Need help with E61 valve reassembly

[Spironski]

Hi,

I just replaced some rubbers in my E61 grouphead, and it doesn't work More specifically I changed the rubbers that are in the valves that work when you pull the little lever down, you know: the tubular thing that goes down and where the water splashes out of into the driptray. Sorry for this silly explanation, I don't know how to call these things.
I think I have replaced the rubbers and screwed everything back correctly. Just now, when I do a backflush and there is pressure built up, when I move the lever down, nothing happens. Only when I pull the lever up (halfway is enough) and down again, water splashes out. It now needs that second lever movement
Also, when I do a backflush, but there is not that much pressure (when pulling the lever down too quickly) it will let water out! So it only doesn't work under pressure. It has something to do with the shafts and spring, for sure, but I can't figure out what. Does anybody know what I did wrong?

Thanks in advance,
Matthijs

Edit: Am I talking about the "pressure release valve"??

[cafeIKE]

I assume you reviewed the E61 Group Espresso Machine: Detailed Interior Schematics

Eric Svendsen labeled all the parts here


Did you get the kit from the manufacturer?



BTW, seals is a better term than rubbers, US slang for condom.

[Spironski]

Okaaaaaaaay, "Seals" it is then!

I did have a look at the magnificent schematics. But what do they teach me? I just replaced the preinfusion seal and the drain seal. Put everything together again afterwards.
It is even worse now: after some hours heating up: when I pull the lever, a howling sound, and water is pouring from the "drain chamber" (thanks Eric!)...

I did not get the seals from the manufacturer, but from a well known shop. Ah well, I must be a fool,... I'll have a look again at Eric's schematics and put everything back again, and now in the right order. Must be something like that, I guess...

[cafeIKE]

What happens if you put back the old seals, other than what was happening to make you replace them?

Any chance of getting an OEM kit?

[Spironski]

Right! I had to drill out the old seals, because they were petrified! So no old seals anymore...

The shop that provided me with these seals specifically asked what machine I was using, so I presume these are the seals I need. And I have to say: they seemed to fit.
Hmm, an OEM kit would be nice, but they will have to come from Italy,... let's see, it's thursday:.... it'll cost at least one week!.
I was thinking however, that the E61 group was using generic parts? That was one of the benefits of having a E61 group?

Am I a moron? Nobody has ever encountered such a thing?

[cafeIKE]

FWIW, I've been burned far too often with Fits : Abc, Def, Ghi, .......
OEM is usually more reliable... but I have letters stating "We never made anything like that."

Looks like you're going either have a huge headache or find a local shop for espresso

IMO, the only generic e61 part is the name.

[HB]

Just now, when I do a backflush and there is pressure built up, when I move the lever down, nothing happens. Only when I pull the lever up (halfway is enough) and down again, water splashes out... Also, when I do a backflush, but there is not that much pressure (when pulling the lever down too quickly) it will let water out! So it only doesn't work under pressure.

I'm only guessing, but it sounds like the cam shafts are sticking, potentially because the seals fit too tightly. That is, the cam(s) push the valves open, but are preventing the valve(s) from closing. A little Dow 111 lubricant may be enough to get them moving. Otherwise sourcing properly fitted E61 gaskets are the next step (see Constant dripping from E61 grouphead for suggestions).

BTW, DaveC wrote a helpful tutorial "E61 group servicing" that includes reassembly instructions. Perhaps it will help you find where things went wrong.

[Spironski]

Dan, Ian: thanks!

My machine is now working like it should I had a good look at the instructions you linked me to, and opened the E61 again. It appeared that the lower cam shaft was crooked and the seal was popping out a little because there was this tiny copper washer (?) underneath that should be on top. I fixed everything, and now it works like a shine again!

So, now I am going to make me some Kopi Luwak that I got from this Balinese cleaning lady! (it smells!)