It does sound like the water dispensing mechanism is having troubles or just operates differently than the machines you are having better luck with. All of these machines are quite different, some will produce better creme than others just based on manufacturing style. It's hard to say for sure if it really is having problems, but it sounds like it may very well be. If with other machines you are able to get your desired result if you are able to use the exact same grind and tightness of packing the grounds then I would think it may be actually having the water dispenser problems as indicated above. It may be possible to repair the machine but it will not be inexpensive by any means. If you have other machines that give you the desired result I would definitely stick with those, and I would recommend you just sell this one as it's not really "defective" it just isn't producing the result as desired.

So to restate I would just sell this machine as it is... and go with one that you are having the desired results with, rather than attempt repairing something that may not be "broken" but is just how this machine produces the creme.

Thanks, let me know if you have any questions or concerns, just reply to my answer here and I will be right back with you.

Tim