Anita started leaking around the cam gaskets so I ordered a pair and would like to replace them.

I found the exploded E61 diagram at the Chris' Coffee website, which was nice to see, but no helpful FAQ on the steps to disassemble the levetta and replace the gaskets.

Also mentioned was the need for "food grade lubricant," which I do not have. I imagine it goes inside the levetta's moving parts and on the flat surfaces of the gaskets.

First - has anyone done this job and do they have any tips?

Second - do I need to find some "food grade lubricant" before I even get into this? If so, would this be something common enough to find at a local restaurant supply?

Last - Other than shower screens and gaskets, what kind of spare parts do HX machine users keep around for their machines? I've had some minor problems (pressure stat, float for the float switch) and I'd like to be prepared for future stuff.

Thanks!

Ann

Chris sells the lube.

I keep a head gasket, vacuum breaker, pressurestat and a micro switch (the one the group lever operates) in my cabinet.

For detailed e61 style group diagrams take a look at the E61 Group Espresso Machine: Detailed Interior Schematics

Also see How do you lubricate a squeaky E61 lever mechanism?

Let me toss in that with backflushing, you will wash out that lubricant. Keeping the machine clean with a regular backflushing regiment is needed, but you can over clean. The cam relies on the coffee oils for lubrication. That is why a freshly cleaned machine has a tendency to squeak. You washed all the oils off, pull a seasoning shot or two and the lever suddenly stops squeaking. It is now re-lubricated with the coffee oils.

I've noticed that the levetta squeaks after I detergent flush until I make that first, after cleaning, sink shot. I'd figured that was the oils from coffee - which is kind of ironic, because that was what I am cleaning out! Oh well, I guess its "new" oil, vs "old" oil!

I'll order that food grade lubricant from Chris with a few additional spare parts that Cannonfodder mentioned - minus the pressurestat, since we've already been there in November.

I couldn't see justifying the shipping for the lube without ordering some other odds and ends, and even if I don't use them - I figure they will be useful for who ever buys Anita when I upgrade - since hopefully, that will be soon.

Anyway, I've seen Lino's drawing before. Between that and this:

http://www.chriscoffee.com/faq#25

I know what goes where - but I was wondering, is there anything special I need to know in taking the levetta assembly apart and replacing the cam gaskets?

I'm hoping someone has some tips from experience, like, don't torque one assembly too hard, or make sure and lube one assembly or another especially well, or use a particular tool - that sort of thing.

I'm happy to talk to tech support at Chris' coffee as well, but those guys work on these machines all the time and I'd welcome more of a user perspective! Sometimes what is easy for them, is not as obvious to someone who does not get inside their machine very often.

Ann

... topics merged by moderator....

Hi...there was no FAQ on Chris' website for this...can someone please help?...do I loosen (remove the large nut that seems to attach the entire lever assembly?
TIA

I just replaced the gaskets on my E61 Bric lever a couple months ago so hope I remember!

First remove the big top nut and the mushroom. Actually first turn the sucker off and cool down! Ok moving on. IIRC next after removing the mushroom simply unscrew the large flathead screw on the r/h side of the lever. On mine there are two nuts between the lever and group body and honestly don't remember which if either needed to be loosened. Seems like only the outer but maybe not even that. It was not that hard to figure out, but hard to remember the details from only doing it once. If you haven't already ordered the lever gaskets advise also ordering a new nylon gasket for that big top nut just in case it won't reseal properly with the old one.

miKe mcKoffee wrote:I just replaced the gaskets on my E61 Bric lever a couple months ago so hope I remember!

First remove the big top nut and the mushroom. Actually first turn the sucker off and cool down! Ok moving on. IIRC next after removing the mushroom simply unscrew the large flathead screw on the r/h side of the lever. On mine there are two nuts between the lever and group body and honestly don't remember which if either needed to be loosened. Seems like only the outer but maybe not even that. It was not that hard to figure out, but hard to remember the details from only doing it once. If you haven't already ordered the lever gaskets advise also ordering a new nylon gasket for that big top nut just in case it won't reseal properly with the old one.

Thanks, Mike...I found a blow up on CC's site that helped as well....took a bit of elbow grease to get the big portion screwed on, the flangy piece of metal has to be facing properly...didn't want to cross thread...man, the lever is tighter...like it used to be...funny, though, the gaskets i removed were not hard...they were still flexible, though they were kind of fused into 1, but easily separated.
Tried her out...no leaks...so far....pulling shots later....

Ann:

I use a "food grade lubricant" on a meat slicer at my coffee house. The lubricant is called "Lubri-Film Plus" (Extended Performance Sanitary Lubricant) by Haynes Manufacturing Company. I hope this helps.

René

Dragging out an old horse.... but how do you get that main shaft back in (#517697 on the diagram on chris' website: http://www.chriscoffee.com/faq the one with the cam on the end)? There's two nuts inside the grouphead (I think the bottom is the purge valve) and I think the cam is suppose to fit between the nuts, but it's pretty bloody tight. Bigger hammer??