In this video, I show you how to overhaul an Ulka vibratory pump, to revive the performance of your coffee or espresso machine. This can be done for basically all vibratory pumps, and I exhibit it on a Delonghi Dedica EC680. Ulka Maintenance Set: geni.us/UlkaMaintenanceKit (Amazon) DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. Affiliate commissions help fund videos like this one.
Hi, I have an Odea go. When I start it normally and it does the priming and rinsing, it doesn't have pressure, the pump seems to go slow like there is a clog, not enough water comes out. But when I start it in service mode, the pump seems to work ok and it has pressure through the brew group. Also has pressure through the steam way. It is also clean and fresh descaled. Might it be the pump, too used?
Tom sir, I know this is an old video and I'm not sure if you have already figured this out or not but I seen you fighting that hose here and I believe you broke a nipple before because of a hose. If you twist your hose before you pull it it'll usually pop right off.
I just followed your instructions and you just saved us from spending a lot of money on an new coffee machine!! Thank you so much for the very clear video!!
Thank you, Tom. I bought tiny glass ball and rubber ring for 4 usd from shopee and followed the instructions in this video to replace them, now it works,well done
Thank you! My dear coffe machine works again. ($500 machine, found in a dumster, ten years ago, with a faulty on/off switch) I would not have thought that little ball would wear down, but it makes sence since it rests directly on the edge of the spring. The ball had become so small, it had nested itself inside the spring and it was milk white rather than clear. So, did I order a repair kit? No, I happen to know that ordinary soap dispenser pumps work with a similar type of valve. I cut apart a soap dispenser and in there was a clear little ball of exactly 3,9 mm. It fits and the pump now works. I also flushed the heating element with diluted citric acid to dissolve any chalk build up. Free espresso machine is ready for ten more years of service. Thanks again!
didn't work :( It doesn't shoot back any water back into the tank so most probably the problem is indeed the pump. I'm going to order a real set and see if that works. if not, I'll order a new pump and valve.
Thanks, wonderful! Owning a Philips Saeco Cynthia HD8837 that has been working like charms for number of years, thinks it is over 13 years. Last couple of years with lover water pressure which forced me to put the grinder to more coarse grinding, with more watery espresso... Now worse than ever and saw this video. Simple procedure to order and change the parts, have not been able to measure the pressure, but the espresso on fine grinded coffee tastes perfect. My ball was very small ;) 3,2 at max...Thanks again for your time and dedication!
Thanks for the detailed instructions in this video! My Delonghi Dedica EC680 was giving only 6 bar pressure, so I went ahead and replaced the ball and gasket. This fix improved the pressure to 8 bar, but still not good enough for espresso. Finally I replaced the pump and I was able to reach 11 bar pressure. I noticed some white stains on the old pump that were probably caused by a very small water leak.
After buying a decent grinder I was wondering why I have to use very little force to tamp otherwise my dedica couldn't make any coffee at all. I almost bought a gaggia classic, but your tutorial inspired me to replace the pump before. And yup it was a great idea. Thanks to you i saved a lot of money and time!
Thank you! I have a DēLonghi Magnifica that had a water pump go out. I thought about having someone fix it. But that was too expensive. so I followed your video, and success! The coffee makers working again. I do suspect that the ball got sucked through to the other side. But thank you for your insight and easy to follow video! Back to freshly ground coffee Made by a push of the button versus that drip stuff.
Thanks Tom I repaired my Saeco Talea Ring replacing the gasket you mention in your video. Ultra ultra useful to share such tips. Merci vraiment énormément.
I recently purchased a used Isomac E61 machine that was not operating. After testing it and concluding that the pump wasn't working I took off the cover to inspect and remove the pump. My conclusion is that vibratory pumps are too noisy for use in a home appliance. But if one must use one in an espresso machine, there should be a more robust method of mounting the pump to the chassis while minimizing vibration noise. The stock rubber mounts are grossly inadequate.
Thanks a lot as your vid cut off my disassembly time at least 50 %. Got some different problem with flow as well fixed , but for reference the brand new pump unit have 500ml displacement for one cup as well as done within 12 seconds from push bottom start to stop the pump cycle. Another machine as have one for spare, have interesting problem as filling one cup with 500 ml within 11,8 seconds but when make double cup then do the same job as fill up 500 ml within 11,8 seconds and stop the process seems must be software problem . Problem were remdy as follows - Just an FYI to make it a bit easier if you need to do this again. You should be able to reprogram the shot time/length whenever you want by simply holding the button (single or double shot) down and not releasing it until you have the amount you want. It will remember that setting from then on. Thanks this guy and this issue also fixed. When the pump is weak and worn out as sometimes for fill up the 500 ml need 21 seconds to stop the process. So timing of pump is good to remedy the pump statement on time. Even if pump is worn out with this keep button you can complete the cup filling until replacement pump arrival
Very useful video, thanks for showing us. I'm working on a steam iron atm which uses a similar pump everyone else said just buy a new one but I'm gonna have a look at repairing it first. Cheers!
It might be a combination of issues with the pump. Mainly caused by calque. But also spring pressure, the little ball and rubber seal. But well done, thanks for this helpful video!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I was able to go to the hardware store, buy a longer spring, cut it shorter and install myself. Cost $3 haha if I bought a new pump or took it to a repair shop I would have paid a lot more. Thanks again!!
My pump was getting stuck. I didn't realise you could service these pumps! I opened it up and lubricated the shaft and seal with silicone grease, now it's working perfectly again...if it dies again, a new pump is chump change.
Ive opened my Dolce Gusto machine, a very similar pump inside, it doesnt pump anymore. According to some sources, if it still reads as a diode in 1 way and not in the otger way, it might still work. Maybe a cheap kit like this will make it work again. I mean, we already got a new machine... I couldn't trow the old one away without figuring out the fault (the led does turn on, but no pumping, and we did had a no water in pump issue) Oddly, the ball measures 4mm and the gasket look fine (less chalk then yours). I know, we should get a better coffee machine, i had, but spouse wanted easy coffee. Ill get a job and then buy something proper 🤭
Thanks for putting this up. Nice to see others willing to repair this great coffee machine.. Americans that can afford to actually buy one of these just throw it away.. EVERYONE has those shitty little cup machines.. I find it very interesting the ball was the same diameter. It must have been pitted & this must be why mine won't pump hard enough.. or the springs can break too.
Is there any difference between Ulka EP5, EX5 and EP5GW overhaul kits? most dealers offer the same nylon ball and o-ring for all three types but some offer different kits for EP5, EX5 etc.? does that make sense?
HCM15 hotpoint built in using this pump, Hotpoint want £80 for a new one. Its on amazon for £20. Have read its designed to be replaced rather than serviced but definitely worth trying this out. My fault was preceded by small leak(dunno where) with humming/buzzing noise. The machine will do one espresso before shutting down and displays "fault in water system". When i turn it off overnight and back on next morning it does one coffee, somewhat confused why a leak occured once but not again and its making coffee fine but shutting down. Im guessing a safety mechanism to protect machine.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I took machine out of wall yesterday and gave it a thorough cleaning including the brew unit. Mostly superficial and oddly it's now not showing fault. Pulled two coffees and it's back to displaying as normal. Fingers crossed
Hey Tom great tutorial! What are the symptoms you see to indicate you should change the pump or gaskets? I have delonghi dedica as well. Note i dont have the pressure meter.
Hi Tom. Thanks for the very helpful video. I’ve just had to replace my pump and OVP. Do you think it’s necessary to glue the thermistor in place? It seems a tight fit in the new pump. All the best. David.
For whatever reason, these parts are hard to find in the US. The eBay link in the description for US works, but the cost with shipping is only a few bucks less than a whole brand new pump. For whatever reason, Amazon doesn't have any of these kits available in the US either, except for one kit that is the exact price of a new pump.
UPDATE: Parts installed, may be too early to claim victory but the most forceful shot I have ever seen just came out of my machine! This old ec155 lives on another day, and the ulka pump with it 🙏🏻
Hi Tom, Thanks a lot for all your vid I bought my DeLonghi Magnifica XS from Costco MN 120 v - 60 HZ 1250 W Type ECAM 22110 B P= 1.5 MPa (15 bar) When I took it to North Africa and by mistake I plugged it in 220 V I smelled little burning. I still can turn it on I can hear the coffee grinding all screen look good with green and yellow light but it doesn't dispense water nor a coffee. Please help.
Well, there will be some issues there. I am actually surprised the screen turns on, as the circuit board and electronics were designed for a different voltage amplitude and frequency. The pump is also designed for 120V, which means that 220V will not be compatible. Or do you have it plugged into a transformer? I have one like this: amzn.to/403c71S
Thanks for posting Tom. We're thoroughly enjoying our new La Spaziale Lucca A53 (Vivaldi Mini). In fact, I've just consumed a very nice Caffe Latte that I made for both my wife and myself. Is the pump in my machine the same (or similar) Ulka?
Hey Paul, I believe so. My Mini Vivaldi anyway has a vibratory pump, which I think is an Ulka as well. Glad to hear you are enjoying your Lucca! Cheers, Tom
HI ! I have a De Longhi Corso. It doesn't take water, there is calcium near the pump. Do you think it's a pump problem? Could I change that kit you recommend? Thank you !
Can I use lubricant on the gasket in the pump, while the pressure & amount of water is low. If I can use lubricant what you propose as brand and type? Thanks.
Well, I’m not so sure about that. But you can check a parts website, for food, safe lubricant. I’m not really sure if it’s necessary though. At least I’ve never applied any lubricant to the pump.
Hi Tom, I have replaced these parts and also cleaned the 3 way valve on my Gaggia, but still not enough pressure. Should I replace the pump completely or is there anything else I could replace or clean? Glad for any advice! Thank you. Cheers
@@TomsCoffeeCorner good point, since I bought the Gaggia used I will give it a try. Was just asking, i thought maybe there are other gaskets which could be replaced to increase pressure. Thanks for reply!
Hey I commented below a month ago, and successfully fixed mine using this video. The only thing - now my pump is back to square one. Can barely pull a shot out, and can hear the pump struggling a bit. After a whole minute i get my doubleshot. When I unscrew the portafilter a ton of pressure is release and some coffee grounds and water burst out. Any idea if this could be the same issue again? Or a different one?
Hi! Do you have any idea how to test the volumetric counter (flow meter) using multimeter? Or any other way?I am having a lot of troubles with them and I'd want to test them.
Not sure what you want to test...how are you trying to test them? I would guess that you might get continuity between the two terminals when the wheel inside is oriented towards the receiver.
@@TomsCoffeeCornerI replaced the gasket yesterday and the pump is working. The old gasket was hard as stone. Thank you for your anserw and above all for a great video.
Can you actually upgrade this pump for something that has higher pressure? I have Delonghi ec146 yep the cheapest okaish machine. No matter the ground size the shots are under extracted with a thin layer of crema. I somehow think there is a lack of pressure but I dont think its the OPV
Hello there! Yes, your beans are probably too old - or in other words roasted too long ago. These videos may help: How to extract the perfect espresso: ruclips.net/video/piO6c695Op8/видео.html How to Get Crema: ruclips.net/video/00NSG9459a8/видео.html Why Supermarket Coffee Beans are RUINING your Espresso! ruclips.net/video/5BgMKqu8fJI/видео.html
Great video! I'll definitely keep this in mind if I'm noticing any issues with pressure in my Gaggia Classic that comes in today! Overall, I really enjoy these tear-down videos you've done Tom!
Nice helpful video! Do you know what can cause a weak pump? My dolce gusto takes 5x the time it used to, to make an espresso. Without a capsule, it's way faster. This means that the pump is not as powerful as it used to be. I disassembled the pump and checked everything. Gaskets and balls looked in good shape, but there was some rust on the piston part.
Well, you might be surprised. I did this to a Dedica, where the gasket and ball looked fine, too. But before I was maxing 7 bar, and after the overhaul I got 11 bar. So, my best advice would be to do this overhaul, and consider doing a descaling as well.
@@TomsCoffeeCornerI got news! I had missed an o-ring, that was in a very, very bad shape. I forgot to comment here as well, to thank you for the video. I used this, as well as some other videos in order to understand what I should look at. The pump of my machine has is not exactly the same, but after applying what I've learned, it was a very easy procedure. The pump is now working like it's new! I am not entirely sure of what quality is the o-ring I put in there, especially with that rusted piston. If it fails I'll look into buying a good quality robust one, so I don't have to change it every month (if it fails). Thanks again!
@@ntelas46 Thanks for the update, and I am glad to hear you were successful in your repair! After using an overhaul kit, your pump should be good to go for the next few years. But if the piston was rusty, you could also consider switching out the pump next time you open your machine. Pumps are not expensive, around $15. By the way, what machine did you do this on?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Its a dolce gusto mini me. I bought it 55 euros and it came with 40 euros of coupons, that was around 3 years ago. The first thing I did when I saw the rust, was to chech prices and availability for a new pump. With the model name and number I was able to find only a few and at 35 euro. I don't think it's worth it, especially when a new Dolce Gusto with new features costs 70 with 20 euro coupons.
Hey Tom, thanks a lot for doing these types of videos. I've recently done a Silvia steam wand mod for my Dedica, but I can't get very good steam pressure, I think this was true even before it. The steam wand works, but I sometimes get droplets of water, and there's very little steam coming out. Do you think this is a problem with the steam valve, pump or OPV? How would I even go about diagnosing this? Any ideas? Thanks so much!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Extraction seems to be fine. When I run the "cooling cycle" after steaming, I get a lot of without water, too. At least until it cools down enough and it turns into the hot water delivery. That's why I think it might be something wrong with the steam pressure or one of the valves. Also the steam isn't really constant, you can definitely see it comes in waves - a bit of steam, almost nothing, a bit of steam. This happens quite quickly though, maybe once every second or so.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Just did a descale before replacing the wand. The machine was definitely very clean anyways, as we have super soft water where I live. Looked a bit more online and someone with a similar problem had a bad pump, so I'll just bite the bullet and go for a pump and OPV to cover my bases, as they're not the most expensive. Worst case scenario I have a spare pump and OPV for when those eventually break :) Will report back once I've changed those out.
Great video Tom!!! Do you know how often should be replaced this ball and gasket? I do not have a manometer to measure the bars. Or any simple test to verify if maintenance is required? I am thinking if testing the water flow (scale with timer) with a presurized basket could give any hint
Hey Rincon, I honestly didn't know before testing with a manometer. But my machine is at least 5 years old, and sees daily use. I figure this would be good to replace every 5 years in that case. Also, if the pressure is completely absent, then it is probably the OPV that needs replacing. Cheers!
Hi! My machine disposes water through the side pipe (the one for hot water/generating steam to foam the milk), but the main part (through which comes the water for coffe) doesnt work at all. All I can hear is a buzzing sound coming from the pump probably but without water. Do you think it still may be the ball and the seal issue?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Mine is a manual model with portafilter (delonghi ECP 31.21). Ive got it disassembled right now and trying to figure out what may be broken. Will try to release the pump and check it inside
@@TomsCoffeeCorner It would be strange as it happened suddenly during making a coffee. The water flow literally stopped and the whole machine became a bit louder. Now im thinking that maybe that spring broke or that ball got into that tube. I havent descaled it yet as I bought it a few months ago from my colleague who used it like 2 times (allegedly)
The best ULKA pumps are the red ones whit metal nozzel, the other Ulka white body and plastic nozzel are trash they have fewer coils windings and only last about 1 year,the new Saeco and Delonghi are fitted whit that crappy pump white body and plastic nozzel, to save money.I always replace them whit red ones.
The red ones are 24V for the oldest equipment. The White and the black one's are 120V (America) and 220V (Europe). So you shoukd Don't interchange it because risk of shortcut.
It's ridiculous that a tiny plastic ball and gasket costs £5 but you can buy the entire pump for £14. Are they really saying that that ball and gasket is over a third of the cost of the entire pump? They should be tuppence.
I was thinking the same, but ordering the same rated and foodsafe parts in low numbers is very tricky. Ive tried aliexpress, and ive found some sellers for the casket, and for foodsafe balls .. i just dont know if i want to wait 2 weeks and find out either they dint fix the problem or leaking plastics in my coffee due to the seller i pick, cheaped out and got a regular part. When you buy in bulk, those sellers tend to sell you probably the stuff you need, and food safe. 5 bucks is not bad, in my opinion. If no shipping 😅
@@TomsCoffeeCornerHi, TomsCoffeeCorner… I would like to buy the products you sell in this video. But I don’t know how to pay for that and one thing more is, I’m Vietnamese . I’ve been living in Vietnam. Can you deliver it to me.? Thank you for your video you show.
DON'T DO IT !!! I decided to follow your advice and to change the joint and the ball of the pump although these pumps are cheap However it was a mistake and a full waist of time, because there was an air/water leak in the pump that the changing of the ball and joint didn't solve. Changing the pump did the job. Friends, do not hesitate one minute. If your pump shows signs of disfunction like not working at all, or mixing air with the water, or stop to give a good pressure, don't try to repair it like this video claims it : change it. The price of a pump is around 20€ the price of the ball and joint around 6€. I don't like to waist too, but the difference is not worth it.
@@russomarcelo what ever the problem of the others are, it's not worth to spend time on repairing it, rather than to buy a new one. If I would not be convinced by the interest of repairing when it's possible, I would not have tried to repair it. But really in this case, it's not worth it
Hi Tom, Thanks a lot for all your vid I bought my DeLonghi Magnifica XS from Costco MN 120 v - 60 HZ 1250 W Type ECAM 22110 B P= 1.5 MPa (15 bar) When I took it to North Africa and by mistake I plugged it in 220 V I smelled little burning. I still can turn it on I can hear the coffee grinding all screen look good with green and yellow light but it doesn't dispense water nor a coffee. Please help.
Well, there will be some issues there. I am actually surprised the screen turns on, as the circuit board and electronics were designed for a different voltage amplitude and frequency. The pump is also designed for 120V, which means that 220V will not be compatible. Or do you have it plugged into a transformer? I have one like this: amzn.to/403c71S
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for your reply I do have a converter. But like I said I plugged it by mistake directly to 220 V without converter until I smelled the burning then I unplugged it. But it still working like before all buttons works fine all of them but no water coming out.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner lot of thanks to you for taking time to help me. Is there any link where to buy the exact pumps I'm still in North Africa Plus I took some videos of the actual state of my magnification XS showing it work I don't know how to share it here in youtube so you can take a look at it.
In this video, I show you how to overhaul an Ulka vibratory pump, to revive the performance of your coffee or espresso machine. This can be done for basically all vibratory pumps, and I exhibit it on a Delonghi Dedica EC680.
Ulka Maintenance Set: geni.us/UlkaMaintenanceKit (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. Affiliate commissions help fund videos like this one.
Hi, I have an Odea go. When I start it normally and it does the priming and rinsing, it doesn't have pressure, the pump seems to go slow like there is a clog, not enough water comes out. But when I start it in service mode, the pump seems to work ok and it has pressure through the brew group. Also has pressure through the steam way. It is also clean and fresh descaled. Might it be the pump, too used?
Tom sir, I know this is an old video and I'm not sure if you have already figured this out or not but I seen you fighting that hose here and I believe you broke a nipple before because of a hose. If you twist your hose before you pull it it'll usually pop right off.
I just followed your instructions and you just saved us from spending a lot of money on an new coffee machine!! Thank you so much for the very clear video!!
Awesome, glad to hear it!
They are not that expensive, I've seen machines for 50$ at walmart.
Thank you, Tom. I bought tiny glass ball and rubber ring for 4 usd from shopee and followed the instructions in this video to replace them, now it works,well done
Excellent!
@vanngocao1131 bạn tìm với từ khoá gì?
Thank you! My dear coffe machine works again.
($500 machine, found in a dumster, ten years ago, with a faulty on/off switch)
I would not have thought that little ball would wear down, but it makes sence since it rests directly on the edge of the spring. The ball had become so small, it had nested itself inside the spring and it was milk white rather than clear.
So, did I order a repair kit?
No, I happen to know that ordinary soap dispenser pumps work with a similar type of valve.
I cut apart a soap dispenser and in there was a clear little ball of exactly 3,9 mm. It fits and the pump now works.
I also flushed the heating element with diluted citric acid to dissolve any chalk build up.
Free espresso machine is ready for ten more years of service.
Thanks again!
That's great news! Thanks for posting your story, especially the part about the soap dispenser. I will have to check that out.
Im going to try this. If it works, you are an absolute legend.
didn't work :( It doesn't shoot back any water back into the tank so most probably the problem is indeed the pump. I'm going to order a real set and see if that works. if not, I'll order a new pump and valve.
Thanks, wonderful!
Owning a Philips Saeco Cynthia HD8837 that has been working like charms for number of years, thinks it is over 13 years. Last couple of years with lover water pressure which forced me to put the grinder to more coarse grinding, with more watery espresso...
Now worse than ever and saw this video.
Simple procedure to order and change the parts, have not been able to measure the pressure, but the espresso on fine grinded coffee tastes perfect. My ball was very small ;) 3,2 at max...Thanks again for your time and dedication!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your story, and glad to hear you repaired your machine!
Thanks for the detailed instructions in this video! My Delonghi Dedica EC680 was giving only 6 bar pressure, so I went ahead and replaced the ball and gasket. This fix improved the pressure to 8 bar, but still not good enough for espresso. Finally I replaced the pump and I was able to reach 11 bar pressure. I noticed some white stains on the old pump that were probably caused by a very small water leak.
Glad to hear you got your machine working again! Thanks for sharing! Tom
Fixed 10 Dedica by replacing the ball and seal. Tried a new ulka and it was more powerful than ANY of the repairs I done.
Thanks Tom for the service references.
I repaired mine by stretching the tiny spring a little, so it pushes the ball stronger.
thanks, i will try this on my Breville BES 870 now!
After buying a decent grinder I was wondering why I have to use very little force to tamp otherwise my dedica couldn't make any coffee at all. I almost bought a gaggia classic, but your tutorial inspired me to replace the pump before. And yup it was a great idea. Thanks to you i saved a lot of money and time!
Heck yeah! I always love to hear I helped save somebody money. Cheers!
Dam I just bought the new pump and then watched the vid. Pulled it apart and yes the little ball is worn and out of round. Thanks for putting this up
Thank you! I have a DēLonghi Magnifica that had a water pump go out. I thought about having someone fix it. But that was too expensive. so I followed your video, and success! The coffee makers working again. I do suspect that the ball got sucked through to the other side. But thank you for your insight and easy to follow video! Back to freshly ground coffee Made by a push of the button versus that drip stuff.
Awesome! 😎
Thanks Tom I repaired my Saeco Talea Ring replacing the gasket you mention in your video. Ultra ultra useful to share such tips. Merci vraiment énormément.
Awesome, so happy it could help you! Cheers!
I recently purchased a used Isomac E61 machine that was not operating. After testing it and concluding that the pump wasn't working I took off the cover to inspect and remove the pump. My conclusion is that vibratory pumps are too noisy for use in a home appliance. But if one must use one in an espresso machine, there should be a more robust method of mounting the pump to the chassis while minimizing vibration noise. The stock rubber mounts are grossly inadequate.
Thanks a lot as your vid cut off my disassembly time at least 50 %. Got some different problem with flow as well fixed , but for reference the brand new pump unit have 500ml displacement for one cup as well as done within 12 seconds from push bottom start to stop the pump cycle.
Another machine as have one for spare, have interesting problem as filling one cup with 500 ml within 11,8 seconds but when make double cup then do the same job as fill up 500 ml within 11,8 seconds and stop the process seems must be software problem . Problem were remdy as follows - Just an FYI to make it a bit easier if you need to do this again. You should be able to reprogram the shot time/length whenever you want by simply holding the button (single or double shot) down and not releasing it until you have the amount you want. It will remember that setting from then on. Thanks this guy and this issue also fixed. When the pump is weak and worn out as sometimes for fill up the 500 ml need 21 seconds to stop the process. So timing of pump is good to remedy the pump statement on time. Even if pump is worn out with this keep button you can complete the cup filling until replacement pump arrival
Thank you for sharing! Tom
Very useful video, thanks for showing us. I'm working on a steam iron atm which uses a similar pump everyone else said just buy a new one but I'm gonna have a look at repairing it first. Cheers!
It might be a combination of issues with the pump. Mainly caused by calque. But also spring pressure, the little ball and rubber seal. But well done, thanks for this helpful video!
Hi Tom. Many thanks for this great delonghi dedica video series!! Great!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Thanks to your video I was able to find that I had a broken spring (6:39)
Very nice Alex, thanks for your feedback!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I was able to go to the hardware store, buy a longer spring, cut it shorter and install myself. Cost $3 haha if I bought a new pump or took it to a repair shop I would have paid a lot more. Thanks again!!
This is a great tip, but only if the pump is accessible, otherwise is better to replace at once the entire pump.
Great video 👍
Thanks Miguel!
Many Thanks- exactly what I was looking for
Another excellent video Tom!
My pump was getting stuck. I didn't realise you could service these pumps! I opened it up and lubricated the shaft and seal with silicone grease, now it's working perfectly again...if it dies again, a new pump is chump change.
Very good video. Helped me to fix the pump in my Delonghi expresso machine. Thanks a lot
Glad it helped!
Thanks for this video my pump wasn't working at all, oddly taking it a apart and reassembly fixed it without any replacement parts needed
Awesome, happy to hear it!
Hello, can you guide me how to check the error of the water flow measuring turbine?
hi Paul where did find the ball an orange kit thanks .
Ive opened my Dolce Gusto machine, a very similar pump inside, it doesnt pump anymore. According to some sources, if it still reads as a diode in 1 way and not in the otger way, it might still work. Maybe a cheap kit like this will make it work again.
I mean, we already got a new machine... I couldn't trow the old one away without figuring out the fault (the led does turn on, but no pumping, and we did had a no water in pump issue)
Oddly, the ball measures 4mm and the gasket look fine (less chalk then yours).
I know, we should get a better coffee machine, i had, but spouse wanted easy coffee. Ill get a job and then buy something proper 🤭
Thanks for putting this up. Nice to see others willing to repair this great coffee machine.. Americans that can afford to actually buy one of these just throw it away.. EVERYONE has those shitty little cup machines.. I find it very interesting the ball was the same diameter. It must have been pitted & this must be why mine won't pump hard enough.. or the springs can break too.
So well explained and done! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Hi do you know where i can find the kit for the ulka pump type 8 model e
Great job and very well explained. I wonder where you are from because I can understand every single word you say.
I’m from the Midwest, USA. Cheers!
Is there any difference between Ulka EP5, EX5 and EP5GW overhaul kits? most dealers offer the same nylon ball and o-ring for all three types but some offer different kits for EP5, EX5 etc.? does that make sense?
hello, nice video..... does anyone know the inner and outer diameter of the gasket so that I can find the same? thank you
The kit normally comes with ball and o ring.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner hello and thanks for the reply... I wanted to know the measures so I as to buy only the gasket for a few cents, thanks
My pump not work when i tested it on service mode. Nothing happens.. on 230V no eny sound. Is it dead?
HCM15 hotpoint built in using this pump, Hotpoint want £80 for a new one. Its on amazon for £20. Have read its designed to be replaced rather than serviced but definitely worth trying this out. My fault was preceded by small leak(dunno where) with humming/buzzing noise. The machine will do one espresso before shutting down and displays "fault in water system". When i turn it off overnight and back on next morning it does one coffee, somewhat confused why a leak occured once but not again and its making coffee fine but shutting down. Im guessing a safety mechanism to protect machine.
Note Hotpoint quoted £200 for entire job
If there's a leak, I wouldn't be surprised if an O ring needs replacing somewhere. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I took machine out of wall yesterday and gave it a thorough cleaning including the brew unit. Mostly superficial and oddly it's now not showing fault. Pulled two coffees and it's back to displaying as normal. Fingers crossed
Hey Tom great tutorial!
What are the symptoms you see to indicate you should change the pump or gaskets? I have delonghi dedica as well.
Note i dont have the pressure meter.
Oh, it's pretty obvious that the water is struggling to get pumped out of the brew group.
Hi Tom. Thanks for the very helpful video. I’ve just had to replace my pump and OVP. Do you think it’s necessary to glue the thermistor in place? It seems a tight fit in the new pump. All the best. David.
Hi David! Well, the thermistor should fit back in place. See if you can wiggle it into the housing, or attach it somehow to the side. Cheers! Tom
For whatever reason, these parts are hard to find in the US. The eBay link in the description for US works, but the cost with shipping is only a few bucks less than a whole brand new pump. For whatever reason, Amazon doesn't have any of these kits available in the US either, except for one kit that is the exact price of a new pump.
Found a kit on ebay for $11, shipped from New Jersey. Will give it a shot and report back!
UPDATE: Parts installed, may be too early to claim victory but the most forceful shot I have ever seen just came out of my machine! This old ec155 lives on another day, and the ulka pump with it 🙏🏻
Hi Tom,
Thanks a lot for all your vid
I bought my DeLonghi Magnifica XS from Costco MN
120 v - 60 HZ 1250 W
Type ECAM 22110 B
P= 1.5 MPa (15 bar)
When I took it to North Africa and by mistake I plugged it in 220 V
I smelled little burning. I still can turn it on I can hear the coffee grinding all screen look good with green and yellow light but it doesn't dispense water nor a coffee.
Please help.
Well, there will be some issues there. I am actually surprised the screen turns on, as the circuit board and electronics were designed for a different voltage amplitude and frequency. The pump is also designed for 120V, which means that 220V will not be compatible. Or do you have it plugged into a transformer? I have one like this: amzn.to/403c71S
Hi vids are good but still have an issue. I've replaced OVP and pump but still have no water. What will I try now? Thanks
Hmm, could it be that your lines are clogged with scale somewhere?
What was the machine doing to warrant this repair?
@@phillybrc The pump was kind of old and worn out, lost some compression, and so it didn’t bring enough pressure.
Does ecp and stilosa have same pump?
Thanks for posting Tom. We're thoroughly enjoying our new La Spaziale Lucca A53 (Vivaldi Mini). In fact, I've just consumed a very nice Caffe Latte that I made for both my wife and myself. Is the pump in my machine the same (or similar) Ulka?
Hey Paul, I believe so. My Mini Vivaldi anyway has a vibratory pump, which I think is an Ulka as well. Glad to hear you are enjoying your Lucca! Cheers, Tom
I have a question. The O-RING need grease? Thank you.
I don't think so, at least I didn't notice any on there.
HI ! I have a De Longhi Corso. It doesn't take water, there is calcium near the pump. Do you think it's a pump problem? Could I change that kit you recommend? Thank you !
Well, it could be everywhere, in the pump, valves, water lines. You have to localize it on your machine. Good luck!
Can I use lubricant on the gasket in the pump, while the pressure & amount of water is low.
If I can use lubricant what you propose as brand and type? Thanks.
Well, I’m not so sure about that. But you can check a parts website, for food, safe lubricant. I’m not really sure if it’s necessary though. At least I’ve never applied any lubricant to the pump.
Hi Tom, I have replaced these parts and also cleaned the 3 way valve on my Gaggia, but still not enough pressure. Should I replace the pump completely or is there anything else I could replace or clean? Glad for any advice! Thank you.
Cheers
Hi there! Hard to say without seeing it in person. Could it be that some water lines are clogged with scale?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner good point, since I bought the Gaggia used I will give it a try. Was just asking, i thought maybe there are other gaskets which could be replaced to increase pressure. Thanks for reply!
Maybee a glass ball the same size would last forever.
Hey I commented below a month ago, and successfully fixed mine using this video. The only thing - now my pump is back to square one. Can barely pull a shot out, and can hear the pump struggling a bit.
After a whole minute i get my doubleshot. When I unscrew the portafilter a ton of pressure is release and some coffee grounds and water burst out.
Any idea if this could be the same issue again? Or a different one?
It sounds like maybe your filter basket is clogged. It seems that your pump is bringing pressure, but the pressure is not escaping. Cheers!
Tom, thanks for the video, could you help me buy a watch + curve to measure the pressure in the basket?
Hi there! Do you mean a manometer? For which machine? Cheers, Tom
@@TomsCoffeeCorner It is for a dedica ec685, the pressure gauge model you use in the baskets, I don't see it in online stores
Oh, I made that. Maybe you could check Alibaba?
Hi! Do you have any idea how to test the volumetric counter (flow meter) using multimeter? Or any other way?I am having a lot of troubles with them and I'd want to test them.
Not sure what you want to test...how are you trying to test them? I would guess that you might get continuity between the two terminals when the wheel inside is oriented towards the receiver.
Is it okay to change it with ulka pump ep5gw, 64 watts? Will it make any difference? Thank you so much!
I don't know that one specifically, but if the water inlet and outlet match up, then I imagine it will be compatible.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner if it’s from 48w to 64w? Is it okay? How it will affect the performance? Thank you!
Hello, I have a questions about small gasket. Is it soft or hard? Because my old is so hard (stiff)....
It's rubber, so it's plyable. I would say it is not hard or soft.
@@TomsCoffeeCornerI replaced the gasket yesterday and the pump is working. The old gasket was hard as stone. Thank you for your anserw and above all for a great video.
Can you actually upgrade this pump for something that has higher pressure? I have Delonghi ec146 yep the cheapest okaish machine. No matter the ground size the shots are under extracted with a thin layer of crema. I somehow think there is a lack of pressure but I dont think its the OPV
Hello there! Yes, your beans are probably too old - or in other words roasted too long ago.
These videos may help:
How to extract the perfect espresso: ruclips.net/video/piO6c695Op8/видео.html
How to Get Crema: ruclips.net/video/00NSG9459a8/видео.html
Why Supermarket Coffee Beans are RUINING your Espresso! ruclips.net/video/5BgMKqu8fJI/видео.html
Very clearly
I was surprised that the pump is 230v, is that the UK model?
This is the EU model. Cheers!
Great video! I'll definitely keep this in mind if I'm noticing any issues with pressure in my Gaggia Classic that comes in today!
Overall, I really enjoy these tear-down videos you've done Tom!
Thanks for the feedback, Doug. I’m hoping these videos may be helpful. 👍🏻
Have fun with that Gaggia Classic!
Nice helpful video! Do you know what can cause a weak pump? My dolce gusto takes 5x the time it used to, to make an espresso. Without a capsule, it's way faster. This means that the pump is not as powerful as it used to be. I disassembled the pump and checked everything. Gaskets and balls looked in good shape, but there was some rust on the piston part.
Well, you might be surprised. I did this to a Dedica, where the gasket and ball looked fine, too. But before I was maxing 7 bar, and after the overhaul I got 11 bar. So, my best advice would be to do this overhaul, and consider doing a descaling as well.
@@TomsCoffeeCornerI got news!
I had missed an o-ring, that was in a very, very bad shape. I forgot to comment here as well, to thank you for the video. I used this, as well as some other videos in order to understand what I should look at.
The pump of my machine has is not exactly the same, but after applying what I've learned, it was a very easy procedure. The pump is now working like it's new!
I am not entirely sure of what quality is the o-ring I put in there, especially with that rusted piston. If it fails I'll look into buying a good quality robust one, so I don't have to change it every month (if it fails). Thanks again!
@@ntelas46 Thanks for the update, and I am glad to hear you were successful in your repair! After using an overhaul kit, your pump should be good to go for the next few years. But if the piston was rusty, you could also consider switching out the pump next time you open your machine. Pumps are not expensive, around $15.
By the way, what machine did you do this on?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Its a dolce gusto mini me. I bought it 55 euros and it came with 40 euros of coupons, that was around 3 years ago.
The first thing I did when I saw the rust, was to chech prices and availability for a new pump. With the model name and number I was able to find only a few and at 35 euro. I don't think it's worth it, especially when a new Dolce Gusto with new features costs 70 with 20 euro coupons.
@@ntelas46 Yes, that is probably a special pump for a smaller machine. It would be good to avoid replacing it, if it costs that much. Cheers!
Thank you so much!!!
Good video, thank you.
Hey Tom, thanks a lot for doing these types of videos. I've recently done a Silvia steam wand mod for my Dedica, but I can't get very good steam pressure, I think this was true even before it. The steam wand works, but I sometimes get droplets of water, and there's very little steam coming out. Do you think this is a problem with the steam valve, pump or OPV? How would I even go about diagnosing this? Any ideas? Thanks so much!
Hmm, not sure about that one. I wonder if the thermoblock is increasing temperature enough. How is your espresso extraction? Does that work properly?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Extraction seems to be fine. When I run the "cooling cycle" after steaming, I get a lot of without water, too. At least until it cools down enough and it turns into the hot water delivery. That's why I think it might be something wrong with the steam pressure or one of the valves. Also the steam isn't really constant, you can definitely see it comes in waves - a bit of steam, almost nothing, a bit of steam. This happens quite quickly though, maybe once every second or so.
Hmmm, Maybe try descaling?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Just did a descale before replacing the wand. The machine was definitely very clean anyways, as we have super soft water where I live. Looked a bit more online and someone with a similar problem had a bad pump, so I'll just bite the bullet and go for a pump and OPV to cover my bases, as they're not the most expensive. Worst case scenario I have a spare pump and OPV for when those eventually break :) Will report back once I've changed those out.
Hi where i buy the ball please let me know.thank you
Hello Nadezda, here you go! Ulka Maintenance Set: geni.us/UlkaMaintenanceKit
Ótimo vídeo THKS
hi, I bought a new EP5GW pump, and I have a problem because I don't want to suck in water myself .. what am I doing wrong?
You could prime the water lines with a turkey baster, or syringe. 👍
@@TomsCoffeeCorner ok i will try
Great video Tom!!! Do you know how often should be replaced this ball and gasket? I do not have a manometer to measure the bars. Or any simple test to verify if maintenance is required? I am thinking if testing the water flow (scale with timer) with a presurized basket could give any hint
Hey Rincon, I honestly didn't know before testing with a manometer. But my machine is at least 5 years old, and sees daily use. I figure this would be good to replace every 5 years in that case. Also, if the pressure is completely absent, then it is probably the OPV that needs replacing. Cheers!
Hi! My machine disposes water through the side pipe (the one for hot water/generating steam to foam the milk), but the main part (through which comes the water for coffe) doesnt work at all. All I can hear is a buzzing sound coming from the pump probably but without water. Do you think it still may be the ball and the seal issue?
Hey Matt, I fixed something like this recently, but it was a fully automatic machine. Which machine do you have?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Mine is a manual model with portafilter (delonghi ECP 31.21). Ive got it disassembled right now and trying to figure out what may be broken. Will try to release the pump and check it inside
@@Mateuszthewatcher There is a valve at the brew group to allow water to exit. Maybe that got clogged with scale? When did you last descale?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner It would be strange as it happened suddenly during making a coffee. The water flow literally stopped and the whole machine became a bit louder. Now im thinking that maybe that spring broke or that ball got into that tube.
I havent descaled it yet as I bought it a few months ago from my colleague who used it like 2 times (allegedly)
@@Mateuszthewatcher @Matt Mad Hmm, that sounds hard to troubleshoot without opening it up. Have you called Delonghi for help?
great video
Thanks for the visit!
So the problem was only the gasket (because old ball was bigger)!
Nylon is hygroscopic, this might be the reason why the old ball was slightly larger.
Aha...never heard of hygroscopic. Does that mean is swells as it absorbs water?
are you sure that the ball is nylon made?
The best ULKA pumps are the red ones whit metal nozzel, the other Ulka white body and plastic nozzel are trash they have fewer coils windings and only last about 1 year,the new Saeco and Delonghi are fitted whit that crappy pump white body and plastic nozzel, to save money.I always replace them whit red ones.
Ok that's good to know Sebi! Thanks for that info. I will consider a red bodied one next time I need a replacement. Cheers!
The red ones are 24V for the oldest equipment. The White and the black one's are 120V (America) and 220V (Europe). So you shoukd Don't interchange it because risk of shortcut.
@Seby Saba That's incorrect .... red housing pumps are NOT 120V
I have a red one 230V (Oster)@@lifeisfuneh
I need pump
Check Amazon, they have a bunch.
There is an upgraded version of this pump which comes with copper pipe instead of plastic and costs almost the same price. Model: EX5
Thanks for that tip! I will look for that one, when I need a replacement.
Nope
Im repairing my ine, a second hand one i just bought... There wasnt even a ball in there, hahahaha
Wow, great! Looks like that pump was in dire need of an overhaul! Good luck :)
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I followed your steps, replaced the pump, and it worked!!! Thank you a thousand times!!
@@elly3552 Great to hear, Elly!
It's ridiculous that a tiny plastic ball and gasket costs £5 but you can buy the entire pump for £14. Are they really saying that that ball and gasket is over a third of the cost of the entire pump? They should be tuppence.
Hey Bob, well it is third-party selling these, and of course they want to make a profit. I’m sure that the parts only cost pennies.
I was thinking the same, but ordering the same rated and foodsafe parts in low numbers is very tricky. Ive tried aliexpress, and ive found some sellers for the casket, and for foodsafe balls .. i just dont know if i want to wait 2 weeks and find out either they dint fix the problem or leaking plastics in my coffee due to the seller i pick, cheaped out and got a regular part.
When you buy in bulk, those sellers tend to sell you probably the stuff you need, and food safe. 5 bucks is not bad, in my opinion. If no shipping 😅
Ball and ring are for 0.5 euro. And it remains 4.5 for taxes and retail costs
@@TomsCoffeeCornerHi, TomsCoffeeCorner… I would like to buy the products you sell in this video. But I don’t know how to pay for that and one thing more is, I’m Vietnamese . I’ve been living in Vietnam. Can you deliver it to me.? Thank you for your video you show.
DON'T DO IT !!!
I decided to follow your advice and to change the joint and the ball of the pump although these pumps are cheap
However it was a mistake and a full waist of time, because there was an air/water leak in the pump that the changing of the ball and joint didn't solve.
Changing the pump did the job.
Friends, do not hesitate one minute. If your pump shows signs of disfunction like not working at all, or mixing air with the water, or stop to give a good pressure, don't try to repair it like this video claims it : change it.
The price of a pump is around 20€ the price of the ball and joint around 6€. I don't like to waist too, but the difference is not worth it.
Sure, it's easier to just change the pump, and it doesn't cost much, so that is also recommended. Cheers!
Your problem was a leak, not sure from others
@@russomarcelo what ever the problem of the others are, it's not worth to spend time on repairing it, rather than to buy a new one.
If I would not be convinced by the interest of repairing when it's possible, I would not have tried to repair it.
But really in this case, it's not worth it
You do not overhu al them.
You REPLACE THEM!!
Haha, you can do both.
Hi Tom,
Thanks a lot for all your vid
I bought my DeLonghi Magnifica XS from Costco MN
120 v - 60 HZ 1250 W
Type ECAM 22110 B
P= 1.5 MPa (15 bar)
When I took it to North Africa and by mistake I plugged it in 220 V
I smelled little burning. I still can turn it on I can hear the coffee grinding all screen look good with green and yellow light but it doesn't dispense water nor a coffee.
Please help.
Well, there will be some issues there. I am actually surprised the screen turns on, as the circuit board and electronics were designed for a different voltage amplitude and frequency. The pump is also designed for 120V, which means that 220V will not be compatible. Or do you have it plugged into a transformer? I have one like this: amzn.to/403c71S
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for your reply
I do have a converter. But like I said I plugged it by mistake directly to 220 V without converter until I smelled the burning then I unplugged it. But it still working like before all buttons works fine all of them but no water coming out.
@@ricolimorico3386 Then likely the pump cannot deal with the voltage, or is burnt out. But the pump is cheap to replace, like $20.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner lot of thanks to you for taking time to help me. Is there any link where to buy the exact pumps I'm still in North Africa
Plus I took some videos of the actual state of my magnification XS showing it work I don't know how to share it here in youtube so you can take a look at it.