I tracked down some thermal paste at Radio Shack and re-installed both of the thermostats with the paste applied. In the past week and a half the machine has been descaled twice, cleaned once, had its thermal paste renewed, and a new steam thermostat installed. Still no change -- lots of steam for 3 to 8 seconds and then a dramatic fall off in pressure. It's now problematic getting a pitcher of milk frothed for a single Latte and even then the milk has become so hot it has lost its sweetness. Shots are still pretty good though.
Not sure where the level sensor is ( inside the boiler ? )
ericsvendson Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 77 Location: Silver Spring, Md., USA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Anita, Modified Silvia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E Vac Pot: Cona Drip: Melitta 2-cup Roaster: Heat Gun/Dog Bowl (just...
Posted Thu Aug 7, 2008, 7:50am Subject: Re: Silvia steam pressure loss
Hey George -
Check the diameter of the "hole" in your Silvia's steam tip. I just measured my original tip and (using a numbered drill set) it was equal to a number 53 drill or 0.059" which is 1.5 mm. While I do not recall ever seeing any posts about steam tip holes eroding to the point of affecting steam performance, there is always the possibility.
Assuming you initiate steaming just before the steam light goes out, the steam light should remain "on" during your entire steaming adventure. As a side note, I found (years ago) that the three hole tip for Silvia sold by 1st line more easily produced nice microfoam and was a lesser strain on the machine as compared to the stock tip. Although, after 2000 cappys, I would think you have perfected your technique with whatever tip you use.
Posted Sat Aug 9, 2008, 5:03pm Subject: Re: Silvia steam pressure loss
What bothers me is that you were succesful with this machine for years then something fell apart. That suggests machine and not technique. Even so I'll tell you what I do and maybe it will help. I turn on the steam switch, then wait about 5 seconds and open the steam valve and blead off water from the top of the boiler to provide room for steam. When liquid stops coming out I close the valve and wait for the heater light to go off. I then open the steam valve to purge the liquid out of the wand and steam.
Phil
PS: There is no level sensor in the boiler. You manage the level in the boiler. That is why I blow off water at the start of the steam heating cycle.
gjones1735 Said:
Hi again All,
I tracked down some thermal paste at Radio Shack and re-installed both of the thermostats with the paste applied. In the past week and a half the machine has been descaled twice, cleaned once, had its thermal paste renewed, and a new steam thermostat installed. Still no change -- lots of steam for 3 to 8 seconds and then a dramatic fall off in pressure. It's now problematic getting a pitcher of milk frothed for a single Latte and even then the milk has become so hot it has lost its sweetness. Shots are still pretty good though.
Not sure where the level sensor is ( inside the boiler ? )
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