Vesuvius question

MrChris79

Hi,

I’ve been in contact with Paolo about this but as they are now closed, just wanted to check out a couple of things before I crack on.

My Vesuvius has had a small leak from the steam boiler heating element o-ring which has gradually corroded the electrical connectors over time, resulting in the house electrics tripping with increasing regularity. I have disconncted both connectors and the machine will now start without tripping, leading Paolo to send out a new o-ring and heating element under warranty.

He mentioned that I can still use the brew boiler to make coffee and said in the menu disable the steam boiler.

I just wanted to check a couple of things.

He talked about emptying the boiler - should i leave water in there until i receive the new parts to fit or empty now?
Does this make a difference if I want to continue to use the machine with brew boiler only?
I presume switching the machine on to access the menu (and thus starting the heating) will have no effect on the steam boiler as the two connectors to the element have already been disconnected?

Sorry for the basic questions - this stuff is not my forte…

Finally, when I (or if I chicken out, an engineer) fit the new element and come to start the machine, is there a refill process?

Thanks all,

Chris

DavecUK

MrChris79 You should be fine to operate the machine. When fitting the new element and o ring use a little lubrication on the o ring an mating plates to prevent tearing and don’t do it too tight. I used just the socket in my hand ..no ratchet or bar. Yup don’t want to crush the o ring, just snug it dow

You may find it a lot easier to remove the boiler see how you get on though.

MrChris79

DavecUK

Thanks Dave - so don’t empty boiler now before the new parts arrive? Just leave water in there but turn the boiler (steam) off on the menu?

DavecUK

MrChris79 Yes, this will prevent power going to the heating element wires.

MrChris79

DavecUK

Hi Dave,

Following up on my query - I have now received the heating element and replacement o-ring from Italy. I have got a quote from an engineer but feel like this is something I should be able to manage myself, hopefully with a little guidance from the forum. I would be really grateful for some advice on these, I suspect basic, questions:

How do drain the steam boiler prior to removing the old heating element?
What size socket is needed for the element?
What lubricant do you use for the o-ring? I have the Molycote recommended for the brew lever.
What is the refill procedure for the steam boiler once I replace the element?
Is there anything else I should know?

Many thanks,

Chris

DavecUK

MrChris79 Quite a big one, perhaps 38mm, can’t remember. If the old heating element is gone, undoing it will effectively drain the boiler.

Touch of vaseline…just find a mate with piles, don’t do the element too tight, the o ring needs to seal, but mustn’t be crushed. I pretty much did mine a hand tight by holding the socket, not using a tommy bar/ratchet handle!

Switch the machine on and it will refill….

You might need to remove the old element with an impact wrench if it’s been put on super tight…and definitely remove the boiler to do the job if there is any problem undoing the heating element, you don’t want to twist anything.

MrChris79

DavecUK

Thanks for the reply - much appreciated! I would rather try and avoid removing the boiler as this feels like it massively increases the possiblities for me finding something to f**k up! Can I get someone to hold to boiler steady whilst I undo the old element?

DavecUK

MrChris79 Can I get someone to hold to boiler steady whilst I undo the old element?

You can, but don’t let it twist, if you find you’re having to torque it too much, try raps with a metal object on the wrench handle, or use an impact wrench.

MrChris79

DavecUK

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered a spanner to change it.

Unfortunately another issue has emerged. The machine occasionally doesn’t register when the internal tank has been refilled but does so after switching off.

This morning, my wife complained the machine was not producing coffee. Despite the screen not being red, the tank was completely empty. Not sure if this may have damaged the brew boiler.

Have refilled tank but the tank is not filling the brew boiler. Switched it off and let cool then tried again. Turned on and raised lever. Some water comes out but water level doesn’t appear to be going down in tank.

Any thoughts would be very welcome before contacting ACS.

Cheers

DavecUK

MrChris79 Don’t know, thrown me a curve ball, what type of water tank sensor do you have?

MrChris79

DavecUK

Thanks for the reply Dave. Come back again having had it off. Turned on and p appears to be pulling water through and the water level reducing! So hopefully all ok.

is there typically a noise as the boiler refills or not?

I will see if low water registers this time. Not sure what water level sensor I have - how can I check?

Many thanks

DavecUK

MrChris79 is there typically a noise as the boiler refills or not?

I will see if low water registers this time. Not sure what water level sensor I have - how can I check?

Sometimes sometimes not, depends, why do you ask?

Visually you have a choice of, in order of introduction and elimination.

Capacitive (sensor behind tank, om steel)
float at top of tank (obvious)
small tube that goes to bottom of tank with little float switch on end (obvious).

MrChris79

DavecUK

I am not hearing a refill noise but can’t recall whether I typically do.

I’m guessing this is the sensor?

DavecUK

MrChris79 It is….and it is the current version.