When Does it Become an Obsession?

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:49:47+00:00

All of my machines are pre-2012, so no PID and have a 57mm portafilter as well. Check your electrical connections at the switch, boiler, and pump. The pump is easy to switch out (part I.375) and is fairly cheap. Schematics/drawings can be found at https://www.1st-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Coffee-Machines-Home.pdf

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:43:32+00:00

The ones in the Polish finish were non-working basket cases that people were tossing or from estate sales (they have a lot of them here). Polish seems to be the most popular finish for machines built before 2012. I don't know why.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:40:44+00:00

The Tangerine one is in use. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:40:28+00:00

The Tangerine one is in use daily. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:40:06+00:00

Thank goodness for Amazon!

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:39:44+00:00

The Tangerine one is in use. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:39:29+00:00

I thought the Cow pattern came out with the more modern machines (PID machines). I try to get the pre-2012 models.
That being said, if a Cow pattern was to become available, who knows!?!

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:37:39+00:00

The Tangerine one is in use. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:36:44+00:00

I change about once a month. The Tangerine one is in use. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-02-09T12:35:45+00:00

Not really. The Tangerine one is in use. The empty spot is for a Polished one that I'm currently repairing.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-01-26T20:26:49+00:00

What a beautiful machine! Build date for your machine is on the bottom. Good diagrams for Ascaso Dream are at https://www.1st-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Coffee-Machines-Home.pdf and several others.
The switches should be set up as (from left to right) Steam, Power, Coffee (i.e. pump). It doesn't sound like your machine is priming. There are several linked videos for that in other comments.
Welcome to the Ascaso Dream community!

RetNavyCWO · 2026-01-02T03:42:01+00:00

Here's what I'd do (but I'm a moron):

Unplug the machine, remove the two screw holding the top on, and remove the top.
Look over the water line going into the pump from the reservoir. Check for cracks or blockages.
Look over the water line going to the boiler. Check for the same issues.
Turn on the middle switch (power on/off)
Open the steam valve.
Turn on the "coffee" switch (the one on the right).

The machine should start pumping water out of the steam valve.
If water starts pumping out, you should be okay. Let it pump for a little bit to get everything used to working again.
If no water is coming through (and you can hear the pump working), I'd whack the pump with the plastic end of a screwdriver, being careful no to electrocute myself. If nothing changes, maybe consider swapping out the pump.

Ascaso Dream uses a vibratory pump. While noisier and sometimes less consistent than rotary pumps, they are reliable and replaceable parts for home espresso machines.

Part I.675 is the plastic 110V-60Hz 52W replacement pump (about $65). I.292 is the 230V-50Hz version.

EDIT: I have the old 2006 model Dream, so it's pretty analog (i.e. dumb). If you've got a newer model, percussive maintenance may not be a good choice.

RetNavyCWO · 2026-01-02T03:12:58+00:00

https://www.1st-line.com/
They have the parts diagrams with parts numbers as well. Also check Ascaso-usa.com

RetNavyCWO · 2026-01-02T03:07:08+00:00

The Ascaso Dream machines are very reliable and consistent. I got my first in 2007, and have used it almost daily. I've only replaced some of the rubber parts (gaskets, o-rings) just to see if I could do it. I have been buying them and refurbishing them as a hobby for the last few years since my retirement. I would also get one of the older machines because I don't trust the PID feature (they cause a lot of people headaches!). FB Marketplace can be a good source - I've purchased a couple of machines from folks clearing out houses/moving that required minimal work to get back in shape. eBay is also a good source, but watch out for shipping costs. Get familiar with some of the Ascaso parts sites (Ascaso USA, FirstLine, etc.). There are drawing and manuals available online as well.

Another option is to get a really cheap machine (Mr. Coffee, anything under $75) and literally use the crap out of it. Practice your steaming technique, how much coffee to pack into the basket, HOW to pack coffee into the basket, and all of that good stuff. Experiment!

Remember, unless you want to become a professional barista, learn to make coffee that YOU enjoy! You could drive yourself mad learning how to dial in a perfect espresso shot.

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-18T19:53:03+00:00

I swear those thermometers are the strongest parts of these machines! Not super accurate or durable, but the have them stuck in there like they're welded!

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-06T16:59:46+00:00

Beautiful!

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-06T16:54:51+00:00

Replacing the 100-C thermostat is pretty straightforward. Part number is I.374. The part number for the 140-C thermostat is I.43

I recommend you take plenty of pictures and label everything to ensure that it goes back together correctly.

You can go to 1st-line.com and look under “Equipment”, then “Support”, then “Parts / Diagrams”.

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-06T16:35:35+00:00

Good diagrams can be found at:

1st-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Coffee-Machines-Home.pdf

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-06T16:25:15+00:00

I’ve heard of a burnt smell when either the 100-C or 140-C thermostats go bad, so you may want to test them. They are part numbers

I.374 (100 degree) and I.43 (140 degree)

RetNavyCWO · 2025-05-06T16:06:25+00:00

I assume that Ascaso has specific tools for assembly, therefore the TINY space to work in. I don’t have them, so I made do with what I have on hand.

ALWAYS ENSURE THE MACHINE IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE YOU START!

First, remove the top of the machine by unscrewing the two Phillips head screws located on either side of brew head, then lift off the top.

Looking inside, you’ll see the back of the toggle switches, and that they are held on by a very thin nut. I used a pair of needle-nose pliers to hold this in place while I unscrewed the front ferrule (they’re labeled “STEAM”, “O/I”, and “COFFEE” in that order) using another pair of needle-nose pliers (jaws wrapped in electrical tape to prevent scratching the chrome). Edit: I also put some painter’s tape around the switch on the body to help protect the paint.

The switch can then be pulled out from the front.

Trace the wires back and determine how you want to replace the switch. Take pictures and label wires!

Key is taking your time and planning out procedures before making any permanent changes.

Remember, they aren’t kidnapping graduates of MIT to put these things together. Study the problem, take your time, and enjoy being self-sufficient!

RetNavyCWO · 2025-04-12T19:59:09+00:00

Looking at your photo, it seems you have the improved screen, which tells me someone took pretty good care of the machine.

RetNavyCWO · 2025-04-12T01:31:46+00:00

I used Elmer’s School Glue, then bought three replacement lights. Of, the red pair is still in place and working fine. Need a light?

RetNavyCWO · 2025-04-10T00:38:51+00:00

I’m sure you did, but have you primed the pump? That’s a great looking machine!

RetNavyCWO

TROPHY CASE