fxstsb wrote:Before we get into grinders I want to fix this time problem. I could not find a procedure in my documentation. I did some internet searches and came up with some basics. There are two adjustments on the pump.I am looking for an adjustment procedure. So far the slowest water time is with the innermost adjustment all the way in, still not slow enough. 8 oz water in 23 seconds is too fast.

The problem is the grinder.

Seems pretty emphatic and there is only one grinder. I haven't got the bonus to go out and buy a Super Jolly!! Something to look forward to.

Everyone is saying its the grinder, because it is! I know when you are starting it doesn't seem right, but think of it this way. The pump can provide a lot more water flow than the shot needs. This flow is limited by the resistance of the properly ground and tamped coffee. If the grinder isn't up to the task, the coffee will not provide the appropriate resistance, and it will come out fast. Even though it may look like your grinder is creating a fine ground, thats not enough. It needs to be a very consistent ground suitable for espresso, and for that you need a minimum standard of grinder, which you do not have.

Fix that. Your attempts to adjust the bypass valve on the pump will be futile and will likely then cause you grief when you do get a suitable grinder.

Cheers, Chris

I am reading this with great interest. I am having similar problem with Rocky. Actually, I cannot make it grind any finer since any more adjustment and it will be metal on metal. If I make correct dose, it will be no more than 12g to have it underneath or lever with the ridge. If I overdose slightly, distribute very carefully, knock it down to remove the air and tamp it more than 15kg, the puck will get destroyed by screw or in worse scenario by the shower screen. The extraction time is still bit faster than I would like to have (often with channeling. I do not really know what other guys are talking about when they leveling grind with the edge of PF. I would not fit it in my Silvia at all. Hence my dilemma.

I cannot grind any finer, I cannot overdose and I am stuck with extraction time. Am I in the market for different PF or is it me? Any suggestions, please? BTW the equipment is 1 month old and I have fresh beans - maybe I am too old

You don't need a new pf, but if you feel you could do with a deeper basket to get a little more coffee in it, then they are inexpensive. I like the Synesso ones myself, but I think your machine has a standard 58mm PF so any should fit. Try a search on baskets, from memory there are plenty. Can't offer any advice on your combo directly as I've never had a Silvia.

Cheers, Chris

cmelak wrote:Actually, I cannot make it grind any finer since any more adjustment and it will be metal on metal.

Have you done the Teflon mod? Rocky's well known for thread slop, which may account for uneven grounds with inadequate fines for a proper pour. Another possibility is that the burrs are shot; see How to know grinder burrs are worn out? for more.

cmelak wrote:BTW the equipment is 1 month old and I have fresh beans - maybe I am too old

If it's any comfort, you're in good company. Search under 'Rancilio Silvia and Rocky' in the Espresso Machines FAQs for many similar tales of woe. The good news is that after much weeping and gnashing of teeth, most owners are happy with Silvia... until they invariably upgrade.

Neener, neener, neener! I have a Super Jolly. I have only made a couple of cups with it BUT, I do see a difference. I will have to play with it for awhile to give a fair report. Meanwhile I found a great place to buy coffee and tea. Nuance. They have a great but small staff. a coffee sommelier and tea sommelier too.

Psyd wrote:Babbie's rule if Fifteens:
Green beans will be good for fifteen months
Roasted Beans will be good for fifteen days
Ground beans will be good for fifteen minutes
Extracted beans will be good for fifteen seconds.

"Grinders make espresso. Espresso machines just get water hot and push it through the puck."

If the coffee isn't right, and the grinder isn't right, you have no hope of getting the espresso right.

I could probably make a better cuppa with a commercial grinder and a Krups machine than I could the other way around.
Before you start adjusting pump pressure, get good beans and a great grinder. Most everything else will take care of itself.

Guess I will get shot after this one.
My best coffee has always been through a little inexpensive device called an Air Pump.

cmelak wrote:I am having similar problem with Rocky. Actually, I cannot make it grind any finer since any more adjustment and it will be metal on metal.

Some Rocky's just can't grind fine enough to make espresso. I once tore one offender down, measured everything as good, scrupulously reassembled. The grinder went a notch or two closer to zero, but still could not grind fine enough to make espresso on the Vibiemme. 18g in a 14g basket still flowed like water. Since it's 'new,' see if you can exchange the grinder under warranty.

fxstsb wrote:Guess I will get shot after this one.
My best coffee has always been through a little inexpensive device called an Air Pump.

To each their own.