I tried descaling my rancillio sylvia again using strong laboratory vinegar. i did see lots of black gunk coming for the brew-head when i ran the machine. i let it sit overnight and in the morning i could not get water to come through the brewhead. i could not hear the motor working, although i could here a hum as if it were trying to work. is it possible that the descaling loosened something and got wedged in and jammed the pump? also when i switch to steam mode, steam does not come out. in hot-water mode, i can't get water to come out of the steam tube either. i originally was having the problem that only a limited amound of steam came out when in steam mode. i have also had the problem that i frequently need to open up the machine and push the red button in front---otherwise, after a point, the water doesn't heat. thanks richard
Coffee Makers & Espresso... - Rancilio - Silvia Espresso Machine
Answers & Comments
I think that you will have to open the boiler on the machine and clean out the element and boiler and tube that carries water and steam to the valve and head. When descaling your machine it is wise to use a product like scaleKleen or pulycleaner. Remove the top panel and you will see the screws around the boiler, carefully remove the screws (we do not want to damage the gasket when we lift the boiler), disconnect the fittings from the pump and to the head, then slowly lift, there will be a slight amount of water and sludge. Clean rinse very well and reassembly and test machine. It might be helpful to take pictures of the machine.
My understanding is that these expresso machines are very sophisticated and have very sensitive construction.
Usually the user manual would have provided some instructions on how to descale and what ingredients to use. Generally I have not seen vinegar as a recommended solution for such machines.
My feeling is you may want to get the unit serviced by Rancilio technician and follow the normal recommeded maitenance procedures.
I noticed some documentation available at
http://www.rancilio.com/rancilio/download_page.jsp?flag=1&id_cat=21&id_language=2
there is a technical manual for your model on this.
Please post a comment on what helped.
The fixya.com records seem to indicate that you have rejected by advise. Can you please confirm if this is correct. Did not appear that way from your comments. cmmiuser01.
Sorry for being a pain.. can you please check if you actually rejected the assistance I provided to you in this matter. I thought I saved you the possibility of further damage to your coffee machine.