Hello Everyone,

Briefly. Lurked since 2 yrs ago. Bought an Astra Mega SC 110v pour over unit about 18 months ago as my first machine. Slowly building skills.

Recent problem was that the fill cycle did not stop and the PRV opened. Cleaned the water level probe and works fine now but also determined that the vacuum breaker (VB) was stuck in the closed position. Tapped the VB center piston lightly down and it moved freely- hissed loudly when unit reheated and did not stop. PSTAT cycles ON at 1.4 bar and OFF at 1.6 bar. VB removed and cleaned- still continually hisses at a reduced level but does not seal. Will clean it one more time but it seemed good last time.

Plan is to replace the VB now and possibly do a tear down and thorough cleaning this summer.

The copper tubing connections are flared and I would like to see if I can replace them with teflon tubing and fittings that I can more easily work with whenever the need arises. I may well damage some tubing during the tear down and want to know my options. I've used a flaring tool and soldered and brazed copper in the past but no longer have the tools or inclination if it can be avoided.

Can I convert any/all the copper tubing to teflon tubing?

Does the tubing need to have SS braiding or is plain OK? The 250psi or 500psi rating?

If you have replaced copper tubing with teflon, what type of connectors were available- barbed, compression, threaded adapter to the existing fitting..?

Did the espresso parts/ repair companies have these or should I check with one of the industrial supply companies?

Thanks for any assistance.
Regards, Mike

Hello Erics,

Thanks for the reply. I will confirm proper replacement size of the O-ring or replace the whole valve.

The pressure gauge does not return to "zero" rather it rests at approx 0.5 bar when the Astra is cold.
I think there were some threads regarding alternate methods to check boiler pressure (attach a gauge to the steam wand?)- I will search for those.

If I replaced the boiler pressure gauge I would consider a dual gauge. I wanted to know my tubing options since I expect some extra connections would be needed. Will check the threads re pressure gauges also.

Thanks again for the info,

Regards, Mike