noticeably steams, and if this continues after the vacuum breaker is closed. You might just be seeing the normal vapour that comes out just prior to the vacuum breaker closing.

          Just for clarity, the vacuum breaker tube goes to the drip tray, so it’s unlikely this is the culprit, unless the tube is split somewhere.

          The safety valve tube goes to the tank. 👍

            dndrich

            The sound in the background is the extractor fan in the room and the radio in the hall. I can definitely not hear any hissing from the machine.

            Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

            DavecUK

            Thanks Dave this is very helpful. I will look at your video and try this.

            I found a video on removing the back and inside back from Lelit, I couldn’t find yours but I will do this tomorrow and have a look under the steam boiler.

            Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

            GOTCHA

            1. Just after I switched on this morning I saw definite water bubbling out around the large nut on the top of the steam boiler. This is described in the Lelit video as a common place for leaks and also how to tighten it.

            2. Your ears are better than mine. After I found the leak I noticed that the back left corner of the casing was quite warm but the side and back close to it still quite cool. Putting my finger (dental mirror is in the workshop) in the space between the corner and the steam boiler soon got pretty uncomfortable. Listen very close to that corner above the steam boiler there is a very soft hiss.

            I will check with a mirror this morning, tighten this fitting and see what happens if I leave it on with the cover on for a few hours.

            pity that the pressure gauge is marked on the back of the glass. Is there a way to clean this?

            If it still gets condensation I will take the back off and check underneath.

            Thanks to everyone for suggestions and support. You are a really great bunch. Also impressed with the approach by Lelit whose, rather unusual, policy is to help users fix things rather than refer everyone to a “certified repairer”. A welcome endorsement of the recent trend to fix it rather than bin it.

            Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

              MBdoc - if the machine is under warranty… I would return to be fixed, including replacement of the gauges - or replaced.

              It is under warranty. The immediate problem is that the warranty is locked to the supplier in France and the machine is with me in UK! I can take it back next year to have the gauges replaced but I need to fix the leak now or “no coffee”. Unfortunately I had just sold my old Ascaso Duo before I discovered the leak!

              Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

              The Lelit guage is powered (light) and not the normal Orman gauge, so you might find the glass can be removed for cleaning….but I think better to use your warranty. It’s a safer machine to ship than most. Or ask for a replacement gauge to be sent.

              Thanks Dave. I am waiting for a response from the supplier so I can ask them. The original box is in France (I have two Elizabeths but only kept one box as I thought it unlikely I would need to return either for service).

              Is it easy to remove the gauges? It looks as if the mounting frame will lift out after the upper steel tag is bent upwards. If so I could easily clean the glass on both gauges if they are removable or fixed into the front of the machine rather than to the gauges. I could ask Lelit if no one has tried this.

              Lelit Elizabeth (2) , Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose, Mignon Mk2 (converted to single dose), Aerolatte Mini grinders(2), cafetières, Bodum K1218 Vacuum

                MBdoc Yes it’s easy, you have the right idea. It’s the same as removing the LLC which I have done a few times.