Thanks, AssafL, for the very detailed and clear explanation. When I said I traced the source of the steam I did not actually open up the GS3 but rather I made note of where the steam was coming from (the left-most of the 3 outlets at the right side of the machine that exit into the lip of the tray) and then followed the line in the diagram on the parts catalog (p18) to the Safety Valve Protection container (p.33). So, I am pretty sure it is coming from the Safety Valve Protection container (unless the lines are crossed internally). The steam leak is small enough that it does not seem to affect performance and I use an internal reservoir so no serious danger if it eventually fails open but I can't leave the system on for long periods (just long enough to make a coffee and then turn it off or I would probably raise the humidity in my house!).

So, I will need to eventually fix it. But from what I have gathered so far, I might as well also replace the Vacuum Breaker Valve you mentioned on my 2.5 year old GS3. I have not opened the machine since new but I did do the Strada pressure gauge mod so I think I have the aptitude and correct attitude to repair this myself. I just want to get all the parts I will need in advance and do it all at once. So, your thread was fortuitous when it showed up on a search for my problem. The preventive maintenance you mentioned is pretty much what I want to do.

I agree with Assaf that it's much more likely the vacuum breaker is leaking. It's entirely possible that someone connected the plastic tubes to the wrong outlets. Not hard to do.

That said, while a leaking vacuum breaker is a normal maintenance item, a leaking OPV is not. I suggest you open the machine and determine the origin of the leak. You can put off changing the vacuum breaker, but I wouldn't delay if it's the OPV. Although a leaking OPV doesn't necessarily mean that the valve won't function if the steam boiler pressure rises beyond safe limits, I wouldn't take any chances.

OK, an actual internal inspection is in order then. Thanks for the info.

This just saved me from upgrading. My PSTAT just failed on my ECM, after about two years. This is the second part failure in the last 90 days. I too noticed how fragile plastic had become. When I replace the PSTAT I am going to look hard @ other switches that may be ready to fail.

Meanwhile, the Cremina marches on.

Some plastics can last for decades, some don't. Also, as usual with plastics, getting any organic dissolver on them will shorten their life. I think that the espresso machine cleaner (over time) ruins the drain tray.

Strange about the pstat going bad. Is is a Sirai? shouldn't go bad after 2 years... maybe it is in an extra hot location?

Simple is always better from a reliability standpoint. Having a commercial grade machine at home means commercial grade support and means commercially priced spare parts. Meanwhile, very little can ever go wrong on a La Pavoni. Fixed one salvaged for friends and the old ones are so simple it is mind boggling. Literally loose wire and a gasket replacement....

jwCrema wrote:This just saved me from upgrading. My PSTAT just failed on my ECM, after about two years. This is the second part failure in the last 90 days. I too noticed how fragile plastic had become. When I replace the PSTAT I am going to look hard @ other switches that may be ready to fail.

Meanwhile, the Cremina marches on.

If you mean you decided not to upgrade to a GS/3, then you may be overreacting. The GS/3 is made with high-quality parts. Premature failures are rare. When someone posts about such a failure here, it doesn't mean it's common. More likely it's a fluke. It happens with many products.

Over a long period of time, even the best parts may eventually need replacement due to constant heat exposure and/or frequency cycling. This is normal and expected. Thus, all espresso machines need maintenance. Most are designed to be used in a commercial environment where technicians are periodically brought in to perform service. When such machines are brought into the home environment, the owner should be prepared to do some maintenance or bear the expense of having a trained technician do it.

+1.

And backed by stellar support from the LMUSA team. And I mean stellar. One of my two-three favorite vendors.

(you won't be needing this - but LM helped me convert my machine to 220v when I moved; and they created a special FW version for my experiments doing long pre-infusions - how many vendors will do that? - read how some vendors won't even answer emails... let alone help with mods...).

Dick and I also purchased the machine after Franke ditched LM and the US team had the firesale. These were low SN machines that were not always handled gently by Franke (or whomever stored them). So many of the issues I discuss are no longer relevant (see the machine updates PPT - all those listed are no longer a problem).

AssafL wrote:Some plastics can last for decades, some don't. Also, as usual with plastics, getting any organic dissolver on them will shorten their life. I think that the espresso machine cleaner (over time) ruins the drain tray.

Strange about the pstat going bad. Is is a Sirai? shouldn't go bad after 2 years... maybe it is in an extra hot location?

The ECM's stainless steel construction is extremely high quality. I was planning on rebuilding my 1985 Cremina, but found it in unused condition when I unpackaged it. Oddly I find myself wondering if I will end up rebuilding a soon to be 3 year old machine. I have no qualms replacing electricals, just didn't think I would.

In retrospect, I have left the ECM on for longer periods than I needed to, which contributed to things getting brittle this soon. If I do upgrade I would probably do a Linea Mini.

Peppersass wrote:I agree with Assaf that it's much more likely the vacuum breaker is leaking. It's entirely possible that someone connected the plastic tubes to the wrong outlets. Not hard to do...

Indeed the plastic tubes had been switched. The leaker actually went to the Vacuum Breaker. That is a relief because I think the Safety Valve Protection (OPV) container is meant to contain and redirect the release of steam due to a catastrophic failure (if it works I guess it is not really a failure) rather than a chronic dribble which would condense inside the container over time causing a mess. And the Vacuum Breaker is easily accessible. I feel better now about using it while I wait for parts.

I wish I had previously known about the now ended discount on the new MP group and O-ring retrofit kit http://www.lamarzoccousa.com/wp-content ... te-Kit.pdf because I am also due for a O-ring replacement and paddle service. La Marzocco claims a 4-fold increase in service life.