Izzo Alex Leva Cup Steamer Valve Leak - Page 2

February 4th, 2021, 4:13 pm

JohnB. wrote:You'd have to remove it & look in from the other end. If it's like the shut off/drain valves used on boilers there's a ball inside sitting in a teflon cup. These are held in place by a threaded fitting that can be removed or tightened using an allen wrench.

You are correct. The side port comes out with a 6mm hex key. The leak was caused by a pitted ball. The pitting is just at the edge of the seal, allowing steam to bypass when shut. Now I need a new valve to use the cup steamer. I have installed a 1/8" BSPT plug in the boiler port so that I can continue to use the machine.

Here are key photos of disassembled side port and pitted ball:

#12: Post by **JohnB.** » February 4th, 2021, 4:27 pm

How long has that valve been in service?

February 4th, 2021, 4:38 pm

I bought the machine new in October 2019; so in use for about 15 months.

February 4th, 2021, 8:21 pm

I'm surprised to see that kind of damage to the brass ball after only 15 months. I'm still using similar straight shut offs on the Speedster's boiler drain lines that have been in service for a decade. I've changed the o'ring seal at the control end a couple times but the brass balls are still fine.

February 4th, 2021, 10:42 pm

Possible manufacturing defect. The other side of the ball is very smooth.

#16: Post by **Nick111** » February 7th, 2021, 12:35 pm

Thanks to both of you.
Same here.In addition to the ball ,the Teflon seal was deformed.

February 8th, 2021, 11:13 am

I'm not going to replace the valve since I hardly used it. Locating the valve under the drip tray is really inconvenient.
I did send an inquiry to Izzo about getting a replacement valve; however, I've gotten no reply.

#18: Post by **Nick111** » February 8th, 2021, 11:59 am

I rarely use it myself, mine is on the side and very easy to access.
I emailed the dealer and wait for a response from the manufacturer.
Found the part at one of the European dealers for the obscene price of 60 euro.
Did some searching and the best price I have found is this:(the spec is for 80 degrees Celsius ?)
https://www.hoses.co.uk/valves/aignep-v ... lve-aignep
https://www.akvalvesltd.com/products/ai ... 6044522601

February 9th, 2021, 10:38 am

I saw similar valves on a couple of US sites and these also were rated for use at 80 C. Steam temperature from boiler is 127 C. Not sure if this is significant for very short periodic use. For a persistent steam leak, perhaps this could allow for more deformation of the valve seats. Pitting of the brass ball would not be expected though.

#20: Post by **Nick111** » February 18th, 2021, 8:55 am

The dealer is sending me the part free of charge. I pay for the shipping.

Edit Feb.20,the part arrived today.It was shipped from Izzo in Italy.
I have to give credit to the Swedish dealer and Izzo for responding to my situation.