Adjusting steam pressure on a '98 Salvatore?

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doublehelix
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#1: Post by doublehelix »

I just replaced the 3-way valve on a '98 Salvatore espresso machine that I bought at Zabar's back in the last century. This model does not sport an E61 group head. I've read remarkable posts here regarding the complete tear-down and rebuild of a more modern machine and about how to install an OPV. This is an amazing machine!

After replacing the 3-way valve (Salvatore folks are great--they sent me one gratis, a few years back; long story about why I delayed installing it), I noticed that the steam on the machine is way too aggressive. But I don't think replacing the 3-way valve is connected with the apparently aggressive steam situation. At least from what I last remember. Would like to turn down the pressure--and I guess it's done through temperature/pressure control????

Now, there is a grey box (a controller of some sort) with a bright yellow button. I think this may control temperature and/or pressure?
(A screw for adjusting pressure apparently lurks below this yellow cap):
https://www.sweetmarias.com/espresso_gi ... etails.php

This is, I believe, a Sirai Pressurestat. It consists of a membrane diaphragm (plumbed to the boiler) and electrical contacts, regulating the heating coil--together, they regulate the pressure and consequently temperature within the boiler. Apparently, the membrane ages and this increases the "deadband" attenuating responsive control of the boiler pressure/temperature.

http://www.espresso-restorations.com/p-stats.html

How to adjust an espresso machine pressurestat (boiler temperature)

How touchy is this to adjust??? The mentioned link says 0.5 turn = 0.10 bar--may have to replace/rebuild the Sirai?????
Thanks!

I just ordered a new filter basket (55 mm) from EP (San Marco) that MAY fit the old Salvatore PF?