mparra Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Greensboro Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: FrancisFrancis X5 Grinder: Rocky
Posted Thu Jul 9, 2009, 11:25am Subject: Francis Francis X5 Repair
Hello,
I have an FF X5 that started leaking around the join between the two boiler halfs. I hope this is a simple problem with the O-ring that seals these two parts together -- I have a replacement on the way and in the meantime I've gone ahead with the ugly task of removing the boiler.
Question 1: When I separated the two boiler halves, I noticed that one of the bolts securing it is slightly bent and all of them have bad corrosion of their threading. Any thing to make of that? I assume that the leak has been going on unnoticed for sometime, getting the bolts wet and causing the corrosion. These bolts should obviously be replaced but could some more dire problem have led to the bending? I've included some pics although the bend is hard to see in them -- it's very slight but I noticed it because the bold "wobbled" as I unscrewed it.
Question 2: The inside of the boiler and the heating coil are pretty grimy -- I descaled with cleancaf monthly but it's been in operation for 5+ years so I assume some buildup is to be expected. While I've got it open I want to remove as much of the buildup as I can. My question concerns the best way to clean this thing without damaging the brass. Is it okay to use a wire brush along with cleancaf?
xdavez Senior Member Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 1,157 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Professional
Espresso: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Grinder: Mazzer mini Vac Pot: none Drip: Technivorm
Posted Sat Jul 11, 2009, 11:56am Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
mparra Said:
Hello,
I have an FF X5 that started leaking around the join between the two boiler halfs. I hope this is a simple problem with the O-ring that seals these two parts together -- I have a replacement on the way and in the meantime I've gone ahead with the ugly task of removing the boiler.
Question 1: When I separated the two boiler halves, I noticed that one of the bolts securing it is slightly bent and all of them have bad corrosion of their threading. Any thing to make of that? I assume that the leak has been going on unnoticed for sometime, getting the bolts wet and causing the corrosion. These bolts should obviously be replaced but could some more dire problem have led to the bending? I've included some pics although the bend is hard to see in them -- it's very slight but I noticed it because the bold "wobbled" as I unscrewed it.
don't worry about those bolts clean 'em with a wire brush. Or a local hardware store may have NEW stainless ones.
Question 2: The inside of the boiler and the heating coil are pretty grimy -- I descaled with cleancaf monthly but it's been in operation for 5+ years so I assume some buildup is to be expected. While I've got it open I want to remove as much of the buildup as I can. My question concerns the best way to clean this thing without damaging the brass. Is it okay to use a wire brush along with cleancaf?
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Sat Jul 11, 2009, 2:05pm Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
Im not too sure about the first question, so ill leave it to someone else..
But the boiler..
Cleancaf works good for general cleaning and light descaling. A product called Dezcal does a much better job of descaling. Its made by the same company, Urnex. Id pick up some of that and soak the boilers insides in that. If you still need to use a brush, I would be gentle with it, though the dezcal should clean a good portion of it.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
zircote Senior Member Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Posts: 59 Location: Valley Forge, PA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Fiorenzato Bricoletta Grinder: Pro M Roaster: Behmoor
Posted Sun Jul 12, 2009, 9:00am Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
mparra Replace the bolts. They look like the threads have been compromised. Lowes or HD will have something close enough. Look in the hardware area. They have trays of specialty fasteners. Go with the stainless. For cleaning the boiler you can use a brass wire brush. Not steel or stainless. The brass, being the same as the boiler, will not damage or scratch the inside of the boiler. Good Luck
mparra Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Greensboro Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: FrancisFrancis X5 Grinder: Rocky
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 4:02pm Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
thank to everyone replying here. unfortunately during my dismantling of the upper part of the boiler I broke off the thermostat trying to unscrew it -- I guess the threads were stuck and instead of giving, the part just twisted off --leaving the threaded bit down in the boiler. The break is flush with the boiler top, so there's nothing to grab onto to try and back it out.
zircote Senior Member Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Posts: 59 Location: Valley Forge, PA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Fiorenzato Bricoletta Grinder: Pro M Roaster: Behmoor
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 6:41pm Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
mparra Don't panic. You can get the threaded piece out. You need some drill bits smaller than the broken piece Drill out the center of the broken piece with a 1/16" bit first Increase the size of the bit and open up the hole until the inside of the threads are exposed From here you should be able to pry the old bits of the thermostat threads out or if you are ambitious re-thread the hole When you install the new thermostat use some thermo grease
amzoun Senior Member Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 3 Location: california Expertise: Professional
Posted Fri May 18, 2012, 2:14am Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
Hello. I have the same problem as you. I need to replace the orange O-ring between the 2 part of the boiler and the head, could you please tell me where did you get the rubber seal / gasket any address or phone number ? thanks email me at amzoun2000@yahoo.com my cell number is 530-519-1514
amzoun Senior Member Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 3 Location: california Expertise: Professional
Posted Fri May 18, 2012, 2:19am Subject: Re: Francis Francis X5 Repair
Hello, I have a Francis x5 that need the orange O-ring for the boiler and head also need the 2 small o-ring for the heating elements? any one know the exact size or factory specification?. I may order them from a place where they make o-rings also I could not open the screw with the spring inside the bottom part of the boiler I mean it is inside the head , I removed the small screw that hold the stanless filter but then there is a screw that need a special key,. I used a flat big screw driver but it does not want to open ..any suggestion? I think the spring is broken and keep the head open and the steam comes down ,, when the machine is on.. lot of steam comes from the brew head ,, please help
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