Issue with Gaggia Classic over boiling the water

wannabecraig

I have a Gaggia Classic, it's about 10 years old. I've had one or two issue with it over the years, but it's mostly fine.

Lately however I noticed it over boiling the water. It started when the I replaced the thermal fuse about a year ago, since then the thermal fuse has blown 3 times. So basically, had itfor 10 years, fuse blows, replace fuse and fuse has blown 3 times since. Water is coming our crazy hot, loads of steam, seems to also build up a lot of pressure inside as sometimes when I take the portafilter out, the pressure explodes the coffee in the filter all over the place.

Other odd thing that's happening, that didn't happen before, is the steamer is running out of steam after about 30 seconds, this is recent.

I've haven’t really changed anything else. Just standard service, gasket replacement etc.

Any thoughts? 

alec76

Probably it is time to replace the boiler or heating elements.

I am guessing it is clogged with the lime scale , no room for the water left.

Faulty thermostat possibly, but i won't be betting on this ( it is the easiest and cheapest fault to fix of course)

Thermal fuse blown 3 times ( it is a safety feature by the way to prevent fire etc ) and you've never wondered why is it happening ? One time could be a fluke , but 3 fuses...

wannabecraig

Yes, excatly, never for 8+ years and then 3 times in the last, more likely?

Any idea where I get the bolier/heating elements? I'd prob' replace the thermo anyway, just as a overhaul.

Worth trying these first?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385075794740?epid=14052091098&hash=item59a84e5334:g:LGMAAOSw2DdjA19u&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABAHJwQ2bwmoCClLhCYsIleM6DvEZTXS7YSR0ws9zYgNwvD2YDKbfaxP5gkfoJ0uy9MsPhSDU9UnhCqwzjpOtlMurOshVlT3mDF%2FRi32HSlwm6BkDYvEs0P235NxWTct%2FlSF4nZno1dCPCSpbf7AAenUIj90kdOgNIDTNpARKPPjOQj9DTO7dv77RGZfRAuizuOt%2Bm1HEhmcKqEPnJHPtg9tAeKLLLJ5UlTwjeSTE4W%2BJbuoFvW3jkRwCqVWocAsaTk9B0oFuKRw2gm5lMiUQGyIjv8lMx6s9G5%2F0F0CIlC29EGVpTBEbZNoBy8cw86CEGNFfYpd4fr0tbLZARARqvaLs%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMqK72g95i

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121183835#Comment_121183835

If you don’t want to take apart boiler first then yes , replace the thermostats ( one for brewing 104-107c, second for steaming 140-150с)

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/en/Gaggia-Classic-spare-parts/cpl-37.aspx?SortBy=pricedesc

don’t forget thermal paste when replacing thermostats

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/en/Blue-Star-Coffee-Thermal-Paste-Syringe/m-3259.aspx

the beer revolu

I replaced the boiler in my GC and found it not too difficult. (I'm far from an expert at this kind of stuff) Just photograph every connection. I got an associate in Italy to send one over, so I can't help you there.

wannabecraig

I'm fine with working on items like this, have decent experence. I'm probably going to do a complete strip and rebuild, see if I can see anything that is clearly blocked up and replace.

Are we suggesting the next step is replacing this? And are there extra heating elements or is this the lot?

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/en/Gaggia-Boiler-Kit/m-2970.aspx

the beer revolu

I think that's it. It's a combined unit with a boiler and 2 elements, IIRC.

On ours, one element was gone but the whole boiler unit was replaced.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121192212#Comment_121192212

I would get 2 thermostats too, save on postage

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/Mobile/en/Gaggia-Coffee-Thermostat-107C/m-m-435.aspx

https://www.bluestarcoffee.eu/Mobile/en/Gaggia-Steam-Thermostat-145C/m-m-439.aspx

wannabecraig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121193863#Comment_121193863

I've ordered these. I'll wait until they arrive and if they don't work, order the boiler.

2011abc

Any cheap and /or local sources of Classics?Anyone selling one beyond those on adverts /donedeal?Thanks

wannabecraig

I've replaced these thermostats now and it seems better. No over heating or massive amounts of steam.

I'll keep and eye on it. I still think it is due a boiler replacment anyway. It's 10 years old now.

alec76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121227065#Comment_121227065

I think faulty thermostats and fuses just a symptoms of boiler failure . I wouldn’t wait too long before replacing the boiler otherwise you might be buying another set of thermostats.

ps. Have you ever considered of installing PID controller ?