Morning Jim, Please refer to my previous post, my fix (a small stainless (set screw/stud) right thread and length with an allen key head and that was the end of the problem,still gets tight but is a piece of cake to remove, the head leaves a small round dimple in the puck but has no effect on the espresso) this is the solution if you are experiencing this problem, have had no problems since making the change, this is a 100% solution with no down side. All that is needed is a stainless screw 50cents and an allen key $1, total time to make the mod approx 30 seconds, this is a quick, cheap and 100% satisfying modification, lets know how you go. Santa.
I am hoping that CoolandMellow will post a series of suggestions on how one might overcome this problem without the help of a pro, some of which appeared in various posts here plus a few others.
The following is an excerpt from an email correspondence between Jim and me which is republished here in the event that it may help someone in the future who has a similar problem.
Suggested plan of attack:
i) Cranked screwdrivers are available to buy, we make our own but you really need oxy-acetylene to do this. They are basically a screwdriver which is bent 90 degrees about an inch and a half from its tip so that you can use it like a spanner.
ii) I have sometimes had success using a length of sheet metal as a screwdriver, the thickness of the sheet needs to match the slot. In the case of the Silvia, a notch would need to be cut in the sheet to clear the edge of the grouphead.
iii) Drilling a hole in the base and using a long screwdriver as previously suggested is a good idea.
iv) The heat and ice is probably worth trying, it won’t cost you anything. You will need to work quickly(trying to keep the screw and group at different temperatures.
v) You may get more heat by using a hot air paint-stripping type gun but will probably damage the portafilter gasket (or more).
vi) You could grind the head off the screw remove the dispersion screen and use mole grips (vise grips in the US?) on the remaining thread. I’ve just had a look at my machine, the screw thread is 12mm long with a 5mm penetration into the group leaving just 7mm to get a grip on. This is obviously a high risk option as once started you need to ‘win’.
vii) You could strip the whole machine down to enable you to get the group in the vice to make it easier to grind screwhead/drill out screw.
Obviously I don’t know your level of ability or confidence, but if in any doubt, may I suggest that you take the machine to a repairer as this may turn out to be the quickest/most cost effective way of progressing.
iginfect Senior Member Joined: 8 Dec 2003 Posts: 346 Location: herkimer new york Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: vetrano Grinder: versalab m3 Vac Pot: yama 5 cup Drip: melior french press Roaster: hot top kn-8828p
Posted Sun Jan 18, 2004, 8:15am Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
I have the same problem and solutions that didn't work were using an l shaped screw driver with a blade too thin and small and a screwdriver head on a ratchet driver. Sears sells these screwdriver "bits" that go on my 3/8" ratchet driver but I still cannot get enough torque.
Posted Sun Jan 18, 2004, 9:05am Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
Bummer. I've re-read this thread and thought about it. I like the idea of drilling a hole directly through the driptray holder and getting a long screwdriver on it. Make certain you choose one with a very tight fit on the slot. Worse case, drill a 1/2" hole and use an impact driver. Those will remove just about anything that has threads. In this case, it would be wise to have the machine upside down, top cover removed, and bracing on the back of the grouphead.
Patience is important here. I've cussed at stuck bolts and screws many times, but never (never!) have I failed to remove one. OK, OK... once or twice I finally lost it and drilled the head off. That would be my very last resort in your situation, as the screw in this case isn't a soft metal. I'd even go at it with vicegrips first (that is, grab on the screw's head on-edge, or maybe try turning the dispersion screen itself). That will absolutely munge the screw and probably the screen, but that's a cheap replacement anyway.
The other option of course is to bring it to a repair shop. Good luck!
cafewest_tech Senior Member Joined: 22 Aug 2003 Posts: 270 Location: Medford Expertise: Professional
Posted Sat Jan 24, 2004, 9:44am Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
This screen should be cleaned weekly and the screw only needs to finger tight. Where is it going to go. Its not going to fall off with out you noticing.
koffeekev Senior Member Joined: 21 Jul 2002 Posts: 693 Location: Connecticut Expertise: Professional
Posted Sat Jan 24, 2004, 10:04am Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
When faced with this dilemma on the streets (very often in fact) I take a long, thin straight blade screwdriver and use it as a chisel. On the left most portion of the screw slot I place the end of the screwdriver and gently tap with a small hammer or wrench until it breaks loose. There have been times whem the screw needs to be replaced but most often it works well. Remember, righty tighty and lefty loosey. Kevin
rsnidjik Senior Member Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 66 Location: Dislocated Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: PID'd Silvia 230v, 110°... Grinder: Baratza Vario Vac Pot: nope Drip: nope Roaster: West Bend Poppery 1500W; am...
Posted Sat Jan 24, 2004, 3:59pm Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
koffeekev Said:
When faced with this dilemma on the streets (very often in fact) I take a long, thin straight blade screwdriver and use it as a chisel. On the left most portion of the screw slot I place the end of the screwdriver and gently tap with a small hammer or wrench until it breaks loose. There have been times whem the screw needs to be replaced but most often it works well.
iginfect Senior Member Joined: 8 Dec 2003 Posts: 346 Location: herkimer new york Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: vetrano Grinder: versalab m3 Vac Pot: yama 5 cup Drip: melior french press Roaster: hot top kn-8828p
Posted Sat Feb 28, 2004, 2:10pm Subject: Re: cleaning Silvia grouphead
Finally got it off. Every method I found posted didn't work. The replacement screens and screws arrived and with a screw driver and a vise grip, I bent the old screen and when about 50% of the area was bent, the screw was loose and a Husky screwdriver I bought at home depot, short enough to fit under and with a big blade, got the whole thing off. The screen was caked with 4 months of gunk, so much so that i was having trouble making my espresso, it took forever to get through. The replacement screw from ENW was too short, #5 metric with allen head is now in place and everything working fine. Now on to the PID.
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