John -

Thanks for posting that info on the FloJet - yes, I believe it would work. The "lab" pump was actually a good deal on Ebay - I hooked five for $165 total but that doesn't mean didily if they don't pass muster.

I will look into that Flojet model.

Great. And I'll be happy to test the kit/instructions when you have everything put together . I guess what I'm most concerned about is disconnecting the water line at its undersink junction and getting a leakproof connection to the pump.

Great post that has made me want to descale my Rancilio S27. I have the citric acid and just want to clarify how to best approach the project.

My plan is to mix about a gallon (or more) of the citric acid solution in a bucket and unhook my water line and use a short piece of water line dropped into the bucket. My S27 will be able to pull the solution up.

Is there a preferred way to introduce the solution into the boiler and displace the fresh water? Or is it as simple as drawing hot water from the hot water spout and have the pump pull in the solution? I'm also thinking rather than overfill the boiler, I'll just push the probe all the way intt the boiler. This will fill the boiler more than normal and should get above the water line. Would it be better to overfill?

Thanks for setting me in the right direction.

Joe

Joe - some quickies cause its late -

I would contact the retailer of your machine and see if they have any tips/tricks re descaling specifically for the S27.

Put the bucket on the countertop or in the sink vice on the floor. Pretend as though it's "be kind to my pump" day.

Try to syphon out the bulk of the water in the boiler first. Disconnect the heating element and let the boiler fill normally. Pushing the probe further into the boiler (may not be possible) would LOWER the water level. Momentarily disconnect the probe lead and the boiler will overfill. Take it slow and easy here to avoid a big leak.

Let the solution sit in the boiler for an hour or so. Maybe momentarily apply some heat.

Get a good water treatment system prior to the machine - test your water's hardness.

Well, I Managed to descale yesterday and all went well. I grounded out the autofill sensor and flooded the boiler. I let it sit for 90 minutes or so and flushed it 4 times each time pumping water out of the steam wand. Got some junk out but overall not too bad. Strange thing the pressure stat, while it holds the pressure fine, doesn't click like it used to and makes a mild hissing noise. Kind of curious as to why. Machine runs great otherwise.

Joe

Is this a bit too much scale for my Rancilio Silvia?

Before. Pic 1


Before. Pic 2


After.


Not 100% perfect cleaning, but MUCH better than before! I'll more than likely run something through the machine to descale it, I just bought this machine yesterday and I wanted to get it mostly cleaned up/out and running... the shots taste great, the machine runs great, no complaints about the Silvia.

Link to my recent post with my descaling experience.
http://www.home-barista.com/knockbox/rancilio-silvia-descaling-pictures-t8279.html