ecelis Senior Member Joined: 19 Aug 2008 Posts: 23 Location: Tampa FL Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Behmor
Posted Sat Dec 6, 2008, 10:15am Subject: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
I am having a very tough time installing a new head gasket in my Andreja Premium. I am almost positive that I have the right gasket (I bought it from Chris Coffee), although I noticed that it was slightly larger in diameter (1-2 mm) than the one that I removed (which was hard as plastic). I tried to put it in with the portafilter (first w/o a filter) and then I placed a filter. It barely goes to 6 o clock position and I notice a bulge in one side of the gasket, that I cannot push in. Should I turn the machine on so the heat makes the gasket more flexible? Or, should i remove it and apply some lubricant so it goes in easier?
faaparasite Senior Member Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 288 Location: Dallas Metroplex Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Bezzera BZ99 Grinder: Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Technivorm
Posted Sat Dec 6, 2008, 2:40pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
I generally coat mine with a very thin layer of mineral oil before installation which helps quite a bit.
However it sounds as if you may have the wrong gasket if you are getting a bulge on one side. It's very difficult to measure them with any degree of accuracy as even 1mm can make the difference between the right one and the wrong one.
Posted Sat Dec 6, 2008, 3:12pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
ecelis Said:
I am having a very tough time installing a new head gasket in my Andreja Premium. I am almost positive that I have the right gasket (I bought it from Chris Coffee), although I noticed that it was slightly larger in diameter (1-2 mm) than the one that I removed (which was hard as plastic). I tried to put it in with the portafilter (first w/o a filter) and then I placed a filter. It barely goes to 6 o clock position and I notice a bulge in one side of the gasket, that I cannot push in. Should I turn the machine on so the heat makes the gasket more flexible? Or, should i remove it and apply some lubricant so it goes in easier?
Sounds like you are putting it in backwords, pull it out, flip it over and push it on. It should go right in. If it does not contact Chris' tech support. Ed
Posted Sat Dec 27, 2008, 7:21am Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
Had the same problem with an Isomac Tea gasket, where the bubble is i took a spoon and placed it between the edge of gasket and grouphead groove pushed in toward the groove and slid the spoon while pushing in with my finger to secure in place. Like putting a bike tire onto a rim.
Also my original gasket which i think was a 9mm locked in at 7 oclock. The new recommended size 8.5mm gasket locks in around 6 oclock.
Posted Sun Dec 28, 2008, 10:38pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
There's two thicnesses of gaskets, AFAIK. 8mm and 8.5mm.
Either would work, I think, in an e61 channel. When I needed some gasket replacements for my Vetrano I believe Chris' recommended the 8.5mm when I asked.
From what you're describing I had the same trouble both putting the replacement gasket in and locking in the pf/basket after seating the gasket all the way. A bit of lube helped getting the gasket in and pressing all over eventually got it seated. With the 8.5mm gasket I can't lock in as far as I used to. I'm thinking I originally had an 8mm gasket.
Posted Sun Dec 28, 2008, 11:39pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
I ordered mine from Chris, for the Vetrano. We finally got it to go in after hours and I do mean hours of working at it. I was never so close to throwing a hammer at my "baby"! LOL I really thought I would lose my mind! I do think it is a thicker gasket and I can only get the portafilter to lock in at 6:30 if I really push it. My old gasket wasn't difficult at all to get out and even when new I had no problems getting the portafilter locked in. I also ordered the temperature gauge, whatever it is called. I don't know if it is the gasket or the gauge, but my coffee is far better than it used to be. (I think it is both) I always watched and timed carefully, but i was surprised at how off the temperature reading was! Anyway, thanks as always for the replies.
Kim (enjoying my coffee once more, even better than before)
koffeekev Senior Member Joined: 21 Jul 2002 Posts: 693 Location: Connecticut Expertise: Professional
Posted Wed Dec 31, 2008, 2:12pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
I've replaced thousands of gaskets and sometimes they are easy and sometimes they are NOT!!
When removing an old one that is impossible to get out I use a thin screwdriver and a small hammer to "crack" the gasket. Then I pry it out, usually in pieces, with the same thin screwdriver. My first preference is a right angle pick if the rubber is still soft enough.
I always use a stubby, larger screwdriver to press the new gasket in place. I start by using my fingers to press it in the best I can, sometimes it will bulge on the outside edge so I take the screwdriver and push the edge towards the middle to slide it in. If that doesn't work I remove it, apply olive oil and try again. The flatest surface goes towards the portafilter, writing goes up. Once the gasket is in place I use the screwdriver to press firmly all the way around to seat it. You can use the portafilter handle a couple of ways, remove the filter insert and seat the gasket that way or place the handle in the head with one of the tabs outside the head and turn as far as possible. Repeat with the other side.
I do this for a living and have all the tools and ability but every now and then I run into a son-of-a-gun. Filthy, bruised, burned and battered fingers are pretty common in this line of work. Hope this helps. Kevin
spinnaker007 Senior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Posts: 1,783 Location: Chicago! Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Tue Nov 3, 2009, 8:14pm Subject: Re: E61 head gasket won't go in all the way
I have just replaced my grouphead gasket. I ordered the replacement from the place where I bought my machine, but it wouldn't fit. Upon Googling around I found not all E61 were created equal. The second gasket (part #W556) I ordered from Espresso Parts snapped in place without too much of a fight.
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