I got very lucky a few days ago and found a Rocket Appartamento with someone’s trash on the street. 🤯 The drip tray was in a nearby recycling bag, so I just have to order a portafilter and tamper. This is a huge upgrade from my Bambino+ (& I have a niche zero). It turns on but needs some repair, which I’m hoping to do myself. Any advice is appreciated!
When I brought it home, I cleaned it, ran some water through, and descaled.
The pump works, but the heat/pressure is inconsistent. Initially, it heated and pressurized after a 30min warmup. I was able to get steam and hot water from the tap. However, it didn’t last long and didn’t maintain pressure. I let it sit for a while, and it still wasn’t pressurized. I turned it off and on, let it sit for 30 mins, and it heated/pressurized, but soon lost pressure again.
The next day, I tested it again. Pump still works but this time it didn’t heat or pressurize at all.
My research suggests that I may need to replace the pressurestat. I tried resetting the high limit switch, but it didn’t click or solve the problem. I don’t see any obvious issues with wiring. The inside looks pretty clean, and the boiler is dated 2018.
I would really appreciate any advice from the community on what to do next. I don’t have experience working on espresso machines, but I’m handy(ish) and ready to learn. Does this seem like a reasonable DIY project or should I find a technician? Is there a way to test if the pstat is the problem, or should I just replace it and see? Any other components that could be the problem?Where should I order parts from?
Thank you!!!!!
by youthful_robot
18 Comments
I think no one replied because no one believes stuff like this happen lol.
https://i.redd.it/5d50gctvaxsf1.gif
From the looks of it- seems like it’s a Mater pressure-stat- is this what you’re after? Alternatively you could consider an upgrade and replace it with a Sirai P302 pressure-stat
[https://coffeeaddicts.ca/products/pressurestat-xp110-21a-1-4](https://coffeeaddicts.ca/products/pressurestat-xp110-21a-1-4)
This gives real “I found this $10,000 limited edition 1980s synthesizer in the garbage behind my local Baskin Robins” vibes
I think it sound more like the anti-vac valve, if the valve stays open the boiler doesn’t build pressure or heat. It’s next to the pressurestat and you can see that it will slowly leak if that’s the culprit. Amazing find though and will make a fine machine for a long time.
Even if you sent it out for repair or refurbishment you’ll be way ahead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbnw0RLKBSA
Before replacing pressurestat check that tube for liquid, if water gets in there it can cause heating issues like that and make sure there are no restrictions. Agree with another commenter to check Anti-vac valve as well, could just be stuck but probably best to replace if heavily calcified. If you have a multimeter check the high limits for continuity, or you can follow the wires backwards from the element to find where current stops.
I would start with the pressurestat.
It will need a new control board or bypass the board relay. Typical to point to pressure stat, but that’s never the fail point on these units. I’ve owned mine 10 years now. Replaced control board 4x, before finally modding it myself to bypass the relay on the board to a SSrelay. It’s the relay on the board that fails, when you turn on the machine you can hear the relay physically ‘click’, and usually will get stuck open/closed. It’s built into board, so either needs bypassed or replace the board.
Every time a La Marzocco owner is born, the carcass of a $3k expresso machine can be found on a street corner…
Whoa. So there is a god after all, they just don’t smile on me…
May this luck find us all
Machine is cooked forget about it. I’ll gladly take it off your hands for free.
Likely can’t be fixed, I sugest. You give it to me..
I had a rocket once and got rid of it due to the pressure and heat inconsistencies.. repairman couldn’t do anything about it. So I feel for the dude who kicked it out on the street, they probably replaced it with à la marzocco, like I did.
I can’t give you any advice on this because I’m like the least handy person alive, but just wanted to say good for you. Some stooping finds are insane.
r/espressocirclejerk is going to have fun with this one