Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 12:05pm Subject: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Hi, I am considering buying a brand-new Francis! Francis! X1 from a private seller. The only hitch is: the steam knob is broken off. The knob would be included in the price, it's just a matter of repairing it myself. The price is very low, so I'm considering it. How easy would it be to superglue the old knob or have it replaced? I looked for similar topics on CG but only found info on Rancilio Silvia's. Thanks!
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 3:46pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
read the CG reviews of eh FF machines before purchase. If you are serious about espresso, and thinking about long-term ownership, you may wish to reconsider the purchase. These machines are very well known for their good looks, and not for their ability to make good espresso.
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 6:02pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Not sure about the FF machines for sure, but most steam knobs I've seen are pushed onto the valve shaft and are held in place by a small piece of spring steel inside the plastic (usually) knob. The FF is probably similar. The one on my Gaggia was tough to get off because of the shape, but I used one of those grippy rubber sheets that are helpful for opening jars and things like that and it came off after some pulling. Maybe that helps?
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 7:04pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Thanks. I'm well aware of the FF reviews on CG. I should state that this is solely for use at the office. I have a fine Gaggia at home. I like the style of the FF and actually have an X1, but it's older and has the aluminum boiler. I want a newer one w/ brass instead. I'm just wondering about how to fix the steam knob, that's all. The photos show the steam knob w/ a brass-looking stem, then another piece that is a small brass-looking cylinder. I'm guessing this is the part that fits inside the machine. The owner said the steam knob could either be superglued back on or replaced. Any thoughts?
cafewest_tech Senior Member Joined: 22 Aug 2003 Posts: 262 Location: Medford Expertise: Professional
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 7:10pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Hi The F/F knobs are easy to fix unless the brass shaft is broken inside. There is a hole by the wand on the body that you insert a screwdriver. Depending on the age it could be a straight blade or a phillips #1. Loosen the screw and remove the old shaft. The steam valve is 1 piece. The knob and shaft are molded together. Lube the threads before you insert the valve into the manifold. Tighten the screw but not to tight. Jerry
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 7:15pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Aha! I think the problem is that the knob and the shaft got broken during shipping, hence the reason the seller is selling it. I will see if I can get the photos and post them here. At this point, there is a hole in the body of the machine where the knob used to be. Found the photos, here they are:
Posted Sat Mar 22, 2008, 7:21pm Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
EspressofaninFC Said:
Aha! I think the problem is that the knob and the shaft got broken during shipping, hence the reason the seller is selling it. I will see if I can get the photos and post them here. At this point, there is a hole in the body of the machine where the knob used to be. Found the photos, here they are:
cafewest_tech Senior Member Joined: 22 Aug 2003 Posts: 262 Location: Medford Expertise: Professional
Posted Sun Mar 23, 2008, 4:32am Subject: Re: Broken steam knob - how easy to fix?
Hi There are 2 screws on the face of the machine. Remove them and the face will move forward. There are 4 screws on the lower sides of the machine. Remove them and the top half of the machine will slide backwards, but be careful not to catch any wires or thermostat tube. The steam manifold is now exposed. If it broke off in shipping you may be able to remove it. Be sure to loosen the set screw before you try. Jerry
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