steam boiler failure

Did your new Mini work fine initially but have an in warranty (year one) problem later. Post here for advice. Later report on your fix. Posted photos documenting repairs are encouraged.
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richardcoffee
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Posts: 172
Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 4:59 pm
Location: Michigan City, Indiana

steam boiler failure

Post by richardcoffee »

This is the letter I sent to Chris' Coffee along with my Mini when the steam boiler failed a week or 2 before Christmas:

"My wife turned it on this morning at 5:30. When I got up at 7 the machine had turned itself off with alarm lights 19, 20 and 21 lit. I turned it back on with the boiler off and the brew boiler got up to temp fine. I drew a shot and then called you and spoke with Roger. He suggested I turn it back on and watch the right pressure gauge to see if it moves - and also suggested I try to draw some steam. I fired it back up, once the group was up to temp, the boiler light started to blink - 5 minutes later I got the same alarm - lights 19, 20 and 21. The pressure gauge never budged and I tried the steam lever but there was nothing there. Roger then had me see if I could press the reset button on top of the steam boiler - but it wouldn’t move. That’s when Roger suggested I need to send the machine back to you as it’s probably the heating element in the steam boiler."

It was, in fact the heating element. Tim from Chris' called me on Jan. 16 to tell me they had replaced the steam boiler, the steam boiler sensor and the nipple that pierces the water reservoir. They suspect the nipple wasn't going in far enough, thus, as I understand it, causing insufficient water flow to the boiler. (In fact, from the time I got the machine, it was always somewhat difficult to get the drip tray back in place after putting the water reservoir back - that is no longer a problem.) All covered by warranty - except for shipping both ways. I wish I lived closer to Chris.

I got this machine new in early February, 2011. It is back in 1st class shape and I'm glad to have it back. I missed it.
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GDK
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Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 9:06 pm
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Re: steam boiler failure

Post by GDK »

Glad to hear such happy endings!
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