Yes, Jacob, I didn't mention it, but your mod is the reason I haven't serviced my valve yet. I rebuilt it a couple of months ago, and I've been mulling over undertaking a similar project (with all new parts). I talked to Scott from La Marzocco and he said that you could get better steaming performance if you buy a new 2-way solenoid valve with a wider orifice.

I did use bigger tubing so a wider orifice should be supported and probably be a very good idea.

erics wrote:You're correct . . . it is the valve and it would be called a "valve". The other side of the piece has the valve "face" which is replaceable and is the part that does the sealing.

Glad you posted this, Eric. It made me realize that I had the valve backwards in the photo of the exploded steam valve (the first photo in my post.) I also had the valve upside down in its close-up. I've corrected both photos.

shadowfax wrote:Yes, Jacob, I didn't mention it, but your mod is the reason I haven't serviced my valve yet. I rebuilt it a couple of months ago, and I've been mulling over undertaking a similar project (with all new parts). I talked to Scott from La Marzocco and he said that you could get better steaming performance if you buy a new 2-way solenoid valve with a wider orifice.

Nicholas, did you get a part number for the recommended solenoid valve?

I've been contemplating this mod as well, but without removing and re-purposing the tea-water solenoid. I was offered a solenoid designed for the job, but my source never came through.

My biggest hesitation is the need to make custom-length tubes with appropriate fittings between the steam boiler and solenoid, and between the solenoid and steam arm. Not something I've done before.

Not to take the thread off track, but my steam valve won't stay in the open position, pops back to the center shutting off the steam in 15-20 seconds. New steam valve needed? I have an early model, SN in the low 200's IIRC. I hesitate to use the local LM repair person, got severely ripped the last time they serviced the machine.

Peppersass wrote:Nicholas, did you get a part number for the recommended solenoid valve?

I've been contemplating this mod as well, but without removing and re-purposing the tea-water solenoid. I was offered a solenoid designed for the job, but my source never came through.

My biggest hesitation is the need to make custom-length tubes with appropriate fittings between the steam boiler and solenoid, and between the solenoid and steam arm. Not something I've done before.

I don't have the part# yet, but I am working on it. If I find anything else out, I'll let you know.

jonny wrote:hmmmm why don't strange turns of events happen to me...

You must have turned the wrong direction

I suspect Doug has all sorts of equipment heading in his direction.

The ability to rebuild a machine is supposed to be easier the higher end machines. I hope the GS/3 follows that idea since mine is only 2-1/2 months old.