Lelit Bianca V3 issues (purchased used)

Carsonfgk

I’m having trouble with my newly purchased machine off of Facebook marketplace. I’m not totally new to the espresso world, but I am pretty green for a Lelit Bianca V3. When I went to de-scale my machine for the first time I came across a few issues. 1. The steam wand would only work for one use. For example, I twisted the steam knob to turn it on, let it run for around 30 seconds, shut it off (pressure was reading fine at around 1.5 bar). A few seconds later the steam pressure would drop to zero and when I’d twist to turn it on, no steam would come out. 2. The hot water wand would do something similar. I would turn the hot water knob, water would come out (steaming hot, not a fluid stream) for about 30 seconds. I would shut the hot water knob off and it would be fine. Then, when I turn the hot water knob again; water will not flow out. I have never pulled a shot on this machine and I do not know how it looks and sounds under normal circumstances. I noticed while going to twist both the steam and hot water knobs that the pump would turn on for a half a second and then shut off, and still no hot water or steam would come out. Is this normal? Also, I am not sure if the group head is working normally, it seems that water is flowing normally from it, but again I’ve never seen this machine under normal operation so I am unsure.

One thing I am certain, is the steam withdrawal tube was corroded and bubbling steam. If I replace the steam withdrawal tube, would that alone solve my problems? Second thing, there is a large amount of powdered oxidation on the floor of the machine right below the steam withdrawal tube. I am pretty sure that is just from the steam withdrawal tube leaking. Also, there is the same residue found on the right side of the machine below the water withdrawal tube, and I have no idea where that particular oxidation is coming from.

I am a little nervous to find out what the underlying problem is since I just dropped a large amount of money on this used machine. I hope I explained myself clearly and please feel free to ask any questions.

Cheers,

Carson

DavecUK

Carsonfgk can you make a video of what your doing with the steam and the water. Put it on YouTube as unlisted and simply paste a link here.

The service boiler provides steam and hot water, when you draw a lot of water out it will autofill, the cold water coming in cools it down sufficiently so the steam pressure drops and no more water can be dispensed. It might be this, it might be something else. A video will help to diagnose.

Carsonfgk

DavecUK once I get it back together I’ll take a video and see. That does sound like the issue. When I install the copper tubes back on do I need to add any sort of loxeal or do they just screw on raw?

DavecUK

Carsonfgk When I install the copper tubes back on do I need to add any sort of loxeal or do they just screw on raw?

It depends what you are installing and where, a photo of the connections would help me advise you.

Carsonfgk

DavecUK sorry I know this is a lot.

DavecUK

I can’t see the images, you have to use the new process to post images.

Carsonfgk

DavecUK my apologies, here are the links.

DavecUK

Carsonfgk If you didn’t clean the threads? They look like they are all compression type fittings. Put a little Molycote 111 or food safe silicone grease on the mating surfaces of the compression joints and a smear on the threads before reassembly. This helps the compression surfaces align better and you need less torque to screw them up.

If next time your posting images, underneath the link about 4th line down you will see BB code for forums…copy that link and paste it…which is what I did for you.

Carsonfgk

DavecUK thank you for your thorough explanations! Noted for next time.