Re: Diagnosing an HX boiler and water level problem on a Magister MS-40.

Update: The Magister dealer now thinks that the relay is bad and that
the pump vibration jiggles it to allow the boiler to turn on. Any
possible suspects other than the relay? Interestingly, the espresso
company quotes over $80 for the relay, but the Finder Relay Company
quotes $11. Big mark-up on espresso parts. I wish I found the direct
Mater p'stat sales office.

Ron


On Oct 27, 5:07 pm, "RF" <rff...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
(Wrong formatting on previous posting of this message.)
Hi,
I'm having a problem with my Magister MS-40 HX machine and I wonder if
anyone would have a suggestion.

The problem started as follows: one day I turned the machine on and the
boiler heating element never engaged; i.e. the water stayed cold. I turned
it off and tried again later, but this time I experimented by pressing the
button which runs cold water through the pump at the brewhead. After a
certain quantity of water came out, the boiler engaged, which can be heard
by a specific, detectable sound. However, after reaching the maximum level
set by the pressurestat, the pressure and temperature did not just drop down
to the normal level, but went all the way to "cold" and "no pressure,"
without the boiler re-engaging. Running water through the brewhead again
engaged the boiler and the same cycle repeated. I'm inclined to think that a
water level sensor is bad; i.e. whatever low water level occurs when I run
the pump is sufficient to turn the boiler on, but once the proper water
level is restored, the boiler does not come on again.

I first thought that the Mater pressurestat was bad and even bought a new
one. The people at Espresso Wrench told me to check the contact points on my
original pressurestat and there were black dots at the point of contact.
They suggested that this was the problem.

Unfortunately, I just installed a new (and identical model) pressurestat and
the exact same problem of water level is still there. Can anyone point me in
the right direction. It looks like the pressurestat is clicking at the right
time, but the boiler won't turn on for a reason related to the water level,
as I described. I'd really like to know which part is bad.

Thanks,

Ron

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