Gaggia Classic not powering on

wannabecraig

All, have a Gaggia classic, working fine for about 8 years until the other day. I'd left it on by mistake when I went out. Noticed it was on when I came back a few hours later and expelled all pent up steam and turned it off. Went to turn is back on the next morning and it was dead.

I've checked most of the internal wiring and there is current and most connectors have 12v going to them. The switches have all 12v got to them so the issue is not the power going into the machine. I imagine one of the components has blown. Any idea where to look?

Lights don't come on/water doesn't heat up.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058223515/gaggia-classic-not-powering-on

i would check continuity ( make sure machine is off )

-Boiler heater

-Thermofuse ( it is almost definitely blown, I wonder if heater gone first)

wannabecraig

Thanks, how do I go about checking those?

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118352073#Comment_118352073

I’ve understood you have some basic DIY skills , how to use multimeter to check continuity?

Open the hood and look at the boiler , there are two terminals for heater on the top of it ,thermal fuse alongside too.

This video might help

https://youtu.be/jQzfnPX_X70

wannabecraig

Thanks,

So the terminals you refer to are the ones circled in red? And the fuse is in blue?

When I set the MM to resistance of 200 Omh I get a reading of 25(ish), so I'm not sure if that's right.

This component look s a little burned out, there is a very low continuity reading from this.

Should I replace the fuse anyway?

Also, where in Dublin would I get one?

alec76

25 ohm for heating element, probably all right, it seems you have 2 heating elements .

Small round thing is Thermostat if reading around 0 then it is working fine.

So did you check the FUSE for the continuity or NOT?

reading should be around 0 too.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118376046#Comment_118376046

wannabecraig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118376265#Comment_118376265

Just testing the fuse and there is no continuity, so that's blown. Looks a mare to replace but I'll check out the video and try to do it tomorrow.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118378407#Comment_118378407

Did you get a replacement? It’s has to be THERMAL fuse, not regular one (180c cut off)

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/thermal-fuse-184c-4847-p.asp

wannabecraig

No, haven't got one yet. Radionics have them so I'll try them tomorrow.

Of course now I've broken the face plate of the front switches while trying to get it out, so I also have that to fix! Replacements for those are expensive!

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118378577#Comment_118378577

They don’t have in stock though.

Idea of this fuse if something wrong with the boiler ( out of water for instance) fuse will blow at 180c , preventing heater from blowing ( that would be expensive and mare to replace) .

If you’ll get fuse rated 145c or so you will be changing it every second day. ( 145c typical temperature for steaming)

wannabecraig

Thanks. I'll order. Might also buy this for parts

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185231963509?epid=111053561&hash=item2b20af7575:g:6sIAAOSwnpZhyZe1#viTabs_0

alec76

Buying something from UK not the easiest task at the moment, too many complaints an post returning packages,delays, tax/vat duty etc

wannabecraig

I'll have to see if it's worth it, it's used so shouldn't be import duty on it right?

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118378715#Comment_118378715

I am not sure , I haven’t received 2 packages from UK myself ( small shops )

when did you service machine last ?

Might aswell order this kit along with the fuse

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/gaggia--group-service-kit-6983-p.asp

wannabecraig

Thanks, I've ordered both of those now. It hasn't been serviced properly in about 2 years so due this anyway.

wannabecraig

Ok so that's it fixed. Thanks for your help!

Good experience with Blue Star coffee too so happy out!

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118434301#Comment_118434301

Glad you got sorted. Next step would be few modifications if you liked DIY experience:)

-OPV mode ( set machine to 9 bar brewing pressure)

- PID installation

wannabecraig

Boy did it need the group head serviced!

I have tuned down the pressure to 9bar (have a pressure gauge) and I've added a proper foaming wand.

I fancy the PID installation so will look to get that part.