Steam pressure not building

carter840

Hi All,

I’ve a recent issue with my Vesuvius where I am not able to consistently build steam pressure. I see the relay for the steam boiler is working, but it seems that heating might be intermittent OR that the “valve” to close off the steam boiler once under pressure is not closing. It sort of seems that it just continues to boil water and steam continues to exist from the drip tray area (like what occurs when it’s initially heating). Any idea on diagnosing / fixing?

Thank you

DavecUK

carter840 It sort of seems that it just continues to boil water and steam continues to exist from the drip tray area (like what occurs when it’s initially heating). Any idea on diagnosing / fixing?

Sounds like the vacuum breaker. What year is your Vesuvius and can you put up a photo with the top off, so we can better advise you.

carter840

Photo attached of what I think is the vacuum breaker. I assume that’s the part that’s connected to the over pressure relief valve?

Is this something I replace or just clean? Also I’m not sure what year the machine is, but certainly older. I bought it used in 2020.

Any guidance is appreciated- thank you!

DavecUK

You are correct, it’s the black part at the bottom of that assembly. @PaulL had the same problem and I am sure can help you, he took his apart and cleaned it.

carter840

DavecUK thanks. You mention a “black part” but I had thought it was this Silver stainless steel portion circled in the photo attached. Am I looking in the incorrect area?

carter840

@DavecUK sorry to bump this same thread but are you able to confirm the part I circled above in blue is the right area to focus on?

PaulL

Hi, I expect Dave has waited for me to get to the forum as I disassembled that and took photos. In my case with the valve sticking to about 115c before shutting off but steaming just fine. I’ve had a crazy week inside and outside of work and finally I can get a few minutes here.

This is the vacuum breaker base which is at the bottom of that assembly

The stainless steel fitting sits on top and inside is a small separator with two springs, the short one is memory metal.

This photo from left to right is the orientation you must have from bottom to top ie. long spring inside base, separator then memory spring into the top stainless steel part.

That’s the best I can describe it but you’re in good hands with Dave and the more technical folk here.

PaulL

The memory metal should be just fine and on Dave’s suggestion I tested mine in near-boiling water, you can see the difference.

I’d like to get hold of the correct gasket on the black middle separator as I suspect mine just needs a slightly better seal to close at lower temp and if anyone has any idea what it is we will both benefit from that.

carter840

Thanks all. Very helpful. Got the panels off and also found a short / burnt connector at the power receptacle/ filter (I’ve a spare luckily).

carter840

Well I cleaned the black component as suggested (and cleaned it), but still I’m not getting a seal. Temp just hovers around 110C. Do I also need to take apart the metal section above the black plastic component?

DavecUK

carter840 Well I cleaned the black component as suggested (and cleaned it), but still I’m not getting a seal. Temp just hovers around 110C. Do I also need to take apart the metal section above the black plastic component?

No, you just may need some new O rings, I don’t know the size, but ACS might be able to ask the manufacturer for you (well actually they buy from a wholesaler (which is why I say might). If they can’t you need to bite the bullet and buy another. They are not cheap, La Marzocco use them as well now.!

It must be leaking quite badly, so an O ring may have failed

carter840

Okay another cycle proved successful - perhaps the valve just needed to work it self back into position or something after assembly. Tomorrow’s warm up hopefully confirms success.

As an aside, this forum / community is awesome. As the Vesuvius is quite obscure, it’s nice to know there’s a place to turn for guidance on maintenance / repairs.