FF X5 Themostat replacement

[BeJam]

Has anyone either installed a new thermostat or upgraded one on a Francisfrancis X5? Or, for that matter, know of anyone who has?

Mine is going, the boiler is cycling on and off every second in the espresso mode, and taking about three times greater than normal to reach steam temperature. I searched the net this afternoon with little luck specific to this model and learned after calling Illy, that the minimum charge will be $100 just to look at it. And that doesn't include the parts that they won't sell to individuals.

I found a posting online that refered to a group of finatic X5ers that live for parts failures so they can modify their machines. Unfortunately, the site gave me no way to contact the person.

I posted a similar topic on coffeegeek this afternoon, but have not gotten any replies back yet.

[phaelon56]

It's most likely the pressurestat - probably a Cema. Espresso machines - both commercial and home style - may have properietary boiler designs and some other parts unique to the brand or model but such items as solenoid valves, pressurestats (or thermostats) and the like are made by a handful of companies (usually Italian) and used on many, many brands of machines.

Talk to the repair/tech department at Chris Coffee . They don't sell FrancisFrancis but if you can identify the part or get them a good digital photo of it they probably have one that fits. And if the cema fits you're best to upgrade to a Mater.

[BeJam]

Thanks Owen. I'll give them a try. Unfortunately, the new company licensed for factory repairs is not quite in business yet, well not quite ready to start workng on FF.

Edited March 29, 2007 by BeJam (log)