Below you will find solutions to some problems you may face with the steam wand / knob on the Ascaso Dream V2 espresso machine.
No Steam
If the gauge moves after depressing the steam switch to on, then the steam wand hole and frothing aid should be cleaned.
If the gauge needle does not move at all but the machine does get hot, your machine probably has limescale in the capillary tube to the gauge. The gauge needs to be replaced as descaling usually does not correct this condition.
If gauge needle moves for coffee mode, but not steam mode, then the steam thermostat may be defective and needs to be replaced.
If you have to get more water in the boiler through coffee mode for only 1 cup of milk steaming, your machine may have limescale on the OPV or if a Dream UP on the 3 way solenoid valve. The valve may be held open by the limescale and all the steam (and related water) is draining from the boiler, which gives you less water for steam. The machine should be thoroughly descaled.
Steam Wand Leaking
If your steam wand is dripping from inside the tip on the Ascaso Dream steam tip, the first step is to descale the Ascaso Dream through the steam wand by following the instructions here.
If you are getting leakage from the where the stem connected to knob on one end and inserts into the steam valve on the other end, then you need to replace the 2 o-rings on the stem or you need to adjust the golden ring on the stem and set screw that holds it into place.
Steam Knob Loose
If your steam knob can be turned all the way until the o-rings are exposed, then the set screw needs to be tightened or the golden ring that carries the set screw needs to be adjusted.
Set screw tightening
Stand the unit up. Rotate the steam knob inwards, and try to find the pinch on the stem to align with the whole in the golden ring. Insert the set screw and tighten with an allen key wrench.
Steam valve adjustment and o-ring replacement – for Ascaso espresso machines with a steam knob
- Turn off power switch, coffee switch, and steam switch, unplug electrical cord from electrical outlet, and let unit cool if fully hot.
- Remove top cover – 2 long screws behind grouphead need to be removed. Cover slides upwards.
- Loosen small screw on stop ring.
- Turn steam knob outwards and inwards to make sure there is clear motion back and forth. If replacing the o-rings, remove steam completely and change o-rings. if clear motion does not exist or there is excessive rubbing on body/inner wall, the valve position on the boiler may need adjusted. Before proceeding to next step, turn steam knob and stem fully into the valve until it stops.
- Make sure water is in reservoir and insert into machine.
- Place large cup under grouphead without portafilter and one large cup under steam.
- Turn coffee switch on, plug electrical cord into electrical outlet, and then turn power on. Be careful to not touch anything inside of the machine to avoid personal injury or damage.
- Water will start to flow from grouphead into cup. Turn out steam knob UNTIL a steady stream of hot water flows from steam wand and stops from grouphead.
- Leaving steam knob in exact position, turn power off and unplug electrical cord from electrical outlet.
- Position stop ring on steam valve stem against inner wall and tighten small screw.
- Place top cover back on and tighten screws into extenders. Please note that sometimes extenders loosen when screws are removed.
