Machine grinds beans, no coffee comes out. Water pours out of milk frother instead. When I try to steam milk, there's heat, but no pressure. Told by service rep we need to replace generator and tap assembly.

Here are some possible reasons why the milk steamer flow is diminished and steam is not coming out of the bottom of the machine:

Clogged steam wand: The steam wand might be clogged with milk residue, which can restrict the flow of steam. Try cleaning the steam wand with a damp cloth or a pipe cleaner.

Faulty steam valve: The steam valve might be faulty or damaged, which can cause a decrease in steam pressure. In this case, you may need to replace the valve.

Blocked milk frother: The milk frother might be blocked with milk residue, which can prevent the milk from frothing properly. Try cleaning the milk frother with a damp cloth or a pipe cleaner.

Faulty milk frother: The milk frother might be faulty or damaged, which can cause a decrease in milk flow and prevent proper frothing. In this case, you may need to replace the milk frother.

If none of these solutions work, it's best to contact DeLonghi's customer service for further assistance

It sounds like there may be a blockage or pressure build-up in the frother or in the steam wand of your DeLonghi Icona Vintage coffee maker, which is causing steam to escape from the unscrew button and blow the fuse. Here are a few things you can try to fix the issue:

1. Clean the frother and steam wand: The blockage may be caused by a build-up of milk or other debris in the frother or steam wand. Try cleaning them thoroughly with hot water and a cleaning solution designed for espresso machines.
2. Descale the machine: If the blockage is caused by mineral build-up, descaling the machine may help to remove it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for descaling your specific model.
3. Check the pressure release valve: There may be a problem with the pressure release valve, which is causing steam to escape from the unscrew button. Check the valve and make sure it is not blocked or damaged.
4. Contact DeLonghi customer service: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be a problem with the machine's internal components. Contact DeLonghi customer service or a qualified repair technician for further assistance.

It's important to be careful when working with steam and hot water, so make sure to follow all safety instructions and precautions when attempting to troubleshoot or repair your coffee maker.

First, I am NOT a Faema repairman, Though I've worked on some Faemas, and similar espresso machines.
** Your question is a bit vague so I will try to provide info.
The 'semi-automatic' means you don't have to watch the brewing of the coffee. The machine will 'Dose' out a per-determined amount of water through the portafilter. Manual machines require to operator to turn water on and off to dose. Full automatic will grind the beans, measure and pack the coffee, then brew the coffee with water. Some have the option to froth and dispense milk directly into the cup. The industry usually refers these machines as 'Super-Automatics' They are very expensive and are designed for untrained personnel (not a Barista) to make coffee. There are a number of Home use machines now that provide a similar function but can only produce a cup for personal use and not multiple cups.
** I have come across automatic milk steamer and frother. This can be a simple cappuccino attachment to your steam tip. More updated version have an auto-frother that replaces the steam wand and will do a fair job (IF THEY ARE KEPT CLEAN!). Some machines have modified steam wands with sensor probe that will measure the milk temperature and shut off the steam when heated to set point. You will find all these features handy at first as it gets a novice worker quickly up to speed to produce product. But once they get the proper Barista training, most will not use these features as it's generally faster to produce orders the standard way. (also a good Barista will always present a professional looking cup!)
** I've noted that repeat customers appreciate the effort that goes into a properly brewed cup of coffee. Otherwise we would all go to a coffee vending machine (with instant coffee, Yuk!)
Aloha! youtube; ukeboy57

The spring in the steam wand valve is weak or the valve is dry and stuck half open

try adding more coffee to the filter, or making the grind FINER or both

I have this machine and have used it for about a year. Most important is use fresh beans within 15 days of roast, and within 15 minutes of grinding. You cannot get good results from this machine using pre ground coffee, or pods. Second, this machine is terrible with temperature stability. When warmed up it will usually be way too hot. Wait for the machine to warm up (light will come on). Open the steam valve, run the brew pump for 5 to 10 seconds into your cup and turn it off. Shut the steam valve, wait for the light to come back on. Immediately hit the brew button. This procedure will do a nice cooling flush and hit more towards the right temp.
Third, the pressurized basket that comes with this machine just dosen't do the job right. Replace it with a Mr. Coffee double basket, non pressurized and you will see immediately better results.
Last, the screeching steam wand. This machine will give wet steam, all the time. After pulling the shot, hit the steam switch and wait 20-30 seconds, then open the steam valve full to purge water out of the wand. Close the valve, then go to steaming your milk. There is a place about 1/4 inch below the surface that you'll hear only a chhh-chhh sound. Wand too deep, it will screech and wake the neighbors. Too shallow and you'll get sudsy big bubbles. Just find that sweet spot and surf there till you're at 140-150 degrees then turn the valve off. Good luck.

Hi
If you packed it on it steam valve side you bent the valve shaft and its holding the needle open. Your going to have to remove the shaft and replace it with a new one.

open steam valve and run water couple minuts on

This could be blocked. The best way to clear this is to switch off the machine and see if you can dismantle the frother arm. Sometimes the arm will come off by unscrewing. If it does, wash it in hot water and washing liquid. If it doesn't come off try putting the frother wand into a mug of cold water and allow it just to steam the water.
Frother wands don't just steam liquids - they **** up liquid which can block the vents and the actual steam hole which this machines' problem sounds like it does have.

Try this: 1. Pour in vinegar instead of water. 2. Bring vinegar to a boil but do not run it through the machine. 3. Turn off machine for about an hour. 4. Remove sheath from the frother and clean the metal tip. 5. Place tip of frother into large mug of cold water. 6. Turn espresso machine on and allow vinegar to run through frother. 7. You'll know the frother is clear when the water in the mug begins to churn rapidly (and perhaps loudly).
It may take the vinegar a little while to dissolve and loosen the blockage. If the process does not work the first time time, try again later and allow the warm vinegar to sit in the machine longer.
Optional: Before starting the process, unbend a paperclip or thin metal hook (the kind used for hanging holiday ornaments) and use it to clear the steamer orifice.
To keep frother clear: Follow recommended descaling schedule in user manual