FDW60P starts as normal for few mins, steam, but not filling with water. Strange buzz/bubbling sound as though it "trying" to get water in. had to reset and steam was getting hot and smelling like smoke. Bought approx 2005, so about 8 yrs old. Checked the hose(s) for blockages, took both side panels off and can't see any blockages, tried different cycle settings and still the same problem. Is it just old and gone? Thanks for any advice!

The noise could be steam (water bubbles) - have you bleed the system. Of course if you have to fill more than a few cups of water - you most probably have a leak..

Your temperature gauge is a good indicator - but, when water level is low, the water does not reach the sensor, so reading is null.

Check the easy places for leaks : is water or steam coming out of the exhaust also take oil filler cap off and inspect the underneath of it - if there any whitish cream: it is indicator of water (head gasket etc) or are there any signs of a leak in the engine compartment (engine and water bottle etc).
Hope this helps.
Mike

The La Cimbali Junior is a 1 group professional espresso machine. Most are located in restaurants that want to serve a cup or two for customers. You will find few homes with this level of machine. Especially with the proliferation of "Mini Super-Automatics" now offered where the whole been is ground, measured, compacted, and served with exacting amount and some top off with frothed milk!
The JR has several items that will normally buzz or whine when in operation. There are also defined "Clicks" of the group valve when a shot is pulled. I will go through the list of likely components that make loud noises when about to fail.
*** The following is for information only! Call your vendor for service as there are dangerous voltages, high pressure, and scalding stem present in these types of professional machines. ***
* All JR's come with a water pump. Two types; Vibration and Rotary. The vibration makes a buzzing sound (50/60 Hz) which will get loud if there is a blockage. The rotary pump with it's accompanying large motor will also "Clack" if no water is flowing through. Stop immediately as both sounds are an indication of a straining pump. If it suddenly goes quiet then the pump is damaged or hopefully the fuse blew. Call for service.
* The group valve will usually buzz when pulling a shot. But if it's louder than normal then there is a problem with the valve (clogged) or coil (shorted). Call for service.
* If there are loud blasts of steam and a quiet period with another blast in about 10 mins. Then the boiler is over heating (runaway steam). Unplug and call for service.
* If there is constant steam blast from the top, even if it's turned off (But NOT unplugged) the element is shorted to water. Unplug immediately and call for service.
* Popping sounds are normal at start up as the metal boiler expands during initial heating. But not after 10 mins of heating. Especially if you see water/steam coming from parts of the machine you don't expect. Unplug. Call for service.
* Power/Heater contactor will buzz if coil is damaged or contacts burnt. Call for service.
* Final; I do not recommend opening the machine yourself as once you hear a loud noise it's usually too late and the damage is done.
* Parts that needs check/replacement; Vibration or rotary pump, motor, group valve, safety valve, vacuum valve, thermostat/pressure-stat, element, boiler and element gasket, contactor.
Aloha, ukeboy57

Sounds like you may have a buildup of calcium in the water line. Try putting in some LimeAway and letting it sit overnight to clear it out. The drain the LimeAway out refilll and steam a few times on scrap cloth to get all of the cleaner out, see id that solves the problem.

Fill with water again , use vinegar or lemon juice , Use distiled water always for brewing and descaling .

see this possibles causes:
Main tub seal
you must replace
Door gasket or seal
replace
Water-inlet valve
tighten or replace if necessary
Hoses
try a new clamp, or replace the hose.
See the diagram God bless you

This sounds like you have an air bubble in your system, I would pressure test for leaks. The creamy grunge sounds like oil in the coolant...if that is the case, exploritory surgery is the next step.

Hi,
Try using different water...

Here is a tip that will help you with that problem...

My Steam Iron is Leaking Water
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5301301-steam_iron_leaking_water

heatman101

Run a clean cycle, might sort it out,
Sounds like it is scaled

If the water bubbles in the resevoir when the engine is running, the head gasket could be blown. There is often white smoke (steam) coming from the exhaust.

Try replacing the timer switch..I had the same problem on my Simpson 175..