Often these temperature differences are solved by descaling. Do never use vinegar. One can buy citric acid crystals or powder (not the same as lemon juice) and dissolve that chemical in water. I buy it in the Chinese Mall. Do not make a too strong acid. Shops sell maintenance powder which is the same but that is quite expensive. Let the acidic water go in and through the coffee maker until it looks clear. Next rinse with water for quite a number of runs. You may see how strong the citric acid that you make is by descaling something else and wait for about an hour. Another acid to be used in coffee makers is lactic acid. Lactic acid is bought as a cleaning agent. Also very strong and to be diluted with water.
It is most likely that something is blocking the pathway to the grinder. As the Rocky is a direct drive grinder there is no gear that could be broken.
Try to remove the beans from the hopper and inspect the pathway, move the beans that might be under the 'disk'. If that is not working you might have to open the grinder;
remove all coffee beans
unscrew the three screws in the bottom of the hopper
remove the hopper
Now you can see the grinder wheel and tell if it is turning normally.
This might be a good opportunity to give the grinder a thorough cleaning.
Do not soak it in water, just a stiff small brush (e.g. a toothbrush) is the best tool. And perhaps accompanied by a vacuum cleaner :)
If you have been using very 'oily' beans for a long time they might have clogged the grinding wheels.
Good luck,
Villi
Try this, turn on the frother andtouch the steam wand if it is hot then the end nozzle is blocked, use a paperclip to clear. If it is not hot then open top panel to make sure thermostats are not tripped.
First, I'm not a Rancilio tech but I have worked on similar models.
*** All service should be performed by a qualified technician. The following is for information only ***
* Usually one gets less water out of the portafilter rather than more (or faster). Check the amount of water on an empty shot. It should be between 1-1/2 oz to 3 oz (depending on your shot size) If this is a manual on/off shot then disreguard.
* Fast pour is directly related to the pressure setting (usually 9 bar), Coffee amount, Grind size, and Tamp (or compression). You can check most of it by following the many examples given on you tube. Water pressure is a bit harder as you will need a pressure guage portafilter.
* If your still having problems with fast shots then have your service vendor check and adjust the bar if needed.
Aloha, ukeboy57
P.S. Check if your using the right portafilter, There are many types used for different purposes; Pod, Capsule, Single, Double, Tripple, Drip coffee (Americano), Back pressure adjustable, ect.
"leaks noisily from what appears to be the contact between the grouphead and portafilter"
* Leaks from top of portafilter and group head are caused by poor sealing at head gasket.
* wipe top lip of portafilter before inserting into group.
* check if group is clear of coffee grounds, paper bits, tissue, dry crud. Use a head cleaning brush (tooth brush works) and wipe group clean (do not use screwdriver to scrape!)
* Make sure when inserting portafilter it is seated properly. (check your manual for procedure) Note the position of the portafilter handle if it's in the right position AFTER you tighten it. Is it far to the left? or stuck and barely hangs on to group?
* Barely hanging on to group? Check if pod is too big. Note; you can't double shot or use 2 pods in a single pod basket! Make two separate shots for a double.
* Handle tightens but slips off group or still leaks when pulling shot? Worn out or missing gasket. Gaskets are made of rubber and can crack, drop out, or pit. You will need to have the gasket replaced. Check with vendor or MFR for service/parts.
* Make sure you have the correct portafilter. Many look the same and may even fit but when making fine adjustments or critical shots they don't work right. Check manual or vendor for confirmation.
* Make sure you have the correct basket. The portafilters may have different baskets or cups that can be inserted. Many have special uses that can affect the pull of a shot. Fewer holes causes slower flow and longer brew time. Many holes gives a weaker shot but smoother less bitter taste. There is a blank basket that has no holes which is used for backflushing and cleaning of the group. Check your manual or vendor for which basket you should be using. Odds are that you have a standard basket ment for ground coffee and not pods. (you can remove the coffee from the pod but it will be messy.) Ask for the optional 'POD' basket insert.
* Finally if everything checks out and your still having leaks then your machine needs service as the group head or valve needs replacement. Call your vendor or MFR direct.
Aloha! ukeboy57 (youtube)
P.S. Looking back at my service with pod conversions, I've found that most if not all pro-machines don't really like the pod adapters. Sure it will work but shots are weak and poor. Pods really like a very tight fit with a very small portafilter basket(chamber) I mean like the size of a soup spoon! They like very slow and very hot water pumped with a vibration type pump to extract all the essence from the paper filtered coffee. Illy is an excellent coffee pod with a very rich aroma and good creme. The best for them (pods) are the dedicated pod machines (won't do ground coffee, only pods). If you must use a pro semi-automatic machine then I would suggest adding a port constrictor to the portafilter output. There may be a third party supplier that has a compatible adapter for your brand. I've come across some of these very extreme tools for the elites coffee affectionato. It restricts the flow at the output thus causing the hot water to brew longer and at a higher pressure to force the hot water and steam into each coffee grain. (think pressure cooker) Some of the better ones are adjustable. But note that these will need daily or cleaning after each use as these restrictors have very tiny holes which clog unless flushed after each use. Good luck 9on your pursuit of the perfect cup!)
