Re: Digest for faema-compact-user-group@googlegroups.com - 1 update in 1 topic

[273b...@gmail.com]

Hi

I have a c85 I use every day. It’s not plumbed in, instead I have simply put the water inlet hose into a large plastic bottle (6 litre) behind the machine. The pump is capable of drawing the water up (ie don’t have to have the tank above the machine). 

I have had 3 Faema compacts, and the manual valve has always been stiff- but as they haven’t been plumbed in the manual fill valve would been of no use anyway (it needs pressurised water to be able to fill the tank). 

Once you’re convinced the machine is fundamentally ok, it will benefit from a thorough clean, inside and out. To me ok means: autofill works, water comes out of the group head properly, boiler comes up to correct pressure. 

Good luck with your new machine. 

On Tue, 14 Nov 2023 at 21:08, <faema-compac...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

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• FAEMA C85 S/1 Where to start? - 1 Update

FAEMA C85 S/1 Where to start?

Flo Baine <riffe...@gmail.com>: Nov 13 12:55PM -0800 Hello! Really glad I found this group, thanks for any help in advance.   I just got this FAEMA and would like to ask you guys for some advice.   I want to restore it to former glory by giving it the neccesary TLC. Here are some facts/questions. The owner mentioned that it leaks but I dont know where.. I never saw it running so i cant really tell if it does. I was out of use for a couple of years The previous owner had it serviced regular and handed me the manual including invoices for services and spares.   Facts. The power light comes on when i switch it on(i just switched it on fo a minute) The heating element works(boiler is getting warm)   That manual filling button is super stuck, doesnt move a millimeter. The water gauge is filled with a lot of sand see photo The pressure gauge seems to be stuck 3,5 bar The leak could be at the back of the heating element, there is a lot of residue     Questions: 1. Is it possible to run it from a tank/bottle DIY setup? I think I read somewhere that it is possible for this machine but please correct me if im wrong. 2. For testing purposes in the garage i thought of connecting it to a 2 liter bottle/jug on top of it. Drill a hole in the bottle cap and connect it with hose to the water inlet. Stupid? Impossible? Good Idea?   I thought i would try just getting it to work without doing any major cleaning first. That way i could see if it works. Maybe it is beyond repair?!? That way I might save some unneccesary work( Thats whay I bought an old espresso machine , to save unneccesary work :) )   How would you guys proceed?       Short Term plan: Get it running and see if it works, and what doesnt work, especially the aforementionded leak.   Long term plan: Take it all apart clean and reassemble.   Thanks Flo [image: camphoto_1932422408.JPG][image: IMG_3340.jpg][image: IMG_3347.jpg][image: IMG_3341.jpg][image: IMG_3342.jpg][image: IMG_3341.jpg]

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[Ryan Pierce]

I've recently restored a C85 to functional condition.

While I did eventually plumb it in, I found the filter housing (if you're not using the filter) actually makes a perfectly fine, albeit small, reservoir.

These machines can get truly clogged inside. I had to strip mine down completely, soak all parts in hot water and citric acid to descale, paying special attention to the valves, the sight glass, the boiler, and the group head, and reassemble, lubricating valves and replacing the group head gasket. In particular, gunk in the sight glass can prevent the machine from properly auto filling.

If you do use an alternate to a plumbed water supply, while yes, as was mentioned, the pump can fill the boiler, the heating element is also on and overheating. I suggest disconnecting power to the heating element when letting the pump fill the boiler for the first time. If the auto fill works, then this shouldn't be a problem again if you never let the reservoir run dry.

Cheers,
Ryan

[frank]

Hi Flo,

Good advice so far. It looks like your machine needs a full strip and descale, but it can be good to know what works before taking it apart. It looks to me like your pressure gauge is broken. You'll want to be careful with the testing because you won't know what pressure the boiler is at. You might overpressurize and be very surprised when the safety valve opens. The good news is that unless you have a large hole in the boiler or main piping, everything else is fixable/replaceable (one of my friends even brazed a hole in his boiler, so technically everything can be fixed.)

Frank