Viceversa Koala Machine Dripping

Hi Rustfarmer,

Inside the machine is a high-pressure canister that is used to super heat a predefined amount of water. Once the water has come to a boil, and reached a predefined pressure (15bar) and temperature, the light comes on once the pressure switch is made.

If you have recently used the machine the canister will still be hot or if the water level is below the required minimum the time-to-ready will be greatly reduced causing the light to come on. However, if the light comes on and the water has not come to a boil, it could be due to a few reasons.

If the light comes on and temperature / pressure not reached, it could be due to

• a faulty heating element or pressure switch,
• a blocked (due to calcification) water tube, causing the canister to heat up and super heating what ever water is left causing the pressure switch to be made.

These machines are mostly mechanical and requires very little maintenance. The above are the most common problems experienced.

In the case of the pressure switch or heating element, I would suggest checking your warrantee and request a replacement/repair.

In the case of calcification, check the De' Longhi website for a cleaning kit to decalcify the system (Recommended method). If your machine is outside its warrantee period and you do not want to spend the bucks, you could use a home made recipe of white vinegar and water (Not recommended, it could wear down the rubber seals). Just make sure that you rinse the machine thoroughly before making the next cuppa.

Please let us know if you do not succeed and need further assistance.

http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/gaggia/gaggia_espresso_maker_product_list.html

SOUNDS LIKE BLOCKEDGE PROBLEM SOKE ALL SPRAY JETS IN WARM SOPEY WATER AND CLEAN .

Hi there, As far as i am aware all the vice versa places do not carry spares for the koala machines anymore. Im in scotland and tried, UK, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and a couple of other with no luck whatsoever. I am a domestic coffee machine engineer and over the past few months have picked up some koala machines from here and there. If you contact David at [email protected] and let me know what it is you are after, i can see if i have it and get it sent out to you at best prices and cheap postage. Don't worry i distribute worldwide and have had no problems so far. Let me know what you think.

All the best

David
The Domestic Coffee Service

Check the top of the group head there is a large bolt, within that is the metering jet and filter, that might be the cause of the blockage(either the jet is clogged or the filter is clogged). As for the full temp on the boiler what reading do you get on the gauge boiler side, it needs to be at about 1.2 bars.

Try this remove the portafilter and press the brew button, if water comes out of head, machine is fine but the grind or the tamping(packing pressue) used on the coffee is not right. If you are grinding the coffee just before using it, try a coarser setting. If you pre grind at the store then try tamping the coffee lighter.

maybe our coffee is to fine of a grind

If the machine works great after the first cup then it is possible that the heat for your first espresso went to heating the portafilter or the cup used to brew into, try warming the portafilter first by running some hot water through it first.

When using ground coffee, use coarser grind like the size of table salt grain. Feel the ground coffee for adjustment. Do not tamp, just level the cup with coffee grounds and lock the portafilter into the group ring. Pull the handle all the way to the right and hold. Turn espresso hot water switch on. Hold the portafilter pulled all the way to the right for 5 seconds (pre-infusion pressure builds up to 9 bars). Release the handle at the end of 5 seconds. Espresso shots should be max. 2-Oz. in the cup. For larger quantity, use two shots. For an Americano, add hot water instead of allowing 8-Oz. water to pump through the coffee grounds.

You don't have to wait 15 mins. just a few minutes, then run some hot water to warm up the portafilter and dry it up, fill it up with coffee and when you get the gree light again, make your espresso . You will have to have a good fine coffee and make sure to pack the coffee really good and don't leave any around the edges , so could make a good seal. If you have steam coming out of the machine , is maybe to hot and is ready to brew . Cool down the machine after use, run water through it and let the steam out of the nozzle.