Rancilio Silvia is blocked (not completely but substantially. Water is restricted out of both the brew-head as well as the steam-wand. I've cleaned the 3-way solenoid valve and I've run CleanCaf twice. When I take the feeder tube out the tank for 1 second then put it back in, this sometimes dislodges the blockage and it runs okay again for maybe 30 seconds then clogs up again. If it is not in the 3-way valve, can anyone recommend how to find it and unblock it.

If you're experiencing issues with the steam function on your Rancilio Silvia espresso machine, such as low steam pressure or no steam at all, there are a few possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can take to address the problem:

1. Check Water Level: Make sure the water reservoir is filled with water to an appropriate level. The steam function requires sufficient water to generate steam.
2. Purge Air from Boiler: If you're getting low air with no pressure from the steam wand, it's possible that there's air trapped in the boiler. You can try "purging" the air by turning on the steam wand and letting water flow through it until a steady stream of water comes out. This might help remove air pockets from the system.
3. Steam Wand Blockage: The steam wand could be partially blocked by milk residue or mineral deposits. Clean the steam wand thoroughly using a steam wand brush and ensure that the tip is clear.
4. Vent Valve: The vent valve on the top of the steam wand might be clogged. Try removing the valve and cleaning it to ensure proper steam flow.
5. Boiler Pressure: Low steam pressure could be a result of inadequate boiler pressure. Check the pressure gauge on the machine to ensure that the boiler pressure is within the recommended range. If the pressure is too low, you might need to adjust the pressure settings (if your machine allows for it) or seek professional assistance.
6. Steam Valve: The steam valve might be worn or malfunctioning, preventing proper steam flow. If the steam valve is not functioning as it should, it might need to be repaired or replaced.
7. Boiler Heating Element: If the heating element in the boiler is not functioning correctly, it could lead to low steam pressure. Check for any signs of damage or malfunction in the heating element.
8. Professional Service: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it might be best to seek the assistance of a professional espresso machine technician. They can diagnose the problem accurately and perform any necessary repairs.

Remember that working on espresso machines involves potentially hazardous components and high-pressure systems. If you're not comfortable with any of the steps or if the issue seems complex, seeking professional assistance is recommended to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to the machine.

My guess is the steam wand is clogged with milk. This is a common problem. Try a pipe cleaner or something similar.

Silvia has two bimetalic switches that control the boiler temperature. One for brew water and one for steam. They are not exact and they can go bad. They are cheap and easy to replace. Just Google for Rancilio parts.

A much better fix (and more expensive) is to switch to PID control. Google for Rancilio PID control. The conversion is $250+ but once you've gone PID, you'll never go back. The temperature is exact, fast, and totally under your control.

the machine need for descaling

Sounds like the machine needs to be descaled and the boiler and element needs to be checked.
Was the machine left on for a long time?
If yes then the element needs to be replaced.

Check the thermostats on the top of the boiler one of them tripped.

maybe cooffe termostat is bad and overheating

maybe is just air in pump,try prime water on steam wand.open steam valve and press button for make espresso,keep couple seconds

Hi
3 things could be wrong. First is easy to check. With machine on, turn on the steam switch and after about a minut open the steam knob and push the middle switch. Check the water coming from the wand and see if its warm? If it is you need a brew thermostat. Unplug the machine. Remove the water tank. Remove the 4 screws that hold the top on and lift top off. The boiler has 2 thermostats on the top front of the boiler, and the one with the red dot is the brew thermostat and need replacing.
If that didn't fix your problem there is a reset thermostat on the front face of the boiler and has black wires going to it. There is a red button in the middle of the thermostat and needs to be pushed.
If that one didn't solve your problem you need a new heating element. You can do a continuity check on the terminals.

I had the same problem. I took the steam wand off, and checked for steam out of the unit. It was OK, so I stuck a thin wire up through the steam wand and dislodged what look like pieces of a green washer or O-ring.
In short...the wand was plugged.