Psyd Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1,178 Location: MON AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Sylvia and Astoria Argenta... Grinder: Rocky and Astoria (Mazzer)...
Posted Sun Jun 11, 2006, 2:09pm Subject: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
Has anyone figured out how this is done? I just replaced the old one (which came out in five or six pieces, I know that method) and I stuck it in upside-down. I know, I know. I just figured I'd order another one, but I get a LOT of water around the PF and I still want to have espresso while it ships. Preference is given to methods with empirical results over those with only theoretical implications. Please let me know which yours is.
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 946 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Sun Jun 11, 2006, 4:25pm Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
Try a short (1 1/4") drywall screw, the black ones with the really sharp points, and a stubby philips head screwdriver. Get the screw started a bit into the gasket, then "just" pull out the gasket. Since you are going to be turning the gasket over, you might actually be able to salvage it.
Psyd Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1,178 Location: MON AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Sylvia and Astoria Argenta... Grinder: Rocky and Astoria (Mazzer)...
Posted Sun Jun 11, 2006, 11:09pm Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
JGG Said:
Try a short (1 1/4") drywall screw, the black ones with the really sharp points, and a stubby philips head screwdriver. Get the screw started a bit into the gasket, then "just" pull out the gasket.
I'm thinking that putting a drywall screw into it constitutes damage. Great idea, but from teh post it seems like you've never tried it. I can pull a shot now with the thing leaking a bit whiel I get a new gasket on the way (if I can't figure it out, I'm using the DWS and just putting the new one in) and I'm lookingfor a stop gap that definately will work. I'll entertain ideas, I guess, but I need something that someone has done and had work.
Posted Mon Jun 12, 2006, 12:51am Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
I removed and replaced the same Silvia gasket many times. The gaskets have 4 little notches. Fashion a paperclip with a 2mm right angle on the end. Slide it in a grouve and then turn it 90 deg so the bent part is now under the gasket. Move the clip in the plane of the gasket to loosen it.
The method I use for the E61: use pf with blank insert. just barely tighten pf. turn on pump and very slowly loosen the pf. The gasket will follow the pf out.
Psyd Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1,178 Location: MON AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Sylvia and Astoria Argenta... Grinder: Rocky and Astoria (Mazzer)...
Posted Mon Jun 12, 2006, 2:07pm Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
kristi Said:
The method I use for the E61: use pf with blank insert. just barely tighten pf. turn on pump and very slowly loosen the pf. The gasket will follow the pf out.
That is insane! Just crazy enough that it just might work! Seriously, this does work? It makes sense, I cannot wait to try it. OTOH, this method won't work for the Sylvia gasket? It is brand new, it is upside down, and I'm not sure that I can find the slots upside down. Kristi, sometimes I am amazed at your genius! BTW, that second Mazzer is doing just fine. I modded the first one to match it, and other than their head gear, they're the cutest set of twins!
islandshop Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Victoria Expertise: Professional
Posted Mon Jun 12, 2006, 3:00pm Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
If your careful it can be done but is it worth it ?... I say just tear it out and get a new one....the heat from the brew eventually cooks the rubber to the point of brittleness ....I usually repalce them as a matter of regular service anyway. A big part of my service biz is replacement of these seals and for that matter the same goes for the commercial Rancillio machines as well....
Of course it works. I accidentally discovered that technique when I had the Eliane, and it works fine for the Bric. No reason it shouldn't work for the Silvia, even if you've got the gasket in sideways. :o).
Good on the twins.
The reason for pulling the gasket is to clean that area. I tend to pull the gasket 2-3 times a year, and replace it once every year or 2. Backflushing and doing a pf wiggle with Caffiza does not effectively clean the sides of the gasket...
Kristi, sometimes I am amazed at your genius!
Yeah, but I make up for it the rest of the time...
Yep, I just pulled out the old one and this one is brand new, just upside down. I'd love to get it in right side up, and not to have to wait to order a new gasket (I tend to have one on hand, but I just put that one in!) before I get to have espresso at my GF's house (I keep the Sylvia there when I'm not on the road).
Psyd Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1,178 Location: MON AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Sylvia and Astoria Argenta... Grinder: Rocky and Astoria (Mazzer)...
Posted Fri Jun 16, 2006, 2:15pm Subject: Re: Removing Sylvia's PF gasket without damage?
So far, cranking in the blank PF and running the pump as I untwist isnt' doing it, and the part that is suposed to be 'up' doesn't have the slots in it. The slots don't go all the way thorugh the gasket from top to bottom. I'll try again with more light once I can turn her over on her back and get a better look. I'm sure the second method will work as lond as I can find the slot along the way somehow. OTOH, too much longer and the replacement will be here and I'll just tear the new one out to put the newer one in!
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