We have an ECM Synchronika that we use for about 4 shots daily fairly religiously; it is about 6-7 years old. While we backflush it every 3-4 weeks and change the gasket that holds the basket every 1-2 years, I have never gone inside to clean/inspect/lubricate parts. How does one know then this is needed? or should it be done on a routine basis (and if so, how often?) I have watched a few videos and it does not seem to be difficult (famous last words).

Thanks
Ken K

When the lever starts to feel like moving it is grinding metal on metal, go in, inspect and lubricate. If the inspection shows that the rubber faces of the valves are disintegrating, replace them.

If you put a spoon behind the lever to hold the switch so that the pump runs with the brew valve closed (lever down you can do it with a finger, but the spoon doesn't feel the heat), if you see any flow managing to escape the drain or the shower-screen, then it's time to inspect the three valves and probably replace the brew (uppermost) valve.

If you see a heavy flow of water coming out the drain while brewing, then it's time to inspect the valves and probably replace the drain valve. (Drain valve should be closed while brewing)

If you see leaks coming out at the lever end of the cam, it's time to replace the gaskets and grease in there.

JRising wrote:If the inspection shows that the rubber faces of the valves are disintegrating, replace them.

do you happen to have a photo or drawing of where to check these valve faces?

See Internals of an E61. It includes detailed diagrams of all the parts John mentioned. Also worth noting:

Randy G. wrote:For more detail on the E-61 group, see these two articles on my website:
E61 Simple Lubrication
E61 Rebuild

I have viewed the videos on wholelattelove; it does not seem difficult. I have none of the issues mentioned by other posters--is it worth lubricating the parts mentioned on a "regular" basis, and, if so, about how often?

Thanks,
Ken K

Like John said, if the arm movement doesn't squeak or bind, lubricating the cams seems unnecessary. The coffee oils provide sufficient lubrication, assuming you don't use espresso cleaners like Cafiza too often.

Dan, we just use Cafiza about once a month; the cam(?) squeaks a touch for the first couple of pulls, then the coffee oil must lubricate things...

Thanks for the tips about what to look for, JRising. slybarman, I think I have enough visuals now.

WRT lubrication of seals, I assume just a thin coating of Molykote 111 does the trick...?

I will have to assemble a list of parts before I get into the machine in the event of need of replacement as opposed to just lubrication. Anyone happen to have a suggested shopping list?

Thanks to all!

kdkrone wrote:...I assume just a thin coating of Molykote 111 does the trick...?

Right, a one ounce jar of Molykote 111 / Dow Corning 111 will last a lifetime.

kdkrone wrote:Anyone happen to have a suggested shopping list?

Most vendors sell an "E61 rebuild kit" that has everything you need. I wouldn't bother getting one until you have one of the problems that John spelled out (i.e., it will be years between the need to replace valve stems, seals, etc).

Another indicator that E61 group maintenance is necessary is when you have a portafilter 'sneeze' at the end of the shot when removing the portafilter from the group. That means that the drain valve stem has excessive wear and likely the rest of the valve stems as well.

I personally backflush with Cafiza only four times a year. After each flush I lubricate the group thoroughly with Loxeal NO. 4. I don't like Molykote 111 very much, get occasional squeaking with it, but it seems like I am in the minority.