Hi, all! I'm having some issues with my first gen Alexia (before they put in the PID cutouts). Even after extensive backflushing with cafiza and a descaling run, I'm very quickly building up (within, say, a week of only two shots per day) a problem where the pressure release position of the lever (pushed all the way down) doesn't release all of the pressure in the basket.

Even if I leave it down for several seconds and some water trickles out, there's a pretty terrifying sneeze when I remove the portafilter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated - thank you!

Have you check this? What is a three way solenoid valve?

THANK YOU. That led down a rabbit hole of googling and taking things apart. Turns out I have a pretty horribly worn pin on the exhaust valve. Looks like this, but worse: http://coffeetime.wdfiles.com/local--fi ... rnpins.jpg

Off to Chris Coffee for some new pins, seals and lubricant!

The pic that you linked to does not show the exhaust valve and, even then, it is difficult for me to see any wear.



See this - HOW-TO 19 Overhauling and Lubricating the E-61 Group - on this site: http://www.espressomyespresso.com/

That's the link I've been using. It was a few worn parts - the top of the group preinfusion valve was badly worn (it almost look sheared), and the group drain valve was in bad shape too. I ordered replacements for both, along with lubricant.

erics wrote:The pic that you linked to does not show the exhaust valve and, even then, it is difficult for me to see any wear.

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No it doesn't show the exhaust valve itself but it does show the pin that pushes down to open the exhaust valve. I very clearly see heavy pin wear.

Just wanted to update this. I got the replacement valves (both preinfusion and drain, since the seals were crumbled) from Chris and installed them pretty quickly along with some lubricant. The head on my old preinfusion valve was horribly worn.



It now sneezes like its old, powerful self. Thanks again for the help!