Monday, April 15, 2013

Laranzato espresso machine - the adventure continues

On the leak front I've determines that the water came from the drip tray overflowing.  One would think this would be a simple problem to address.  One would be WRONG!  The tray is inappropriately shallow and connects to a hose that is intended to run to a sink/bucket.  Because of the machine structure the hose must make a fairly sharp bend.  It doesn't want to do this.  I'll have to work the issue a bit.

Notwithstanding the open issues I tried to pull a shot.  Discovered that the single shot portafilter basket holds about as much coffee as my home machine double shot basket!  Interesting.  Also discovered an important safety tip ... NEVER try to pull a shot on a machine with an old cracked group head gasket! If you do you'll end up with coffee mess all over.  Will now, sensibly, wait for replacement gasket.

After that misadventure the 3 way valve now leaks steadily.  I'll do a bit of research with a view to seeing if it can be cleaned or something.

Issues:

  • Should I drain the boiler?  Shoud I descale? - DEFERRED
  • Parts - OPEN
    • Karma is ordering 
      • Steam wand
      • Group head O ring
      • 2 shot basket
      • 2 shot spout
      • back flush basket
  • Drips from three-way valve - need to replace valve
  • Pressure gauge - Seems OK.
  • Pressurestat - Seems OK

CURRENT PARTS LIST:

  • Steam wand - Looks like Espresso Parts has an after market wand at a reasonable price (>$40).  Karma will order.
  • Citric acid: I'm going to defer this for the moment.  
    • Amazon offers "Spicy World Citric Acid, 5-Pound"
    •  Are 1 or 2 tablespoons of citric acid per liter the correct concentration?
  • Portafilter - Espresso parts is a source or Dave may be able to help
    • Double basket
    • Double portafilter spout
    • Backflush disk
  • Group head gasket - Espresso Parts has part.  It is described as  RANCILIO GROUP HEAD PORTAFILTER GASKET - 74 X 57 X 8.2MM.  There is an aftermarket part as well described as "An economical alternative to the O.E.M. gasket. 73.5 x 57 x 8mm."
  • Three-way Lucifer - Parker Solenoid valve 110V 50/60Hz 9W Part number 491514P3 D400P3.

CURRENT TODO LIST:

  • Buy/acquire needed parts
  • Replace three way valve
  • Flush machine to resolve taste
  • Sort out drain hose issue.
  • Try to clean 3 way valve.

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