Im trying to clean my E61 machine that i got used...i took the top off the group, in it was very dirty, did the descaling of it and the whole machine, now replacing my group gasket( old one was rock hard). i would like to remove the screw but its seems stuck on hard. Its got scratch marks, i guess someone tried before and didnt have luck...my screw driver isnt big enough to hold it slips out, so im trying a coin and holding it with pliers. its a Canadian quarter, but the coin is bending. I sprayed a bit of WD40 still nothing, what else could I try? do i need to go clock wise or counter clock wise? ...also to clean the dispersion screen can i just put it on my electric stove to heat it up and burn anything thats in it?? I dont have a blow torch...

thanks for the help!!

You might try some penetrating oil, I have some in a spray can. It helps with rust and should be available in hardware and auto supply stores.

Marvin

mindless_fool wrote:...also to clean the dispersion screen can i just put it on my electric stove to heat it up and burn anything thats in it?? I dont have a blow torch...

thanks for the help!!

Soak the screen in a strong Cafiza/Purocaf etc. solution then attack with a toothbrush. (like 1tsp to cup or so of off boil water) If soaking overnight doesn't loosen the crud enough to remove without the help of a zillion megawatt laser, replace the screen.

i got it off this morning, the wd40 left overnight seemed to do the trick, it wasnt as bad as i thought behind it, but i did scrub with toothbrush and Cafiza. the screen doesnt look too bad, soaked it in Cafiza and it looks all clean.

i would like to remove the screw but its seems stuck on hard . . .

Go to a hardware store and buy a hardened "fender" washer and grind the rim of the washer such that it fits the dispersion screw well.

An alternative tool would be what's called a draglink socket. With the machine upside down on a soft surface, attempt to turn the screw COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. It would be best if you have a friend hold the machine steady.

I have not yet seen a dispersion screw that NEEDED to be removed so tread carefully here because a mistake can be expensive.

I also made a tool similar to Eric's solution. I took an American quarter coin (25¢), clamped it in a vise, and filed one side to change the radius to fit the radius of the screw's slot. I hold the modified coin in the jaws of an adjustable wrench (locking pliers would also work). When reinstalling, use the coin WITHOUT the pliers, and finger tight is sufficient.

Another thought - I use the large screwdriver blade on a Swiss army knife. Rotating the blade to 90 degrees (vertical) gives you good leverage with the body of the knife, and it's a quality screwdriver blade.

*Disclaimer* I have only done this on my Elektra, not sure if the dispersion screw on an E61 is a significantly different size.

Enjoy your experience.

anyone buy or get the parts for this http://www.espressoparts.com/FKIT2

seems like standard parts "Faema group head screen screw, one La Pavoni group dispersion screw and one Nuova Simonelli group head screen"

I've installed one on my Brewtus, it required a bit of finessing for me, the BIII has quite a bit of taper into the portafilter area...the screen did not seal at all around the outside edge. I do not know if other E-61 groups are like it, I was assuming not, or it would have a different screen for the group.

I ended up countersinking the brass piece more and installing an o-ring at the outer edge under the lip of the screen. I do like it now, and I had ordered a Marzocco group screen to see if it would fit better, but have not tried it, as all is working well.

Go to the hardware store. Buy yourself a stubby handled wide bladed screwdriver. They are only a few dollars. Right tool for the right job. A fender washer or quarter will work in a pinch but there is no substitute for the right tool.