Sideways Sirai pressurestat

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SpromoSapiens
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#1: Post by SpromoSapiens »

Howdy Folks,
I've finally gotten my Conti Club 1-group running well enough to determine that the water's just too dang hot. Shots are consistently on the bitter side and are surprisingly hot at first sip, and though I know I've got some finesse yet to learn in terms of the cooling flush, I'm coming to realize that a boiler pressure deadband of about 1.2-1.4 is problematic. It's got a Sirai pressurestat, and though I've never adjusted any sort of pressurestat before, this one seems unusual as it is apparently mounted sideways.


Also notable is that the yellow screw is missing. The black cover freely slides about 1/3 of the way off, but I can't maneuver it off completely. Having never worked with one before I'm not sure where the adjustment screw is, but if it's necessary to remove the entire black cover in order to access it -- well that's just going to be very inconvenient. If it has to be done then it has to be done. Looks to me like it's mounted to a single L-shaped bracket, with the water and electrical lines coming out to the left towards the back of the machine. Am I going to have to shut everything down & disconnect everything in order to gain access to this pressurestat?


Thanks for your thoughts!

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allon
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#2: Post by allon »

You might be able to pull it partway off, then gently bend the ears out a little and slip the cover off sideways. I'd turn the machine off while doing this, just so if you screw up and brush a terminal with your hand you don't get a shock.

Don't force it - that's a plastic lid, yes? Don't bend too far or it'll break. You might not be able to finesse it off.

Underneath there is a large slotted adjustment screw. It's got a raised ring with two notches so you might need a wide stubby screwdriver to get in there. The adjustment is very fine, so it might take a few turns.
LMWDP #331

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Chert
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#3: Post by Chert »

Right angle flathead screwdriver, perhaps?
LMWDP #198

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cannonfodder
Team HB
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#4: Post by cannonfodder »

A Sirai has a large deadband but that seems a little high. Your pressure is also quite high. Try turning it down to 1.2 or 1.1 at the top of cycle.
Dave Stephens

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normriff
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#5: Post by normriff »

Is there another cover plate that can be removed to allow more direct access to the adjusting hole that i'm sure is in that type of pressostat cover?
Norm Riffle
The Original "It's A Grind", Portland Oregon - Espresso and Coffee Equipment Specialist since 1992

DJF
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#6: Post by DJF »

It would not be designed so you have to pull the stat out to adjust it. The front panel is removable to get easy access to the little screw..

The lovely Italians can be quirky but not that quirky.
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I don't think so."

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SpromoSapiens (original poster)
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#7: Post by SpromoSapiens (original poster) »

Ah, Dr. Dregs, your logic is sound... But this infernal brew-beast was built by the French! It's not terribly difficult to access the innards from the front, although it's not exactly convenient either (remove drip tray, 4 allen screws, 2 flathead screws). Even then, I'm not sure the adjustment screw will be accessible, but I'll give it a try anyway. Based on Allon's description, though, it sounds like the Sirai's lid has been modified to account for this irrational arrangement. Is the adjustment screw actually visible in this photo?


If that's the notched adjustment screw as Allon described, then this might not be too big a hassle after all. Either the right-angle screwdriver as Chert suggested or access straight through the front panel will hopefully get me back on track. There's no visible "+/-" signal, though, so can anyone confirm if it's counter-clockwise for lower pressure, or the other way around?

There's definitely no removing the black cover of the Sirai. The plastic's not pliable enough to pry it off without breaking, and I can only slide it about about an inch and a half up.

kitt
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#8: Post by kitt »

Yes, that screw visible is the adjustment.On most Sirai there is a hole for adjustment and a smaller one for a screw to hold the cover on.Turn clockwise to reduce pressure, anti-clockwise to increase pressure.As previous poster says, it can take a few turns with these.They are not like smaller maters etc where a small movement can make a big difference.Good luck

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SpromoSapiens (original poster)
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#9: Post by SpromoSapiens (original poster) »

Thanks once again, everyone, for your invaluable tips. I got in there and gave it a good three full turns clockwise, which was an improvement but was still a bit hot. Went to the SCAA Expo in Portland this past weekend, got home and gave the 'stat one more full turn today. Finally reading at roughly 1.1 at the top of the cycle, I'm getting the creamy body, bitter-free deep chocolates and lively fruits I've been after. If anything's off from here on in I can safely assume it will have more to do with rest, grind, dose & tamp.
Thanks again!

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HB
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#10: Post by HB »

kitt wrote:Turn clockwise to reduce pressure, anti-clockwise to increase pressure.
I believe that for the Sirai, it is counterclockwise for reducing pressure, clockwise for increasing pressure. See How to adjust an espresso machine pressurestat (boiler temperature) for other details.
Dan Kehn

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