No water out of the brew head

No water out of the brew head

I have descaled 2x, and cleaned the brew head and portofilter screens, but water no longer comes down thru the brewhead. Water comes out of the steam wand, and steam comes out of the wand too. No problems there. I think what is happening is that the pump is not engaging. I don't hear that customary kick in sound I usually hear when the pump goes on. What do you think my problem is? Is this something I can fix myself? Thanks for your help. I really like this machine!

Asked by: Guest | Views: 193

Total answers/comments: 5

Comments display order:

Guest [Entry]

"This may not work in your situation but I was able to repair my pump.

Here's how:

1. I removed the pump and disassembled it.

2. Went to this website and compared my pump components

to their diagram-photos.

http://ulkapumprepair.blogspot.com/2008/...

3. I noticed a small ball-valve in the diagram that I didn't see in

pile of pump parts.

4. Upon closer inspection I discovered the ball wedged into the

barrel of the stainless or aluminum piston rod.

5. I replaced the ball as it looked worn. For lack of

anything better that was immediately available

I cut off a large round pinhead

found in my sewing kit.

6. After reassembly and re-installation of the pump I tried it out.

Nothing! Well I had to go somewhere and came back three

hours later and turned the machine on for one last try -

as of now it's working! Steam and espresso both on line.

Only one of the o-rings in the pump looked like it needed to be

replaced. Maybe some of the fine springs need to be replaced

as well. The machine is seven years old and I just saved $250

not replacing the it. And I saved $75.00 dollars not

buying a new pump.

I also took snapshots as I disassembled everything so

I'd remember what went where....good luck."

Guest [Entry]

"I have had two of these same machines and both failed the same way.

I called 1-800-STARBUC and even though I did not have proof of purchase (first was a gift) they called my local store and the manager just gave me a new one.

It worked for a while and then poof. Same problem.

I know this is not a solution, but it just is not a very good machine.

I may tinker with the second broken one, but I don't feel very cheerful about my chances of fixing it."

Guest [Entry]

Here is the fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dnmHdk3...

Guest [Entry]

"Just as an FYI for anyone who finds this in the future I had the same problem and fixed it by descaling (which I appreciate the original poster had already tried).

Very simple: Put a few pints of vinegar in the tank and run the brew cycle. It took about 30 seconds - started coming out slowly then, bam, started running through as usual.

Just commenting as this thread ranks pretty high in Google so others may come across it, with a similar problem, but who haven't descaled yet."

Guest [Entry]

I received this unit used as a gift and it worked great. One morning, same issue as everyone else had started. No water from main head but steam nozzle worked. Long story short, I let the unit heat up. Completely turned the unit off to stop the pump from engaging, and turned the knob for the steam nozzle on. It purged for a few seconds and stopped, I assume releasing the pressure in the line. Turned the knob back off, turned the unit back on and tried to brew a cup like normal and the issue was fixed. This was caused by letting the resoviore run dry while the pump was still engaged. Old post but It was the first I found while trouble shooting.