I used a butter knife and slowly got the shower screen out along with a somewhat brittle gasket. Luckily it was still plyable so removal was fairly simple. (I was dreading having to put wood screws into it or something to get some leverage).

Anyway, despite bi-weekly Cafiza backflush cleaning and bi-daily water backflushing the shower screen has some serious build up of coffee oils. Some of the holes are totally plugged. This may explain some channeling that I've been getting on occasion.

Mark

I do weekly detergent backflushes and a water flush every couple of days.

As in all things espresso, it comes down to technique.

I do a simple daily fresh water flush and a weekly chemical flush thus :

Insert the PF lightly and run the water until the 'soap' comes over the edge to bleed the air, then lock in the PF and run the pressure up full. Stop the pump and leave the lever in mid-position to soak the insides for 30 seconds, the lower the lever. Repeat 4 times.

Remove PF and rinse. Run water through group to clean. Repeat above procedure sans cleaner.

When the screen is removed, it sparkles like new.

In any case, I plan on keeping it clean in there.

I placed the new gasket in with the slight bevel facing outwards (toward the portafilter), I hope that was the right direction.

Mark

I recently took off the showerscreen on my Andreja for the first time in nine months. Much to my surprise the whole thing came off smoothly and there was no build up of grounds or other crud. My cleaning routine is much like Dan's; flush and scrub gasket and screen with the pallo coffeetool, wiggle and clear water backflush after every session. I only use detergent once a month.

I was really surprised, I pulled the shower screen off my Brewtus yesterday after reading this thread and it was spotless so I just put it back. I backflush flush after every shot and use cafiza monthly or maybe a bit less. Ever since I plumbed in the water and drain I've been really good about cleaning because I never run out of water, it seems to have paid off.

Ira

It's also possible that the previous two owners didn't take the shower screen off. Hard to say for sure. I guess this should be one of the first things done when getting a used machine, check behind the shiny exterior. Replace group gasket would be second.

Mark

mhoy wrote:I placed the new gasket in with the slight bevel facing outwards (toward the portafilter), I hope that was the right direction.

Bevel UP to mate with the lip on the upper side of the screen

Ah well, I had a 50% chance of getting it right. Should have flipped a coin.
Thanks,
Mark