Hi all,

Yesterday I opened my Baby Twin to switch the stock plastic OPV for the brass adjustable OPV from Gaggia Classic, a well known mod.

Surprisingly, after I opened the machine (AND cut the stock red hose that joins old OPV to water inlet) I discovered that some stupid technician glued the stock OPV to the pump exit. It seems like an epoxy adhesive, maybe Araldite, don't know.

The fact is that I can't remove the stock OPV (plastic) because it's stuck to the plastic exit from pump. I'm applying a great degree of force to loose it without success and I feel that a little more force will break the pump exit tube.

Does anyone have a solution for this?

Thank you,

Leonardo

Try some heat, to the brass only, not too much. Heat will expand the metal and also weaken the glue or thread lock or whatever it is. If that does not work you might have to break off the plastic valve and carefully chip out the pieces. An easy-out might be of use once the "nipple" of the valve is all that is left.
KDM

Well, thanks for replying.

The parts aren't brass, both are plastic.

I think I'll try some hot water and a little more torque to see what happens.

Leonardo

If it is plastic to plastic and glued I don't think there will be a happy ending here. Plastic glue "melts" the items and dries as one piece. You might need to replace both parts.
KDM

leopm wrote:The fact is that I can't remove the stock OPV (plastic) because it's stuck to the plastic exit from pump.

As I recall, isn't the plastic OPV set to open at like 12-13 bar, or somesuch? If that's the case, you could probably just leave the plastic OPV where it's at and install the Classic OPV like normal. Provided everything functions as designed, the brass OPV will open long before the plastic one. Also, you could likely tie the two outlet hoses together with a tee of some variety so in case either opens the water is still directed to the reservoir.

Guys,

Thanks for the answers.

The solution of both OPVs doesn't apply to my case, since there is a strong leak in the stock OPV and it needs to be replaced.

I got a used tube from another Ulka. Gonna test it. Wish me luck.

Leonardo