Update: We're making progress, but no cigar yet. I removed the level sensor from the steam boiler and checked it for continuity. It wasn't consistent across the length of the probe, so I cleaned the probe with a wire brush, which restored consistent continuity. Put the sensor back in, and the Brewtus began working as it should, which continued for two days (five shots). After steaming/frothing some milk today to top up a latte, the IV-R failed again. The pump started to refill the steam boiler, stopped after five seconds (good sign), but then started up again and didn't stop. So, something has failed in the circuitry between the level sensor, the controller, and the pump.
A replacement static relay should arrive soon from WLL, along with a small tub of thermal paste from Amazon. Of course, I don't have a clue if that's where the problem is, but we'll see... On Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 9:37:18 AM UTC-5 billherbst wrote: > Brian and Ira, > > I had a long response composed, but let me cut to the chase. I think the > problem is your #2 suggestion — a funky level sensor or controller relay. I > went into the kitchen five minutes ago and found what I assume to be the > steam boiler level sensor (the plastic cover on the connecter is yellow, > and it's the only single wire connection on top of the steam boiler). I > traced the wire back to bottom of the main controller mounted to the front > of the inner case, then pulled the connector off the sensor at the boiler > and re-connected it. Turned on the main power and steam switches and the > IV-R came back to life. Worked normally for about four minutes. The brew > boiler began to heat, got to 198° F, and then the machine conked out again > (meaning the same symptoms as before — the pump came on and didn't stop, > and the brew boiler temp reading on the PID immediately began to decline). > So, the sensor is bad or there's a problem with the controller. Either way, > the reprieve was short-lived. > > WLL advised me to replace the static relay, so yesterday I ordered a new > one from them — 60 bucks for the part and some thermal paste from Amazon. > I'm not savvy enough to know if that's related to what you've advised and > I'm experiencing, so I'll wait to hear what you or Ira (or other savvy > aficionados here) thinks about it. If the static relay isn't the solution, > I’m pretty sure I can send it back for a refund or just keep it for a rainy > day. I'm beginning to consider that my days as a longtime Brewtus user > might be numbered. A Profitec P300 is starting to look attractive. I know > that the fantasy of an prosumer espresso machine that doesn't break is just > that — a fantasy — but I am getting tired of repairs for which I'm > minimally qualified. > > I have no doubt that you guys could fix this in a jiffy. I’m less > confident about myself… > > —Bill > > > > On Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9:28:50 PM UTC-5 Ira wrote: > >> Hello Brian, >> >> >> Friday, April 23, 2021, 6:04:49 PM, you wrote: >> >> >> Alternatively these relays can be repaired. It’s a bit of a specialty >> thing, and requires practice soldering. I know there’s a few guys on here >> who mentioned doing it and they may be able to help with that/more info on >> how to do it. >> Soldering the relay is easy, without the proper tools, getting the old >> one out without damaging the board is hard. Now that I have the proper >> tool, it's not hard at all. >> >> -- Ira >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brewtus" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/8f49b9fd-a433-470b-99d8-7ba1028802abn%40googlegroups.com.
