La Marzocco GS/3 Steam Valve Rebuild - Remove Valve or Not?
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- Posts: 8
- Joined: 16 years ago
Can the GS/3 steam valve be rebuilt in place, by just removing the front chrome nut and pulling out the plunger and springs, or is easier and/or necessary to remove the whole valve? I got the rebuild kit, but several years ago, when I installed the burn-me wand on my early-S/N machine, I remember having a bear of a time getting the valve, pipes, and fittings bent and aligned properly. I'd love to not mess with it. Before I start, can it be done from the front in situ, or do I need to quit whining and remove the darn thing? Thanks!
John
John
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- Posts: 240
- Joined: 16 years ago
I have taken mine apart twice to clean it. It was leaking very slightly in the front occasionally when I would turn on the steam. I don't remember the exact details, but I did take it all apart and put a bit a silicon grease on it. It was not difficult at all.
Rob
BTW...how do you like the M3...love mine!
Rob
BTW...how do you like the M3...love mine!
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- Posts: 8
- Joined: 16 years ago
Thanks, Robert. I was trying to determine if it's possible to rebuild it by leaving it in place and working through the front, or if it has to be removed from the machine because the rear fitting (with the white O-ring) has to be unscrewed from the valve body as well. Guess I'll find out, as I'm going to do the rebuild later this morning.
Love the M3, perfect in every way for my application. Zero retention, awesome grind consistency and distribution, brilliant form-factor. I have a neat little scale that's accurate to a hundredth of a gram, and with the GS/3's volumetric feature, the only variable is the tamp. If I do my part, the GS/3 will deliver shots within one or two seconds of my target every time.
ANSWER: Take the valve out. The rear fitting must be removed to access the the rear spring and plunger. An easy rebuild.
Love the M3, perfect in every way for my application. Zero retention, awesome grind consistency and distribution, brilliant form-factor. I have a neat little scale that's accurate to a hundredth of a gram, and with the GS/3's volumetric feature, the only variable is the tamp. If I do my part, the GS/3 will deliver shots within one or two seconds of my target every time.
ANSWER: Take the valve out. The rear fitting must be removed to access the the rear spring and plunger. An easy rebuild.