seedlings Senior Member Joined: 6 Jun 2007 Posts: 244 Location: Saint Joseph, MO 64506 Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Nuova Simonelli Premier V Grinder: Rossi RR45 Vac Pot: Cory DCU / DCL Rubberless Drip: Newco Air Pot Roaster: breadmaker / homemade
Posted Sun Nov 9, 2008, 7:16pm Subject: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
When the gasket is the same hardness as the metal group, what's the best way to remove it for replacement? I don't want to damage any metal around the gasket, but nothing I've found is doing the trick! The temptation is to get the screwdriver and hammer...
These are probably original gaskets to a 10 year old machine. I can't get either group's out.
Posted Mon Nov 10, 2008, 3:27am Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
Here is a method that works with my Silvia. I got that here on CoffeeGeek a while ago. It may also work for you. Good luck.
"Using the blind basket, lock into a cold machine like you're going to backflush the thing, and turn on the pump. Wait a second for pressure to build up (you'll hear the motor start to lug) and slowly unlock the PF. If the gasket is still pliable enough, the water pressure will build up under the gasket, and push it out with the PF. If it's still good enough, it'll come out, If it does't work the first coupla times, it probably isn't coming out. Remember, this works almost as good on a cold machine as it does on a hot one. The cold one won't spray scalding hot water on you when you pull the PF, though."
stefano65 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 817 Location: Eugene OR Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Vibiemme,Elektra, Grinder: Macap,Cunill, Isomac Vac Pot: not Drip: not Roaster: not
Posted Tue Nov 11, 2008, 5:40am Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
In the extreme case that the above suggestions do not work you will have to remove the group from the machine and do it upside down ( or down side up) on a wise so you will have a clear view of the working area
Posted Wed Nov 12, 2008, 2:53pm Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
I was stunned by the state of group gasket when I removed it for the first time after using my machine for waaay too long. As it turns out, it takes tools to get a crispy one out, and I ended up using a variety of scewdrivers, wood screws, and other sharp objects to hack it out. Like you, I was hesitant and afraid of damaging the group at first, but I got over it as I worked because nothing else worked.
I'm sure there are better instruction or guides out there on this, but here's my experience and some photos of the event: click here, if you want to check it out.
seedlings Senior Member Joined: 6 Jun 2007 Posts: 244 Location: Saint Joseph, MO 64506 Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Nuova Simonelli Premier V Grinder: Rossi RR45 Vac Pot: Cory DCU / DCL Rubberless Drip: Newco Air Pot Roaster: breadmaker / homemade
Posted Thu Nov 13, 2008, 8:03am Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
Tonight's the night. I ordered new gaskets and <gulp> one new $65 NS filter basket (that $$ hurt).
rufusag, I'm afraid this removal is going to be much like yours. I wondered for just a moment if these were graphite gaskets or woven carbon fiber...
Who knows, maybe the next super-indestructo asbestos-free material will be a coffeeoil-infused, baked-in neoprene-rubber.
The plan is to start with the screw trick (thanks all), then proceed with a screwdriver/icepick pryout approach, then clean the tar out with citric acid and toothbrush. I'll post pics before, during and, hopefully, after.
Posted Thu Nov 13, 2008, 8:19am Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
seedlings Said:
The plan is to start with the screw trick (thanks all), then proceed with a screwdriver/icepick pryout approach, then clean the tar out with citric acid and toothbrush.
Hey Chad, citric acid is used as a descaler for calcium & limescale deposits. I'd use some lacquer thinner or Methyl Hydrate to disolve any tar, degraded rubber. If you don't have that, Urnex espresso machine cleaner/Cleancaf/Cafiza, or dishwashing detergent which is mainly buffered TSP trisodiumphosphate. {;-)
seedlings Senior Member Joined: 6 Jun 2007 Posts: 244 Location: Saint Joseph, MO 64506 Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Nuova Simonelli Premier V Grinder: Rossi RR45 Vac Pot: Cory DCU / DCL Rubberless Drip: Newco Air Pot Roaster: breadmaker / homemade
Posted Thu Nov 13, 2008, 9:12am Subject: Re: Removing OLD Group Gaskets - how?
Thank you Craig. I have some mineral spirits in the aresonal - certainly have dish soap. Anything but the Dremel. I'm pretty patient with a nylon "dish" scraper too, which has served me well. I also have some DeOx-It electric contact cleaner that does wonders for removing residues of all types... but this is foodservice! Maybe some plain old olive oil will help.
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