Winter is finally here for real.  It was 5 when I walked Titan this AM. He really seems to like the cold. Now up to 13 with snow and rain expected overnight.

Colby update ... hands and thumb found

Colby has the whole hand to mouth thing mostly figured out. Even managed to find his thumb.

First snow 2016

First snow of the winter. Only a couple of inches but pretty even so.

Espresso machine fixed again at last

Finally got the last part needed to replace the flow meter on my espresso machine. All installed and had first real latte for the last couple of months.

The whole adventure started when the machine began going into dispense mode gratuitously. Not good. I finally was able to narrow the issue down to either the control box (expensive) of the flow meter (not as expensive). I decided to try the flow meter first. So far it seems to be a fix. I've temporarily left a bit of paper towel under the connections to allow me to check for leaks for a few days.

Great to have the machine again!

BB and her girlfriends off on annual early winter holiday.

For some years BB and a group of her girlfriends have taken a holiday to Florida. This year they decided to go for 9 days. Meanwhile I'm holding down the fort with Brittany, Mike, baby Colby, dog and several hundred house plants. Things aren't the same but we're doing OK.

Round Jamestown Race

BB and I went to Rhode Island this weekend to participate in the Round Jamestown Race.  Marc Ladin, a friend, asked me to crew on his sailboat Jazz Bucket.  The boat is rated at 254.  That's very very very very ... slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.  We did manage to finish 30 minutes under the cutoff time which all things considered is a considerable moral victory.  Here is a short video and  some photos of the event courtesy Marc.  Good times.  After race had dinner and awards ceremony at the Conanicut Yacht Club. Very good time after an all day sail on the water.

Jamestown - 18 miles around

L-R Josh, RJB, Dave's back

Here's Marc

Jazz Bucket moving toward the finish

Update 20150908: Links to more photos from the race and the actual race results:

• race results: http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_regatta_results.php?regatta_id=10422&show_divisions=1
• more photos 1: https://goo.gl/photos/hnSEn1ZHHieSpdHs5
• more photos 2; https://goo.gl/photos/DLam7UuoV7Gmd6ws7

Marc & Miriam July 4 Party

Loranzo espresso machine - the beat goes on

Parts are now ordered and hopefully will arrive in the next two weeks.

We filter and soften the water in the house.  The service guy way by today and I spoke with him about additional filtering for the espresso machine.  He thought it was a good idea.  He also suggested putting a bit of bleach through the machine to remove the taste.

When I collected the machine I also got a 3 stage filter system.  It's in rough shape (the bracket is rather rusted) but serviceable   I'll clean it up and install it in the water feed line.  This will also allow me to introduce descaler into the system.  Here's what it looks like disassembled:

Three stages.  1 2 micron filter and 2 activated carbons are the plan.

Filter holders are gross and will need to be thoroughly cleaned.

The filters proper are trash.  I can buy replacements at Home Depot or over the net.  I'll probably install a 1 or 2 micron filter and 2 carbon filters.  The filter containers are gross inside and will need a through cleaning.

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
• 3 way valve
• Pressure gauge - Seems OK.
• Pressurestat - Seems OK
• Install filters

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.
• Filters
• 8" filters ( 1 or 2 micron and 2 activated carbon )
• valves to install filters as needed

CURRENT TODO LIST:

• Buy/acquire needed parts
• Replace three way valve
• Replace group head gasket
• Replace steam wand
• Flush machine to resolve taste
• Install filter system

Related articles

• Loranzato espresso machine - leaks & three way valve

Loranzato espresso machine - leaks & three way valve

On the leak front I've fabricated a better drain arrangement.

New drain arrangement with 90 elbow to avoid crimping drain line.

Hopefully this will resolve the water problem.

I took the 3 way valve off and disassembled it.  Here's what it looks like connected with a good shot of the color codes.

Color codes on 3 way valve.

With some difficulty I was able to remove the valve.  There is a good description of the valve here.  Since the valve was not working I decided to take it apart with a view that trying to repair it.  Here's the valve partially disassembled.

Three way valve removed and partially disassembled.

I disassembled the valve guide (base and nucleus).  Here's what I found.

Disassembled base and nucleus.

When I examined it closely I found that a spring was broken.  This spring holds the valve closed.

There's a good description of 3 way valves here.  Based on this the valve is a 3 way valve with a flange body 110v coil and ruby valve nucleus.

Karma Dave said he'd order one.

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.

Related articles

• Laranzato espresso machine - the adventure continues

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.

Related articles

• Laranzato espresso machine - plumbed in but still more work

Who cares if it's a bit chilly and a bit wet - ERICKSON'S ICE CREAM IS OPEN

A sure sign of spring, Erickson's Ice Cream is open!  Never mind lunch!  Erickson's is open!  Oh, did I mention that Erickson's is open?

First ice cream run of the year.

Laranzato espresso machine - plumbed in but still more work

Reassembled machine and with the plumbing parts in hand I've plumbed in the Laranzato espresso machine!

As with all plumbing projects this one had its moments.

The shutoff valve was up and partially behind the sink!  I'll never understand what it is with plumbers.  Are they operating on the assumption that it will NEVER HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED or what?

Managed with some effort to turn the shutoff valve off.  It leaked!  I'm rather put out with the plumber since I'd been VERY CLEAR, no ball valve fixtures that dry out then leak the first time you touch them!  Frustration mounts.

Shutoff water in house and drain pressure so that I can proceed.  Say silent prayer to the plumbing gods that I'll not have to replace the valve.  Install John Guest 3 way valve.  It's a considerable challenge since it sits on top of the shutoff valve well behind the sink.  Somehow manage to get it on and seated.

Reconnect cold water line to top of John Guest valve.  This is a serious challenge since it's WAY BEHIND the sink.  Ask plumbing gods to condemn plumber to hell long enough for him to perform such operations a few billion times.  Somehow succeed!

Turn shutoff valve back on and pray that it won't leak.  Much to my surprise it doesn't!  Today might be a good day to buy a lottery ticket since the gods of fortune seem to be smiling.

Run plastic cold water line to espresso machine and attach.  All seems well!

Install drain line.

Route power cord.

It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!  It's alive!!

Turn machine on and wait for pressure to come up.

Everything seems to work ok!! Joy oh joy.

Run a couple of liters of water through to flush system.

Taste water.

Yetch!!  Not good not good at all.

Run more water through.

Oops, something's leaking.

Now searching for leak.

The three way valve is dripping steadily so that may be part of the problem.  Interesting article on theory, care and feeding of three way valves here.  It appears to be a Three-way Lucifer - Parker Solenoid valve 110V 50/60Hz 9W Part number 491514P3 D400P3.  Espresso parts has them for about $80.  Ebay for about $40.

Three way valve.  Image rotated 180 so can read writing.
Part number 491514P3 D400P3

Decide not to buy lottery ticket just yet.

Need to investigate possible leak, replace three way valve, and resolve taste.

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

Related articles

• Laranzato espresso machine - Parts

Filing taxes - Done

I'm just about done with filing taxes and updating the three machines that still run Windows.  The Windows stuff was painful.  The taxes not so much, though it did take time.

One thing about the taxes that I'm a bit curious about.  The last few years we've gotten a federal refund but owed some state tax.  Why are Massachusetts taxes so different from federal taxes?  It doesn't make a great deal of sense particularly since some of our income is from federal securities not taxable by the state.  I guess it's just one of life's mysteries.

Laranzato espresso machine - Parts

Karma had the parts to plumb in the machine and will order the critical parts for the espresso machine.

Issues:

• Should I drain the boiler? - DEFERRED
• Parts - OPEN
• Karma was able to provide plumbing parts
• Karma is ordering 
• Steam wand
• Group head O ring
• 2 shot basket
• 2 shot spout
• back flush basket
• Drips from three-way valve - MOSTLY SOLVED
• Pressure gauge - DEFERRED
  I've decided to run the machine and see what happens.  Is 1 bar a reasonable pressure reading? Is it normal for the pressure to drop to 0 when drawing 0.5 liter of hot water? The system has a 4 liter tank!  Is it normal for the pressure to take 5 to 7 minutes to return to 1 bar? Is there normally some variation between 0.7 and 1.2 bar in the returning pressure? Is it normal for the safety valve to vent a bit of steam until boiler pressure returns? Is it normal for the antivacuum retaining clip to spin like a top until boiler pressure returns after dispensing 0.5 liter of hot water?  I may need to adjust the pressure stat. Since I'm new to this I didn't know what it was/looked like. Turns out this is it.
• Pressurestat - DEFERRED

CURRENT PARTS LIST:

• Steam wand - Looks like Espresso Parts has an after market wand at a reasonable price (<$40).  I'll talk to Dave today and see if he can help
• 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."
• Water source - Freshwater Systems has John Guest parts.  Dave may be able to supply them.
• John Guest Angle Stop Adapter Valve Lead-Free - 3/8 x 3/8 x 3/8
• 10' 3/8" tubing
• Connector to machine

CURRENT TODO LIST:

• Continue cleaning, cleaning, cleaning - I've got the machine mostly clean but need to go over it with some solvent to remove grease.
• Reassemble machine
• Buy/acquire needed parts
• Plumb in machine