Temp on new Silvia very low

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Date: 25 Dec 2006 17:04:54
From:
Subject: Temp on new Silvia very low

Hello!

I just got a brand new Silvia and the temperature seems to be way low.
I just tested it using Randy's styrofoam cup method (see here:
http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToTempCheck.html) and got a
reading of 158 degrees. This is the temperature of the water coming
directly out of the grouphead, which sounds like it should be more like
195. I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
the water.

Does it sound like I'm doing something wrong? Or is it possible
there's something wrong with the machine?

Thanks!
Cameron

Date: 26 Dec 2006 12:09:58
From:
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello!
>
> I just got a brand new Silvia and the temperature seems to be way low.
> I just tested it using Randy's styrofoam cup method (see here:
> http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToTempCheck.html) and got a
> reading of 158 degrees. This is the temperature of the water coming
> directly out of the grouphead, which sounds like it should be more like
> 195. I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> the water.
>
> Does it sound like I'm doing something wrong? Or is it possible
> there's something wrong with the machine?
>
> Thanks!
> Cameron

I had a Silvia and put a thermocouple on the top of the boiler and
coiled one around the brew group to get a better idea of the temps she
was running at. I used the styrofoam test a few times too.

I don't know how accurate the styrofoam test would be. The group was
always about 10-20F lower in temp than the top of the boiler. The only
way to be sure of your brew temp would be to insert a thermocouple into
the brew path inside the machine and use an accurate thermometer. The
brew group is attached to the boiler but it's exposed and there's a bit
of distance between the group in the boiler so I wouldn't expect it to
be the same temp as the boiler. Another thing to consider is pressure
build up raises the temp inside a packed basket/portafilter. Measuring
free flow in a styrofoam cup doesn't account for pressure.

Greg Scace has done a lot of measuring and charting of temps inside the
Silvia. Reading his stuff could help explain what's going on. I
agree, though, that without knowing what the precise brew path temp is
or simulating the affect of tamped puck in a locked in portafilter when
measuring temp out of the brewgroup taste of your espresso would be a
better way of evaluating your machine.

Date: 26 Dec 2006 11:44:06
From:
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

Hey Randy,

Thanks for the reply!

The thermometer is definitely accurate. I live in Portland, OR which
is nearly sea level, so I doubt that's affecting things. I'll try
those other things you mentioned and see what happens. I seem to be
getting a pretty consistent temp at around 160F on this baby.

Thanks everyone,
Cameron

On Dec 25, 10:05 pm, Randy G. <f...@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote:
> cameronjew...@gmail.com wrote:
> >Hello!
>
> >I just got a brand new Silvia and the temperature seems to be way low.
> >I just tested it using Randy's styrofoam cup method (see here:
> >http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToTempCheck.html) and got a
> >reading of 158 degrees. This is the temperature of the water coming
> >directly out of the grouphead, which sounds like it should be more like
> >195. I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> >method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> >the water.
>
> >Does it sound like I'm doing something wrong? Or is it possible
> >there's something wrong with the machine?First, make SURE that the thermometer is accurate. Boil some H2O to
> test it.
>
> Second, where do you live? If you are at altitude that will be a
> factor to consider.
>
> Toird- Just pull about 1.5 ounces, but no more than two. The fast flow
> of the brewhead without a puck will show a lower than normal temp.
>
> Ford- Turn on the steam switch, wait about 45 seconds, and try the
> test again to see if the temp rises substantially.
>
> fit- Try the test at different times in the on-off cycle of the
> heating element. If the light stays on for twenty five seconds, try
> the test at 20 seconds of the light on.
>
> sex- PID?
>
> Finally, the thermostat will fail eventually anyway, so worst case you
> will have a spare. if you do the above tests and it still shows low,
> the seller will probably be glad to send a replacement to save the
> hassle of warranty repairs. It is a VERY easy part to change. If you
> know how to use a slot screwdriver, a Phillips Screwdriver, and a
> needle nose pliers, it will take about ten minutes.
>
> Randy "spilling kan bee phun" G.http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 26 Dec 2006 12:31:53
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:

>Hey Randy,
>
>Thanks for the reply!
>
>The thermometer is definitely accurate. I live in Portland, OR which
>is nearly sea level, so I doubt that's affecting things. I'll try
>those other things you mentioned and see what happens. I seem to be
>getting a pretty consistent temp at around 160F on this baby.
>

Near sea level and with an accurate thermometer and getting 160? I
would say try a new thermostat... or a PID! ;-)

If the thermostat were loose or did not have proper contact with the
boiler, the temperature would be too high. Call your supplier and have
them send you a replacement. If you need help with replacement
instructions, let us know.

Randy "set on 226" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 26 Dec 2006 07:31:04
From: chardinej
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

Date: 25 Dec 2006 23:36:24
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

the styro cup technique does not use the Pfilter handle.

brew stat.

www.hitechespresso.com

Date: 25 Dec 2006 22:05:48
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:

>Hello!
>
>I just got a brand new Silvia and the temperature seems to be way low.
>I just tested it using Randy's styrofoam cup method (see here:
>http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToTempCheck.html) and got a
>reading of 158 degrees. This is the temperature of the water coming
>directly out of the grouphead, which sounds like it should be more like
>195. I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
>method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
>the water.
>
>Does it sound like I'm doing something wrong? Or is it possible
>there's something wrong with the machine?
>

First, make SURE that the thermometer is accurate. Boil some H2O to
test it.

Second, where do you live? If you are at altitude that will be a
factor to consider.

Toird- Just pull about 1.5 ounces, but no more than two. The fast flow
of the brewhead without a puck will show a lower than normal temp.

Ford- Turn on the steam switch, wait about 45 seconds, and try the
test again to see if the temp rises substantially.

fit- Try the test at different times in the on-off cycle of the
heating element. If the light stays on for twenty five seconds, try
the test at 20 seconds of the light on.

sex- PID?

Finally, the thermostat will fail eventually anyway, so worst case you
will have a spare. if you do the above tests and it still shows low,
the seller will probably be glad to send a replacement to save the
hassle of warranty repairs. It is a VERY easy part to change. If you
know how to use a slot screwdriver, a Phillips Screwdriver, and a
needle nose pliers, it will take about ten minutes.

Randy "spilling kan bee phun" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Date: 25 Dec 2006 20:17:58
From: jggall01
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:
> By the way, just out of curiosity, why does it matter if the
> portafilter is attached when I do the test?

I think I misunderstood what you tested (sorry - I should have checked
first). I thought you were drawing water through the portafilter and
basket, in which case a cool portafilter could easily explain the low
temperature you are seeing.

But if you are drawing water directly from the group into a styrofoam
cup, then whether the portafilter is/was in place is a moot point.

What water temp do you measure if you pull a shot 15 seconds after the
light goes off? That should be very close to the peak temperature of
the boiler cycle.

Do you have an independent check on your thermometer? Boiling water
(212F at sea level) is a convenient reference.

If you still get 158F or so at the peak, and if your thermometer seems
reliable, then the brew tstat is about all that's left. At least it is
both easy and cheap to replace.

Jim

Date: 25 Dec 2006 19:35:14
From:
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

By the way, just out of curiosity, why does it matter if the
portafilter is attached when I do the test?

Thanks!
Cameron

On Dec 25, 7:32 pm, cameronjew...@gmail.com wrote:
> Hey Guys,
>
> Thanks for the replies. Jim, honestly, I don't remember if the
> portafilter was attached or not. I'll try the test again with it on
> and see what the results are. Thanks for pointing that out!
>
> Happy Holidays!
> Cameron
>
> On Dec 25, 7:26 pm, "jggall01" <jggal...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > cameronjew...@gmail.com wrote:
> > > I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> > > method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> > > the water.Forgive me for asking, but did you warm it up with the portafilter
> > locked in?
>
> > Jim

Date: 25 Dec 2006 19:32:47
From:
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Jim, honestly, I don't remember if the
portafilter was attached or not. I'll try the test again with it on
and see what the results are. Thanks for pointing that out!

Happy Holidays!
Cameron

On Dec 25, 7:26 pm, "jggall01" <jggal...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> cameronjew...@gmail.com wrote:
> > I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> > method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> > the water.Forgive me for asking, but did you warm it up with the portafilter
> locked in?
>
> Jim

Date: 25 Dec 2006 19:26:45
From: jggall01
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:
> I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> the water.

Forgive me for asking, but did you warm it up with the portafilter
locked in?

Jim

Date: 25 Dec 2006 17:42:49
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Temp on new Silvia very low

Unusual as it may be,

it sounds like the brew thermostat is defective.

Return it or have it replaced for a new one.

Dave
200

cameronjewell@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello!
>
and got a
> reading of 158 degrees. This is the temperature of the water coming
> directly out of the grouphead, which sounds like it should be more like
> 195. I let the machine warm up for 45 minutes and used the temp surf
> method, allowing a minute after the boiler light came on before pulling
> the water.
>
> Does it sound like I'm doing something wrong? Or is it possible
> there's something wrong with the machine?
>
> Thanks!
> Cameron