MaraX - pump keeps going at startup, then nothing happens

jonasy

Hi,

We have an issue with our beloved MaraX, this doesn’t happen all times but most times when starting the machine the following happens

Pumps kicks in, goes up to 10 bar
Pump keeps going at 10 bar for 5 minutes, which seem to be a cut-off
All 3 lights are flashing

Sometimes it works after restarting it a few times, and sometimes the machine goes into normal operation after the pump has been going for a few minutes.

In addition, I’ve noticed that when it does start up, the heating light never stops flashing (and thus renders the machine inoperable) and requires a restart to “understand” it’s warm.

Ideas to narrow down what can be wrong? The MaraX is modified to return the OPV discharge water back to the pump otherwise stock and bought in September 2020. Unfortunately I bought it in the UK and am now in Sweden so can’t take it back to the store.

Many thanks
Jonas

DavecUK

jonasy There is two possibilities.

The pump switch or it’s adjustment behind the lever cam is defective.
The solenoid valve that autofills the boiler is blocked, or the way to the boiler is blocked

jonasy

Thanks Dave, super helpful as always, solenoid seems likely, especially given the intermittent behaviour which could suggest something being mechanically stuck. Found this video with the same issue so I think it’s worth changing. You know if the solenoid for a Mara (not X) will work?

https://www.kaffecompagniet.se/solenoid-lelit-olab-2w-1/8-mara-103702

Unfortunately I had a new issue this afternoon I haven’t seen before which seem much worse, tried to brew a coffee and the pressure never reached beyond 2 bar, however the steam pressure was going haywire, and I since I have the lid open I could see water being pressed out of the boiler :( So I am thinking of giving up and sending it to the doctor.

DavecUK

jonasy if the fill solenoid is blocked, it might be quite low on water…although it shouldn’t heat then because the probe tip would be exposed… dunno? Until you open it up and have a look, it’s difficult to know. I’d do a bit more sleuthing, post up some photos.

Sure something else might have gone wrong, but I don’t really believe in coincidence. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it, you can check if the solenoid is getting pulled high (voltage), if it’s not, then it might be the Gicar box has a problem. Which would mean the solenoid isn’t opening.

I would imagine the MaraX solenoid will work fine.

Cuprajake

Are these the ones where the plastic y splits?