Rancilio Silvia Maintenance

[klarinetta]

1/2 I have one thing to point out. I bought this machine two days ago and I got and instruction both in English and Icelandic on what to do before using the machine. Ok from all my searching on the net and watching vides I knew this was boiler refilling operation but on both papers they didn't tell us that this operation is called boiler refilling. In the manual in English they also talk about boiler refilling but not about the importance of that.

[klarinetta]

@klarinetta 2/2 I asked the person who sold this machine to me about boiler refilling and how often I have to do that. I saidn "Isn't like pushing the brew button and open the steam wand until water comes out ?" He said "No you only have to push the water button to refill the boiler." I wonder if that is correct ?

I'm sure you stress this out to your customers but I just wanted to point out that the importance of regularly doing this operation is not stressed out in the manual.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@klarinetta Yes, definitely; the manual is horrible, IMHO, and accounts for all the burned out boilers that we get -- and that aren't covered under warranty (much to people's frustration). This is actually what inspired us making videos -- explaining to people about steaming, temp surfing, then brewing in order to ensure a constantly full boiler. The manual is very poor in terms of content and even being updated regularly. - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ValiantVale Thanks for the tip! :D - Kat

[sessasmith1]

Thanks! I will try all that. One last question...what is a typical cost for a commercially performed descale?

Thanks,

Sarah

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sessasmith1 We perform this as part of a tune up, which also includes gasket/o-ring replacement and thorough cleaning of the brew head, etc. For us it's a $95 base charge and then, if anything is wrong with the machine after we open it up, we will provide additional estimates at that time for folks if needed. - Kat

[sessasmith1]

Hi Kat,

Thanks for your reply. She doesn't remember doing any flushing or anything except she replaces the portafilter rubber part and it started acting up after that. It drips water with the portafilter on and without it on. I haven't tried it without coffee.

Any help would be great...I'm tempted to just try and sell it as is, if it can't be a somewhat easy/inexpensive fix.

Thanks again for all your help,

Sarah

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sessasmith1 I would do a REALLY intensive descale first, as dripping and lack of pressure/water are hallmarks of scale build up. If it's never been done before, then have it commercially performed (where they can take the boiler apart) may be the way to go. Also, try taking apart the brew head again (we just posted a video of how to do this) and clean the screens really well -- if she never backflushed, then these are probably really coated. - Kat

[sessasmith1]

Hi Gail and Kat,

I have this machine, however, it's about 8 years old. I got it from my sister about a year ago and it has always just dripped espresso which takes about 10-15 minutes for 2 shots. I have tried many different sizes of grains. Also, I just took it to a machine guy and he said it would be $130 for 2 hours maintenance and probably $95 for a new pump. Do I really have to pay this? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Sarah

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sessasmith1 Does it drip very little water without the portafilter in? What about when the portafilter is in without coffee? What sort of maintenance has she performed? Check on what she has done because you might be able to resolve it that way. Feel free to msg me here if you need tips. - Kat

[cuquis77]

Should I backflush ny rancilio Silvia?? I read that if i do that i'll void the warranty

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@cuquis77 Yes, you should backflush it. Rancilio used to say this would damage the machine but they have since recanted and now are recommending it. - Kat

[FarrahB1]

Hi Kat, I just got my rancilio silvia and water is leaking from the portafilter handle and coffee is coming out VERY slow. Can u please tell me how to fix it? Thanks

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Sounds to me like your grind is too fine or your tamp is too hard. If the grind is too fine, then it will overpressure and come over the side of the portafilter, also the coffee will just drip out. I would make the grind more course or tamp a little lighter, then see how it performs. Let me know how it goes! - Kat

[FarrahB1]

Thx. Kat, I will try.

[chiccoka]

chg the gasket.Also check the fineless of your coffe.

25 sec around 25-30 ml is the reference as i know for espresso

[youtester11]

Nice video, gives basics of cleaning my fav machine. The espresso taste considerably improve if you clean regularly. I have a habit of cleaning the brewhead every time before I shut down the machine for the day.