My olympia steam valve is very hard to turn when cold? Lube?

[ricci71]

It has been a problem from the get go. Could someone tell me what lube to use(food safe) and where to get it?

Thank you.

[srobinson]

Actually you need not lube this valve. It is very similar to a valve in a sink. The usual maintenance is to replace gaskets/washers. I would remove the valve, clean it, see if the gaskets need replacing and then install. You can look at the Olympia restoration thread on the steps to bring it up to snuff. The gasket kits are orderable or you may find an equivalent gasket that you need at the hardware store if you are not going to do maintenance on the whole machine.

[ricci71]

Hello,

Thank you for the response. The machine is only four months old and the valve was like this from the moment I opened the box. To be clear, when the machine is cold it is very very hard to turn the knob. It just feels wrong!! By the way I have a Maximatic which has a diferent valve than the Cremina. Forgive me for posting this on the lever machine forum. I knew I would have better luck getting answers about Olympia machines here.

BTW, does the new Cremina have a steam wand with a ball joint? That is to say does the steam arm rotate 360 deg. From one pic you posted in your review of the new one it looks like the valve is different than the 67 in this regard.

Thanks, Vajra

?

[srobinson]

Well let me see if I can help. I took a look at the schematics on the machine and I think the internals of the valve are fairly similar to that of the Cremina. Since it is a new machine, I will assume that the gaskets are OK. Thus I think there are possibly three places that could bind. I would suggest the following:

Step 1. If you remove the white cap and then undo the screw below it, then you should be able to take the cap off. Put a small wrench on the stem and then see if you are still binding. I have seen some caps not fit well and get tight against the larger retaining nut for the valve.



If still tight then let's continue:

Step 2. the next thing that we want to look at is that retaining nut. Is it on too tight? I would back it off a half turn and then see if that helps. If the valve is still binding then on to next step.

Step 3. Remove the valve...it could have been seated too hard...note that it has threads as well:



Step 4. check the screw on the bottom...



Now put back together...put the value back in and only finger tighten. Put on the retaining nut and make sure you have free play on the valve. Put the black cap on without the screw and see if everything works. Then turn on the machine and make sure you have no leaks. If everything is smooth, you have no leaks...then screw on the cap and pop the white center back in.

With regards to your question on the steam arm of the Cremina...it is not on a ball joint. You can undo the retaining nut and position it where you like it...I tend to move them about 20 degrees to the left to assist with getting a bit more access.

[ricci71]

Thank you for posting the pics and for the tips!

When I removed the valve stem I did see some left over grease. After putting it all back together I still have the same problem.

There is a second O-Ring that fits inside the retainer nut. I assume two o-rings means more friction.

Here is one of the end.

Im not sure where to go from here.

Vajra

[srobinson]

Well if you want to lube, then let's give that a shot. What you want is food grade lubricant. I would try this from our good friend at Espressoparts.com http://www.espressoparts.com/product/PET. Seem to be sending them alot of business in my last few posts. (Terry if you are reading...49mm tampers are always welcome).

Give this a shot. Don't give up hope yet....good reason for me to take the valve off the new Cremina tonight...I bet it is the same one. Order the lube and then we'll try plan C if we need to.