How to Fix a Seized Espresso Machine Rotary Pump

Learn how to fix a seized rotary pump in an espresso machine. You turn on your machine and the pump hums but does not run... Brian from Whole Latte Love shows you a simple technique to get it going! This sometimes happens with machines which have sat unused for long periods.
For more maintenance, use and service info check the Whole Latte Love Support Wiki. Videos, manuals, diagrams and more for most espresso machines and associated equipment: wiki.wholelatt...
Brian is the Service Manager at Whole Latte Love. He has more than 10 years experience servicing and repairing commercial and prosumer level espresso machines and associated equipment.

[@patricelaurent7883]

Thanks a lot. It works on my La Marzocco FB80. Seizes after a long (COVID) shut down.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad it helped

[@ahmettanriverdi5238]

ist possible to set a rotary pum on my Expobar which with vibration pump originaly?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, well, anything is possible and it has been done. Not exactly easy and there's no kit for retrofit.

[@slyztercoreveanged3175]

you can but again is it worth it

[@boisNgyrls]

Does the motor or pump assembly need lubrication? My espresso machine is 12 years old, the pump got stuck once. Thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi JJ, Thanks for the question - no lube needed/required.

[@boisNgyrls]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks, that's a relief...

[@dertiger13]

Thanks for the fix (rocket mozzafiato r)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

No problem - thanks for the comment!

[@periklisgiannopoulos5273]

My machines starts with normal sound but when pressure builds it sounds different and seems to drop like it hasn't got the power to push the water,any ideas what the problem might be?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi PG, Hard to say without knowing make model of you machine and other details. Lot's of possibilities including failing pump, limescale obstruction in brew circuit, etc.

[@glennsmooth]

I don’t even hear a hum in my brand new rocket Giotto Evo R. Just a blinking green light after switching it on. It made a pump noise for about 1/2 a second then nothing. Hate to send it back. Big heavy machine.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi g, did you try the fix in the video? Also did you purchase the machine from us? If so, please contact us. Our tech support folks can talk you through troubleshooting and perhaps avoid sending it back. www.wholelattelove.com/contact-us

[@chiil034]

Definitely contact the seller, they should be able to walk you through troubleshooting your machine. I once received a machine that wouldn't heat water. Found that the boiler terminals were disconnected (possibly from factory). Just re-connected them and all was good.

[@sajadgohari1349]

Mines doesn't have the flat head compatibility so that I can turn it by hand, any suggestions?

[@HeidiAlexander-t9y]

IF DOING THAT DOESNT WORK THEN WHAT?? MINE MAKES CLICK NOISE THEN NOTHING

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Might be the motor is bad?

[@khklavs]

Mine works for a little while doing this (izzo duetto) i guess I'm gonna need a descale or similar on the pump. Or a new pump.

[@khklavs]

Been playing around with the pump, when I loosen the pump a bit from the motor, it starts easier.... I've no idea where to start...

[@lewenslust]

I am sorry, but if you are the service manager then you should go back the school. You have not found the cause , why it was difficult to move. I would advice to look at 2 things , from the top of my head. Measure uf of the capacitor. Check if the bearings not to be replaced. It most probably has 2x 6202 and 1x 6200 bearing. The last bearing is from the pump side which has the biggest chance of going faulty.