After much thinking and more advice from the fine folks here, I was ultimately able to overcome both those issues and am now pulling shots and frothing milk.
Next weekend I replace the portafilter gasket and do some back flushing, etc... But for now, things are looking good!
If anyone else is contemplating replacing their Rancilio Silvia boiler, take it from me, it's entirely possible...even for a newb. A couple things to keep in mind that will help:
Before you start unscrewing boiler screws, you might consider shooting them with some penetrating oil first.
If you snap boiler screws, take your time, keep shooting with penetrating oil, and tapping with a hammer (lightly). Both mine ended up coming out after a a day of tinkering on and off.
DO NOT USE A WRENCH to tighten the high-temperature thermostat. Even though it has a flange on it that is clearly designed for a wrench. Finger tighten only, otherwise this will happen.
If you do break the high-temp thermostat screw, consider buying a set of micro-screw extractors and extracting as described here. Note: you'll likely need a 1/8 speed drill or a variable speed with good control in the low range for this too work. Too fast, and it doesn't do much.
The internal electrical wire insulator caps will break just by looking at them or touching them. Replace with shrink wrap as necessary (unless you can find real replacements for them.
Just take it slowly. Ask in the forums when you run into trouble...and you'll be pulling some espresso shots in no time.
takeshi Senior Member Joined: 12 Oct 2002 Posts: 731 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Super Jolly Roaster: Amaya Roasting
Posted Mon Aug 27, 2012, 12:39pm Subject: Re: Silvia back together, pulling shots, and steaming milk
mojoneill Said:
The internal electrical wire insulator caps will break just by looking at them or touching them. Replace with shrink wrap as necessary (unless you can find real replacements for them.
Posted Mon Aug 27, 2012, 3:08pm Subject: Re: Silvia back together, pulling shots, and steaming milk
Congrats on getting Miss Silvia back up and running. Wasn't it fun taking it apart and putting it back together! I was an idiot and burned out the heating element on my new (well new for me - got it off of Craigslist) Nuova Simonelli Oscar. It was from a descale gone horribly wrong but I got lots of help from this forum and from Home-Barista and it was really a blast taking Oscar apart, cleaning it and putting in a new element. I felt totally overwhelmed at first but it really wasn't difficult at all and I saved a ton of money by doing it all myself. Long live Oscar and Silvia!!!
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