Id depends on the boiler material. I don't know what it is it could be low lead brass <0.25%, T.E.A. coated low lead brass, AISI 316L, I don't think anyone uses nickel plated brass internally any more preferring TEA. So it probably not from the boiler but from the ring group, so it should stop event...

That is a true horror of an expansion valve. You could put a more standard one in, but you would have to change the plumbing a little. A longer but of silicone tube. Plus routing the high pressure tube to the threaded and of the expansion valve. Using this or a similar expansion valve. {link}

I discuss this here "ACS waiting times" as similar comments already came up. Hopefully it will help answer your questions. I don't think LH covered it as well as he could have done, probably down to time/video length

On my Evo I use something like this. I simply open the hatch, lift the cover one end just enough to get the tip of the spout in and fill. This is for the Evo, for the Vostok it may not help as much, but could be worth a try? {image}

it should not as the dosing system is stable tech been around for a long time...the cases come with either the laser cut hole for the dosing system or no hole. I sort of wish they would have one machine front with the hole and a blanking plate, but I guess it wouldn't look as good

Trust me it does, I have seen it with my own eyes on an Izzo Pompeii

if you have the safety sleeve, the portafilter fills slightly slower which allows more air in the system. This will give you a 9 bar shot. This is because of an accident where when the clone manufacturers lowered the inlet ports (to prevent the seal passing the port (nibbling) and water passing down...

Just to clear things up...it's not loading an empty portafilter, it's designed for if a portafilter detaches during the shot. The glass will still smash, but the handle will come up relatively slowly and not cause problems. It should also be pointed out that if an empty portafilter is put in, or no ...

It forms very quickly. However if you removed the bit and then descaled with Citric acid, once above 50 or 60C I think...it passivates steel really well. So I imagine you're fine

Doubt it...I certainly wouldn't be putting them in the dishwasher