E61 Brew Group Rebuild Kits are available here in Simple, Moderate and Major versions: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/maintenance-packages We had a lot of requests and are happy to make them available!
Hi! Thanks for doing all of those very informal and detailed videos, they helped me immensely in understanding how my machine works. The e61 brew group kits seem out of stock at the moment. Do you have an idea as to when they will be again? I just yesterday opened my machine after finding a small leak due to my t-shaped plastic piece being cracked and now I feel like i should also do a bigger maintenance on my machine since it's now been almost two years. Thank you so much!
It’s support like this which Whole Latte Love has provided me for the better part of two decades that I will **always** buy all my coffee gear from them. I had a stiff, creaking brew lever, reached out to technical support chat who directed me to this video, and half an hour later I have a machine that feels better than brand new. Thank you!
Videos like this increase the value of RUclips as a whole. Other suggestions were like watching a guy spitting water into another guy 🤦🏻. Thank you so much
It's always a good idea to let a technician explain technical issues. Another technician understands him on-the-fly, because he´s ineloquent and always matter-of-facty. Thank you very much for this great video. It was most helpful.
I know this is an old video, but what a gem! I just bought a brand new Lelit Mara X, and in few months I will be installing a flow control on it, and in 12 or so months I will service it like this for the first time! Amazing tutorial, saving this gold for later when the time comes, but now I know how the E61 works in detail!❤
Thank you so much for this great video. Without this tutorial, I would not have had the courage to do this maintenance work myself and I would have had to take the machine in for service. That would have cost me a lot of time and effort. You guys are great.
Videos like this increase the value of RUclips as a whole. Other suggestions were like watching a guy spitting water onto another guy's face 🤦🏻. Thank you so much and please keep up the good work. It would be great to see you do this on commercial machines too
Thank you! Followed this video to replace all the gaskets and valves in my mom's machine's grouphead and now it's back to heating up properly again. You guys have the best videos on how to service your machines.
Thanks for this great video - it finally gave me the courage to disassemble and review my ECM Classica II brew group, which worked just fine! Great work. Greetings from Germany
Brian & Mark, thanks so much for this presentation, you guys are the best. The lever on my Crem One 2BRP-GSP was creaking and stiff on closing, particularly after cleaning, so followed your tutorial, took my time, followed the steps, sparingly used a quality lubricant and WOW. What a difference, now operating smoothly and easily. If anyone is thinking their machine needs this service - do it, you won't regret it, get the right tools, be patient, take your time. I'm only 12 months into my coffee journey and Whole Latte Love have taught me so much with no confusion, just simple real world advice. Many thanks to you all, from The Land Downunder.
Can always count on Whole Latte Love for the most helpful video! If I was in the US, they're the one I will support. Thanks so much for this video. I remember the first time I tried doing this 3 years ago, I hit a problem which I couldn't figure out and took me a long time to wiggle the thing in. It was the reassembly process for the cam switch thingy. When I found this video, i thought of giving it another shot, and what do you know, I got through it all like a pro. THANK YOU!!
Thanks for this excellent video! With it, I was able to reinstall my cam stopper screw that had come loose and save my machine a trip back to Italy for service!
Thank you guys for the absolute perfect video tutorial for this. I recently just got a 2 year old Rocket Mozzafiato Evo R, and had the squeaky lever. This completely fixed that, also was nice to get to know E61 a little better.
The video was vital. I had rinsed my Profitec Drive with Cafiza and her lever had stiffened quite a bit. The problem is not the disassembly, but the reassembly: the camshaft did not fit into its housing. The solution was to dismantle the water drain at the bottom, to lower the infusion valve, insert the camshaft and screw it back in, reinserting the valve below. I broke out in a cold sweat, but I'm happy now!
Hi f, Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. Gotta be careful not to overdue the backflushing with Cafiza. Do plain water backflushes at anytime but limit backflushing with Cafiza to every 120 brew cycles. Overdoing the Cafiza removes lubrication from internal components.
@@Wholelattelovepage Yes, you are right, Cafiza is really strong and should be used sparingly. Now the lever is soft, but above all I avoided premature wear of the camshaft, as I heard it squealing with every coffee. Thanks again for your videos!
Just wanted to say thanks for the video, I had an issue with the portafilter holding water and next to nothing coming out the exhaust. I followed this and replaced the mushroom o-ring and it's working perfectly again
Great video. It's actually made me reconsider getting a used machine, especially if it's been used with unfiltered hard water and not maintained. It makes me very uneasy seeing those adjustable wrenches though, surely correct size spanners can be sourced?
Such a clear and well presented video. Really gives me faith to get an EcM machine knowing that it is well supported. How often and how to tell that the machine needs such maintenance?
Hi jz, Thanks for the comment. In typical home use frequency is 6-12 months. Chances are you will not be needing full rebuild. Tell tale signs are performance issues or squeaks when operating lever which indicates need fro lubrication.
Brian, kudos. Excellent organization and presentation. Thank you. I've watched a number of other videos, but this is the best I've seen: straightforward, not high-falutin' and super helpful in overcoming concerns about undertaking a rebuild After watching, I understand the relationship of the parts and their purpose.Again, many thanks for this lucid treatment!
This is a fantastic video; as most are. I have a squeaky lever so I am following the steps in the video to lubricate and change gaskets if required. I am finding it difficult space wise, and a bit apprehensive about slippage or damage, using two adjustable wrenches to open up the lever, so I purchased two open end wrenches at 24mm and 26mm (sizes quoted in another video by others - I hope those sizes are universal for E61 groups… ) They arrive later this week.
@@Wholelattelovepage Update: Well, one of the wrenches (24mm) arrived today, and it does not fit (too big on the smaller nut.). So, I guess the other video I watched where the 24 and 26mm sizes were mentioned for the lever nuts, means the nut sizes are not universal. I have sent an email to ECM to ask what wrench sizes to use for removal those two lever parts.
Update 2: OK, final update on this. I heard back from ECM Customer Service in Germany and they advised the size of the open end wrenches for the Synchronika brew lever removal are 22mm and 26mm. I checked with my two newly-purchased wrenches today, and confirm those are the sizes that fit the nuts.
Hi Team from Whole Latte Love! Great Video as always, really digging the recent additions on maintenance and servicing videos to the channel. My La Scala Butterfly (Probably a mid-2000s Model) leaked on the Group Lever and since I took it over by my step dad last year, I thought it would be the right time to give it a thorough overhaul. Backed up by your detailed instruction video, I went ahead with a full group head maintenance, exchanging all seals and valves. So far so good, no leaking at any point of the group anymore. However, the group head does not seem to release pressure through the lower end as it used to. I do get a couple of drips, yet I feel the pressure releasing when I take off the portafilter and find a substantial amount of water on the top of the puck. I have disassembled and reassembled several times, and as far as I can tell from your video, I put it together correctly. Any suggestions about how I might be able to fix the issue? Regards from Austria!!
My machine does the exact sam thing now! Did you find a way to fix it? No pressure in the bottom, all the pressure in the portafilter group head. And a pool of water on top of the puck. Hope you can enlighten me. Thanks from Søren, Denmark
Hi, thanks for the comment. It's possible but could be other issues as well like water restriction elsewhere in the machine, dirty particle filter near reservoir outlet (if machine has), improper over pressure valve setting on vibration pump machine or pump bypass setting on rotary pump machine. I'd definitely do the scale check described at ~17:15 in this video.
Thanks so much for this great video! The lever on my Profitec Pro 500 needs lubing after nearly every backflush with Cafiza. I carefully reviewed this video before taking the E61 apart and lubricating it. Everything went well, thanks to the tips in the video.
Hi Dennis, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment. Not unusual to have some squeaking after backflushing with Cafiza until coffee oils naturally re-lubricate. Excessive squeaking may be an indication you're backflushing to frequently with Cafiza. Profitec recommends backflushing with detergent like Cafiza every 120 brew cycles or so. You can back flush without detergent as much as you like
Great video. I did this yesterday to my ECM technika IV. the kit I ordered a couple of the parts seemed a little different from the ones I pulled out of my machine. one in particular at the bottom end of the lower sleeve assembly. Part Number 35 on the exploded part list. Mine the stem was a triangle and the new part was a rectangle. it didn't seem to fit so I cleaned up the old part best I could. put it all back to gather and everything seemed fine. the only think I noticed right away was the cam leaver seemed a little loose. I woke up this morning to a massive puddle on my kitchen floor. water is flowing through the bottom of the lower sleeve. I can only assume it has something to do with the part I didn't fully replace. When ordering the kit to rebuild the group head I couldn't find one that said it was specific to ECM. Unfortunately I tried whole latte love but some of the parts were on back order. I had to get the kit from somewhere else. If my machine wasn't in bad need of the rebuild I probably could have waited. any ideas what I can do to stop the constant flow of water out the bottom of the group head?
Pro tip.... crescent wrenches are meant to turn in the direction the adjustable jaw points. Provides grip and leverage without the risk of slipping. You help the wrench 180° off.
Just serviced my rocket Mozzafiato, and when I put everything back together I had water coming out of all the wrong places 😅 Turned out I misplaced a seal and one of these brass things, thanks to this video I could find out what was wrong. Typical case of „I’ve done it once I know what I’m dong“ lol
Important Note: I recently performed E61 Group Maintenance on my Profitec Drive. During REASSEMBLY, I noticed the valve tips for the mushroom valve and the lower end rotate when you are tightening them into place after the service. So, you need to be sure that the tips of the upper and lower valves are PERPENDICULAR to the head (kidney) on the lever camshaft or you will not be able to insert the camshaft. After servicing the machine, I loosely reinstalled the mushroom valve and the lower end so I could adjust/align the position of the valve tips with a needle nose plier to accommodate the head/kidney on the lever camshaft. Once the camshaft was properly inserted, I torqued up on the assembly and then went back to the mushroom valve (top) and the lower end. The final step was to check for leaks as indicated in Brian's and Mark's video.
Great video! Thanks team! I’ve got a 2 year old Mozzafiato which I’m now going to do it’s first service but it’s been making dolphin noises for a while. Odd from new?! Should I try swapping the springs as you’ve said? Thanks
Hey.. thanks for this awesome video. Really clear... we got the kit, replaced and lubed up.... But have come across a problem.. without the group head in and just a cup underneath.. when you lift the pour lever up it flows water fine.. you can do this 3 or 4 times. But then the lever blocks half way up stopping any water coming out... once cooled it works fine.. is this an oveheat issue?? All parts are replaced and lubed up ??
It sounds like a lubrication issue. I'd pull the upper actuator and cam and inspect both for and damage and lubricate both a little more. The only issue with brew stall once heated is related to the recoil valve and doesn't present with the brew lever stopping prematurely. That description is specific to an issue with the actuator and/or cam.
Super helpful! Very happy you put this video online. Could you help me with the size o-rings in the flow controle part, the black ones that need a bit of lubrication and wear quite a bit. Measured them and think it is 9mm, but not sure as also 8,5mm is a common size.
Hi g, I do not have the dimensions but here is our part number for the flow control o-rings: PRO-P1025.1 If in the US you can order from us using that part number and calling: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
This video is great. I have a Rocket Apartamento and have had zero problems in five years and I only ever backflush...until recently. It is holding too much water in the basket and I have to push the lever down after a shot and harder to get all of the water to exit the head and the basket. Is it likely the lever seals? I am about to attempt replacing them. I hope that's all it is! Havent had any other issues to date. Thanks again for a great video.
Great video. Would you be able to expand on the cafiza soak as far as the right mix of ingredients, setup, etc.? Is this a cold soak? Thanks in advance.
Hey g, Use 1 teaspoon Cafiza per cup of water. Use water just off the boil, stirred well. Duration depends on the component and how dirty it is. I typically suggest checking after ten minutes. Never let something with chrome plating soak over ten minutes without a cold water rinse in between.
I recently completed E61 rebuild on my 5 yr old ECM Classika with guidance from this video. An ongoing issue of long delay (10seconds) for the vibration pump to kick on remains. Should I replace the pump?
Hey k, That's odd. Too many unknowns to say for sure. Usually they come on or don't. If you are in US/Canada I suggest taking a short video of the issue and submitting a support ticket here: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
Great video guys - just what I was looking for. I regrease the cam 3 or 4 times/year but looking to go further soon with the top and bottom valve assemblies. A simple question: I notice you didn't protect the chrome plate nuts against the wrench jaws. Is the chrome hard enough to withstand the wrench or should I use some tape? My chrome is so far unmarked as the top cap and preinfusion chamber have never been removed. Thanks
Hi Stuart, Thanks for the kind comment and question. The chrome is fairly durable but using tape is not a bad idea for extra protection. Much depends on the tool and if it has any sharp edges which could scratch.
Hi LW, Frequency depends on level of use. A once a year check with daily use is reasonable. Can do at anytime you have a performance issue like stiff operation, leaking, squeaking etc.
Haven’t touched my Profitec Pro 500 in 6 years. Only descaling and cleaning. 8-12 shots a day in our house. Works fine, no leaks. I should go through it, though.
@@paulferreira8342 i have a 6 year old Profitec pro 500 too. Had to replace the rubber seal between the heating element and the boiler, because it was leaking. It was rubber, but looked and felt like a piece of coal :D. So, find a gasket and replace that one too, it is about to go probably :). But other than that, i do the same: descale every 2 months or so (soft water) and the boiler was completely devoid of calcium buildup when I took out the heating element. The portafilter ring goes every so often, it is just always hot and abused. Just breaks if you take it out at some point :).
My 2 group commercial Wega used in a restaurant is developing issues after 25 years of use (and I was lackadaisical about back flushing.) Obviously a different machine but the group heads are solenoid controlled E-61. Filter gaskets need replacing regularly but even the screens are still good.
I just purchased the ECM Synchronika from you about 3 months ago. Is this something i need to worry about or be doing? I don't feel comfortable taking a part a $3,000 machine and then my warranty not cover the fix, if it was my fault for trying to do this.
HI Mike, Thanks for your question and patronage. I wouldn't say you have to worry about doing it. Those who use their machines a lot might consider doing this 1x a year. My guess is most only do if there's a problem. It's like automobile maintenance. At some point things that rub together will need some maintenance and lubrication. Easy preventative measures help prevent problems and decrease maintenance frequency. Do a plain water backflush every 20 or so extractions and backflush with cleaning agent like Cafiza every 120-150 brew cycles. Don't overdue cleaning agent backflushing as it can remove too much coffee oil and cause extra wear of cams and other parts in the group. If or when a rebuild becomes necessary the process is fairly straightforward as seen on this video. Perhaps you could enlist the help of a friend if needed? Hope that helps! Marc
Many videos claim that the brew lever/cam shaft cannot be re-inserted incorrectly. They are wrong. You must replace the cam in the same orientation as when you removed it (I suggest with the lever half up). But if one manages to reinsert the cam even at 90 degrees off, you will not be able to lift the brew handle when you re-assemble, though you CAN re assemble.
Any advice for stuck flow control mushroom valves? I have two wrenches to try and loosen but it seems cemented together. Trying to lubricate for flow control squeaks.
When you say shut off the water before lubricating and breaking down do you mean turning the switch off behind the drain or do you mean turning the water system off that feeds the machine
Hi m, If the machine is plumbed in to waterline shut that feed off. Some machines have a solenoid on the waterline input and some don't so better safe than sorry!
I have a profitec pro 700 with flow control I purchased from you. Do you sell rebuild kits for the flow control unit itself? Do you have a plot diagram for the flow control? I can't seem to find it on your website
@@Wholelattelovepagedo you have a number I can call for tech support? Submitting a ticket I feel it's overkill for what I need to ask. When I open the flow control. Even if I just crack it I got way too much water coming out. Do you sell rebuild kits for those units? Particularly the needle in the seat? Moreover, I have the pump pressure at just one tic above the eight. However, as you discussed in the video. The pressure gauge on the who is above 10 bar should I lower the pump pressure more? I stand corrected. Instead of needle and seat needle and jet replacement
@@stephenbile3932 Perhaps I can help with the high flow rate. Most often the cause is the sleeve on the flow control sliding down the stem preventing the valve from fully closing. If you turn the pump on with the flow control fully closed and you're still getting flow that's probably the issue. To fix, loosen the black ball, raise up the sleeve so there's clearance between bottom of sleeve and top of mushroom - about a credit cards worth when the valve is fully closed. Then tighten the ball to hold the sleeve in proper position. If that's not the issue you could check the jet which the needle valve goes into. I've never seen it happen but maybe the jet came unscrewed. Best reference to FC assembly is in this section of the video: ruclips.net/video/ELIwD40tsrs/видео.html You can see the jet in the section linked after the mushroom is separated. We do have parts available for flow control. It's very uncommon for the needle valve to need replacement unless it was somehow damaged. Should you need more tech assistance submitting a ticket (with photo of any parts needed) is best course of action.
@@Wholelattelovepageno the thing closes fully. My problem seems to be when I first got the unit. The flow control was manageable. Overtime I noticed that when I closed it and when I go to open it just a little I can't get the control I used to get it comes out first. I lowered my pump pressure a little over eight bars. And I was thinking maybe I should go lower. I was also thinking maybe the needle and jet are worn. I'm good for about six shots a day and I like to tweak to get the different flavors out of the coffee. I found a local roasted here and they do a real nice medium roast. To go for a whole new unit is a lot of money. It was suggested in the video that parts can be replaced for the flow control unit.
@@stephenbile3932 think it's unlikely lowering pump pressure more will change things much. Have you been able to visualize the needle valve and jet within the flow control. Think that's step one to determine nature of issue. Providing photo to tech support thru ticket of those parts is best way to diagnose.
Superb video. Thank you for this. Explains in super detail how this thing works. Will give people who are nervous about stripping down their investment the encouragement to do it.
Hi KN, To avoid scratching the nut it's a good idea to protect the nut with padding. If you're very careful most can be removed without scratching even if no padding but no guarantee.
I need to do this for my Rocket Cellini espresso machine after pump stopped working correctly and no local espresso repair folks so I am on my own or buy new machine.
Just completed E61 Rebuild on my 5 yr. old ECM Classika. I must admit that I haven't done any maintenance on it until now. The pump/brew handle was getting stiff, and my backflush was not very forceful. Note, I was not able to break the mushroom valve. So I did not replace the filter screen. Am i correct in assuming that is the cause of my concerns? I have a few questions... 1) I noticed that when I finish the shot and turn off the pump the "backflush" is still not as forceful as when new, but better after the rebuild. 2) In addition the pressure remains at 10 after turning off pump. Only after I turn on the pump to flush the screen the pressure will drop to almost zero.
Hi k, I would have another go at getting the mushroom open. With the right tools and enough force they usually break free. May not be cause of your concerns but could change your flow rates etc. Pressure remaining in system after pump off is normal if after you turn pump off and lift the handle a bit without pump coming back on it drops.
@@Wholelattelovepage … we’ll, I did separate the mushroom this time. Replaced screen, and O-ring. In addition cleaned all the small vent holes. What did change is now the pump kicks on immediately whereas prior it was taking 4-6 seconds with it just humming then I would vibration pump sound. Good as new new! Thanks again
Between Rocket Apartamento and Profitec 500/400 which of them is less noissy in terms of vibration pump ? Because you know the quatity construction of both what coffe machine do you prefer for your ?
Hi d, The most capable of those machines is the Pro 500. Given the choice, with price not a concern, I'd go with the 500. It's a full PID machine for more accurate temperature control than the Appartamento. Build quality is better as well. The Pro 400 is very good as well. It's PID but uses temperature presets with one preset being good for light roasts, one for dark and a third gets you extra boiler heating for more powerful steaming. The 500 is more precise. The 400 is better for ease of use.
I am hearing a lot of squeaking in my lever after I have done a cafiza back flush. I know some squeaking is normal, but it’s been a couple of weeks and it’s still squeaking. I want to lubricate the lever cam. Do I have to remove the mushroom to do that (I noticed that Brian did, but he was performing maintenance on the whole group), or do I only need to remove the lever?
Hey mike, the easiest method is to remove the mushroom and pull the spring and valve underneath it within the top chamber. Then use a small paintbrush or similar coated with lubricant to go down through the hole to apply lubricant to the cam. When you apply, operate the lever to help spread lubricant on the cam.
Thanks! Went ahead and followed the directions on the video. Eliminated the squeaking, but now I’m having trouble getting the lever to stay in the 45 degree position for pre-infusion-style operation. Any suggestions?
Thanks guys for the informative vide… Is there any video or a way to test the springs inside the group? How to know that the springs need to be replaced?.. I got Rocket R58 that the pressure wouldn’t go down to 0 after brewing, had to open the lever half way up to and then deon to release remaining pressure, so the gauge shows 0 … any suggestions to this problem?
Hi MA, Machine indicating pressure on the gauge after brewing is normal operation - nothing is wrong with your machine. Most machines regardless of manufacturer will do that. It's due to brew system pressure being measured deep in the hydraulic system behind a one-way valve.
Hi guys, thank you for all the videos. Really helpful to demystify these machines! After I recently cleaned and descaled my Rocket Appartamento, I’m finding that the water out of the group head is initially far hotter than before and gushes out for a couple of seconds, before the flow stops. It comes out steamy for a couple of seconds, then gushes out at normal temp, then stops for 5 seconds, before the flow restarts. It’s almost like there’s an airlock as the pump works the whole time and doesn’t change in pitch. It feels like something is pushing all the water out of the brew circuit and then the pump has to catch up before it stabilises. Have you see anything like that before?
Hi Stuart, You are welcome for the videos. A couple of things could be going on. Steamy hot water that's spurty is normal to some extent on pressure stat controlled machines like the Appartamento. It's flash boiling and it's most common when the machine is on and idle for extended periods. A cooling flush is SOP when using pressure stat controlled HX boiler machines. Descaling might have made flash boiling more likely if there was scale partially blocking components prior to descaling. Sounds like once you get past the flash boiling the flow smooths out? If so your machine is operating normally.
Hello gentlemens, I have ECM V Slim espresso machine (purchased from Whole Coffee Love). Making 120 - 130 espresso cups monthly and of course flashing shover after use. Please suggest to me how often I should lubricate group head water lewer and how often whole group head maintenance ? I love my ECM baby and want to keep it in perfect condition. Thank you !
Hi Aleks, No perfect answer for those questions as variables like coffee used, how long the machine is on each day and source water quality play a role. At 4-5 cups/day I'd backflush with plain water at least every 2 days, backflush with a detergent like Cafiza once per month. If you don't often take water from the hot water tap take a cup or two out every other day to prevent concentration of minerals in the boiler. Lubricate the internal group components if/when they get noisy/squeak. Do the whole group head maintenance and lubrication every six months. If you have hard water filter using a BWT product with calcium to magnesium ion-exchange to prevent internal scale deposits. At your usage level the in-reservoir BWT Bestsave pad filter is a sensible option for that: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-m-anti-scale-filter Preventing scale is the single most importanbt thing you can do to keep the machine running for years to come! Marc
I am so thankful for these types of videos! I was wondering if you guys could do a video using the ECM synchronika discussing with your technician how to properly descale the Synchronika and other dual boiler espresso machines.
Hi Phil, Thanks for the request. When our techs get a dual boiler in need of descaling they almost always remove the boilers from the machine for descaling. As you might imagine it's a rather involved process and beyond the skill level of most home users. A more normal descaling like those for single or HX boiler machines is a bit risky on a DB machine. In some DB machines it's difficult to fully empty boilers of descaler acids. But the bigger problem is scale particles breaking free during descaling and plugging up other components in the more complex hydraulic systems of DB machines. This is why machine manufacturers recommend professional descaling of DBs. Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you for your reply. I appreciate your explanation. I have read recently about how DB espresso machines essentially require a full deconstruction to properly descale. I wish it were something that if not advised to complete would at a minimum be discussed by technicians in the industry...maybe not so much as a how-to per say (especially if that poses risk for companies *disclaimer necessary I'd assume*)...but I guess if it couldn't be a how-to...at least a technical breakdown of exactly why a consumer should absolutely NOT descale on their own. I understand the fact that particles can break off, but maybe a cutaway model describing how home descaling can damage a machine, would be at the least highly educational for the viewers and might discourage people from performing the maintenance on their own. I also understand using proper water can essentially eliminate this issue per se...however I just recently bought my first espresso machine, the ECM synchronika....such a large purchase I intend to take care of...I hope to keep using it some 30 years from now if at all possible... lol, but even 30 years of proper water, I would assume eventually would cause a need to descale...and that is why such a video would be awesome to have. Thank you for your consideration and taking the time to read the comment.
My ECM is making that dolphin noise when starting to pull a shot, I bought the machine used, is there something I can do to rectify this, does it need a part or just servicing. I do not have the flow control.
Hi dave, You can replace the 2 springs within the brew group. Over time they lose some tension and can allow the valves to flutter resulting in the dolphin sound. Before replacing you can try to stretch the springs out which sometimes works.
Mark... Great Video... I have a Profitec Pro 700 and would like to do the lubrication maintenance that you detailed in your very informative video. Would I be able to order some parts that you recommended replacing? Specifically: the 3 brass valves inside the grouphead, 3 Teflon Gaskets (35x20x2 mm), and 1 Teflon Gasket( 26x21x2 mm). Can you please advise me how to place the order...
Hi Mike, We are working on a complete E61 rebuild kit - actually a couple as there are some subtle differences like for flow control and non-flow control E61s. In the meantime you can contact us here and get the parts you need: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us Marc
The valve stem for my flow control wasn't screwing in all the way, so when i removed the mushroom I found a dislodged O ring that preventing it from operating properly. When I reassembled it, the flow control now works but the shower screen does not disperse water across the screen and instead shoots all the water straight down like a good espresso shot. Do you know what I did wrong during the assembly that can cause this?
Hey VT, Great you were able to find and correct the O ring! For the dispersion... taking off the mushroom and reassembling should not change that. My best guess is shower screen that's a a little dirty around the edges.
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you for your reply. I removed the shower screen and it looked perfectly clean, as I have been regularly back flushing. Do you have any other ideas what might have cause this? I took apart the mushroom again and put it back together and I’m still having the same issue, and this has never happened before. I appreciate any suggestions.
@@veggietables6974 Removing/replacing the mushroom should not functionally change how water disperses through the shower screen. There is a dispersion plate in the center of the group behind the shower screen. It has small channels around the edges and one in the center to direct water. Perhaps some of those channels are clogged and forcing more water out in some spots and less in others. Not out of the question some scale particles or other debris was dislodged when the mushroom was removed and blocked some of the channels. The dispersion plate can be removed with a flat blade screwdriver. I'd take it off and clean and see if that helps. Let us know how that goes!
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you very much for the additional advice. I pulled the dispersion plate and actually found shreds of the displaced o-ring in there, and after cleaning it out and pulling some shots I actually had the best coffee of my life. The shower screen flow appears to be the same as before, but I guess it’s not an issue if I pulled a really even extraction this morning. I really really appreciate your help so so much.
Great video's. I've had my Sync about a year. It's plumbed and I make 10-12 coffee drinks per day. How often would you say full service should be done? How long do most of the valves last. Is descaling a plumbed machine with a water filer something I need to be checking?
Hi A, Thanks for the comment and questions. At minimum perform the group maintenance every 6 months. Hard to say exactly how long valves will last as it depends on use and other maintenance like backflushing and lubrication. Replace valves if you notice excessive wear. If using an inline filter which reduces calcium and replaces with magnesium like the BWT Bestmax you should not need to descale if using filter as directed. And, that's a good thing as manufacturers advise against non-professional descaling of dual boiler machines. Marc
E61 Brew Group Rebuild Kits are available here in Simple, Moderate and Major versions: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/maintenance-packages
We had a lot of requests and are happy to make them available!
Hi! Thanks for doing all of those very informal and detailed videos, they helped me immensely in understanding how my machine works. The e61 brew group kits seem out of stock at the moment. Do you have an idea as to when they will be again? I just yesterday opened my machine after finding a small leak due to my t-shaped plastic piece being cracked and now I feel like i should also do a bigger maintenance on my machine since it's now been almost two years. Thank you so much!
These are all currently out of stock. Will these be restocked soon?
Great review. Where can we buy the brass valves, seals shown for the ECM E61 group head? Thx
It’s support like this which Whole Latte Love has provided me for the better part of two decades that I will **always** buy all my coffee gear from them. I had a stiff, creaking brew lever, reached out to technical support chat who directed me to this video, and half an hour later I have a machine that feels better than brand new. Thank you!
That's awesome to hear! Glad you were able to solve the issue with your machine. Thanks for the comment!
Videos like this increase the value of RUclips as a whole. Other suggestions were like watching a guy spitting water into another guy 🤦🏻. Thank you so much
By far the best E61 rebuild video I have seen. Nothing missed in this fix-it video.
It's always a good idea to let a technician explain technical issues. Another technician understands him on-the-fly, because he´s ineloquent and always matter-of-facty.
Thank you very much for this great video. It was most helpful.
Hi e, You are welcome for the video and thank you for the comment!
I know this is an old video, but what a gem! I just bought a brand new Lelit Mara X, and in few months I will be installing a flow control on it, and in 12 or so months I will service it like this for the first time! Amazing tutorial, saving this gold for later when the time comes, but now I know how the E61 works in detail!❤
Thanks for the comment!
This video is fantastic. Also that dolphin sound is exactly what we are hearing from our machine. I guess it’s time for some maintenance. Thanks guys
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment
Excellent, Lets take a minute to appreciate people who take pride in their work.
Hey Chris, And let's take a minute for those who take a minute to appreciate those who take pride!!!
Thanks
This is such a wonderful service to the community. Thanks, Whole Latte Love!
Thank you so much for this great video. Without this tutorial, I would not have had the courage to do this maintenance work myself and I would have had to take the machine in for service. That would have cost me a lot of time and effort. You guys are great.
You're welcome and thanks a whole latte for the comment!
Videos like this increase the value of RUclips as a whole. Other suggestions were like watching a guy spitting water onto another guy's face 🤦🏻. Thank you so much and please keep up the good work. It would be great to see you do this on commercial machines too
Hi BD, Thanks for the comment! We try to be straightforward and thorough!
Thank you! Followed this video to replace all the gaskets and valves in my mom's machine's grouphead and now it's back to heating up properly again. You guys have the best videos on how to service your machines.
Hi LW, Thanks a whole latte for the kind comment!
Thanks for this great video - it finally gave me the courage to disassemble and review my ECM Classica II brew group, which worked just fine! Great work. Greetings from Germany
Hi f, that's awesome - thanks for the comment!
Brian & Mark, thanks so much for this presentation, you guys are the best. The lever on my Crem One 2BRP-GSP was creaking and stiff on closing, particularly after cleaning, so followed your tutorial, took my time, followed the steps, sparingly used a quality lubricant and WOW. What a difference, now operating smoothly and easily. If anyone is thinking their machine needs this service - do it, you won't regret it, get the right tools, be patient, take your time. I'm only 12 months into my coffee journey and Whole Latte Love have taught me so much with no confusion, just simple real world advice. Many thanks to you all, from The Land Downunder.
Hi Frankie, You are welcome! Thank you for the kind comment.
Marc
Great video. Thank you. Can I lubricate my cam without taking out the flow control valve? I am having the same issue as Frankie.
Can always count on Whole Latte Love for the most helpful video! If I was in the US, they're the one I will support. Thanks so much for this video. I remember the first time I tried doing this 3 years ago, I hit a problem which I couldn't figure out and took me a long time to wiggle the thing in. It was the reassembly process for the cam switch thingy. When I found this video, i thought of giving it another shot, and what do you know, I got through it all like a pro. THANK YOU!!
Hey kas, you are welcome thanks so much for your comment!
Thanks for the comprehensive video! Great having the grouphead and flow control maintenance in one spot!
Thanks for this excellent video! With it, I was able to reinstall my cam stopper screw that had come loose and save my machine a trip back to Italy for service!
Hey m, you're welcome and thank you for the comment!
Thank you guys for the absolute perfect video tutorial for this. I recently just got a 2 year old Rocket Mozzafiato Evo R, and had the squeaky lever. This completely fixed that, also was nice to get to know E61 a little better.
Hey G, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment to leave your comment!
The video was vital. I had rinsed my Profitec Drive with Cafiza and her lever had stiffened quite a bit. The problem is not the disassembly, but the reassembly: the camshaft did not fit into its housing. The solution was to dismantle the water drain at the bottom, to lower the infusion valve, insert the camshaft and screw it back in, reinserting the valve below. I broke out in a cold sweat, but I'm happy now!
Hi f, Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. Gotta be careful not to overdue the backflushing with Cafiza. Do plain water backflushes at anytime but limit backflushing with Cafiza to every 120 brew cycles. Overdoing the Cafiza removes lubrication from internal components.
@@Wholelattelovepage Yes, you are right, Cafiza is really strong and should be used sparingly. Now the lever is soft, but above all I avoided premature wear of the camshaft, as I heard it squealing with every coffee. Thanks again for your videos!
Just wanted to say thanks for the video, I had an issue with the portafilter holding water and next to nothing coming out the exhaust.
I followed this and replaced the mushroom o-ring and it's working perfectly again
Hi Nader, You're welcome - happy to help and thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Best explanation on E61 maintenance! Well done.
Great video. It's actually made me reconsider getting a used machine, especially if it's been used with unfiltered hard water and not maintained. It makes me very uneasy seeing those adjustable wrenches though, surely correct size spanners can be sourced?
Such a clear and well presented video. Really gives me faith to get an EcM machine knowing that it is well supported. How often and how to tell that the machine needs such maintenance?
Hi jz, Thanks for the comment. In typical home use frequency is 6-12 months. Chances are you will not be needing full rebuild. Tell tale signs are performance issues or squeaks when operating lever which indicates need fro lubrication.
This is an incredibly helpful and informative video. Thanks for putting this together!
Hi Ue, You are welcome and thanks a whole latte for taking a moment to leave your comment!
Marc
Brian, kudos. Excellent organization and presentation. Thank you. I've watched a number of other videos, but this is the best I've seen: straightforward, not high-falutin' and super helpful in overcoming concerns about undertaking a rebuild After watching, I understand the relationship of the parts and their purpose.Again, many thanks for this lucid treatment!
Hi R, You are welcome and thanks for taking a moment to leave your comment! We do try to be straightforward and thorough.
I just received my EMC Synchronika AMG edition and I freaking love it! How often should I do a maintenance such as this?
This is a fantastic video; as most are. I have a squeaky lever so I am following the steps in the video to lubricate and change gaskets if required. I am finding it difficult space wise, and a bit apprehensive about slippage or damage, using two adjustable wrenches to open up the lever, so I purchased two open end wrenches at 24mm and 26mm (sizes quoted in another video by others - I hope those sizes are universal for E61 groups… ) They arrive later this week.
Excellent!
@@Wholelattelovepage Update: Well, one of the wrenches (24mm) arrived today, and it does not fit (too big on the smaller nut.). So, I guess the other video I watched where the 24 and 26mm sizes were mentioned for the lever nuts, means the nut sizes are not universal. I have sent an email to ECM to ask what wrench sizes to use for removal those two lever parts.
Update 2: OK, final update on this. I heard back from ECM Customer Service in Germany and they advised the size of the open end wrenches for the Synchronika brew lever removal are 22mm and 26mm. I checked with my two newly-purchased wrenches today, and confirm those are the sizes that fit the nuts.
@@AA-SFO Thanks for the update!
I have lelit bianca for year now with e61 and this video is a godsend, she and i thank you so much for sharing and helping us!
You're so welcome!
Excellent video. I have an 11 year old Expobar Brewtus IV that needs some love. Good to know that the E61 parts are standardized. Thanks WLL!!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Team from Whole Latte Love! Great Video as always, really digging the recent additions on maintenance and servicing videos to the channel. My La Scala Butterfly (Probably a mid-2000s Model) leaked on the Group Lever and since I took it over by my step dad last year, I thought it would be the right time to give it a thorough overhaul. Backed up by your detailed instruction video, I went ahead with a full group head maintenance, exchanging all seals and valves. So far so good, no leaking at any point of the group anymore.
However, the group head does not seem to release pressure through the lower end as it used to. I do get a couple of drips, yet I feel the pressure releasing when I take off the portafilter and find a substantial amount of water on the top of the puck. I have disassembled and reassembled several times, and as far as I can tell from your video, I put it together correctly.
Any suggestions about how I might be able to fix the issue?
Regards from Austria!!
My machine does the exact sam thing now! Did you find a way to fix it? No pressure in the bottom, all the pressure in the portafilter group head. And a pool of water on top of the puck. Hope you can enlighten me. Thanks from Søren, Denmark
Fantastic tutorial. I’ve needed this info for 15 years
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your comment!
Wow! anybody got some masking tape for the chrome protection?!
Good luck getting all back together!
Hey John, It's very straightforward
A tutorial gem! Thank you so much! :)
You're very welcome!
Seriously such a great and extremely appreciated video! Thanks guys.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. would a dirty group head cause low brew pressure?
Hi, thanks for the comment. It's possible but could be other issues as well like water restriction elsewhere in the machine, dirty particle filter near reservoir outlet (if machine has), improper over pressure valve setting on vibration pump machine or pump bypass setting on rotary pump machine. I'd definitely do the scale check described at ~17:15 in this video.
Thanks so much for this great video! The lever on my Profitec Pro 500 needs lubing after nearly every backflush with Cafiza. I carefully reviewed this video before taking the E61 apart and lubricating it. Everything went well, thanks to the tips in the video.
Hi Dennis, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment. Not unusual to have some squeaking after backflushing with Cafiza until coffee oils naturally re-lubricate. Excessive squeaking may be an indication you're backflushing to frequently with Cafiza. Profitec recommends backflushing with detergent like Cafiza every 120 brew cycles or so. You can back flush without detergent as much as you like
REALLy great VDO - simple to follow and it works ! Thanks
You're welcome!
If only I’d had this video 5 years ago when I first had to rebuild my Rocket R58 V1!! (The Rocket is now 10 years old and going strong!)
Hey TBP, Thanks for the comment. Happy to hear your R58 is going strong!
Matrc
No rags used to protect the finish?
Great video. I did this yesterday to my ECM technika IV. the kit I ordered a couple of the parts seemed a little different from the ones I pulled out of my machine. one in particular at the bottom end of the lower sleeve assembly. Part Number 35 on the exploded part list. Mine the stem was a triangle and the new part was a rectangle. it didn't seem to fit so I cleaned up the old part best I could. put it all back to gather and everything seemed fine. the only think I noticed right away was the cam leaver seemed a little loose. I woke up this morning to a massive puddle on my kitchen floor. water is flowing through the bottom of the lower sleeve. I can only assume it has something to do with the part I didn't fully replace.
When ordering the kit to rebuild the group head I couldn't find one that said it was specific to ECM. Unfortunately I tried whole latte love but some of the parts were on back order. I had to get the kit from somewhere else. If my machine wasn't in bad need of the rebuild I probably could have waited.
any ideas what I can do to stop the constant flow of water out the bottom of the group head?
Just did this today. The video made it very easy, especially the part where you laid out all of the parts.
Hi Marshall, Happy to hear - thanks for the comment
Marc
Thank you for the 101, Brian! Much appreciated.
You bet!
Pro tip.... crescent wrenches are meant to turn in the direction the adjustable jaw points. Provides grip and leverage without the risk of slipping. You help the wrench 180° off.
This tutorial is a real gem. Bravo!
Hi NT, Thanks for the comment!
Just serviced my rocket Mozzafiato, and when I put everything back together I had water coming out of all the wrong places 😅 Turned out I misplaced a seal and one of these brass things, thanks to this video I could find out what was wrong. Typical case of „I’ve done it once I know what I’m dong“ lol
Hi g, Happy to hear you found the issue!
Thank you very much for this clear tutorial. Please, how often should this maintenance process be performed ? Thanks.
Hey p, You're welcome and thanks for the comment. Frequency of maintenance depends on use level. Every 6-12 months is good at typicall home use level.
@Wholelattelovepage OK, thank you. I will do it once or twice a year then.
Important Note: I recently performed E61 Group Maintenance on my Profitec Drive. During REASSEMBLY, I noticed the valve tips for the mushroom valve and the lower end rotate when you are tightening them into place after the service. So, you need to be sure that the tips of the upper and lower valves are PERPENDICULAR to the head (kidney) on the lever camshaft or you will not be able to insert the camshaft. After servicing the machine, I loosely reinstalled the mushroom valve and the lower end so I could adjust/align the position of the valve tips with a needle nose plier to accommodate the head/kidney on the lever camshaft. Once the camshaft was properly inserted, I torqued up on the assembly and then went back to the mushroom valve (top) and the lower end. The final step was to check for leaks as indicated in Brian's and Mark's video.
Hi m, Thanks for sharing your experience and tips!
Great video! Thanks team! I’ve got a 2 year old Mozzafiato which I’m now going to do it’s first service but it’s been making dolphin noises for a while. Odd from new?! Should I try swapping the springs as you’ve said? Thanks
Hey Pete, You're welcome. Spring swap may help.
Hey.. thanks for this awesome video. Really clear... we got the kit, replaced and lubed up....
But have come across a problem.. without the group head in and just a cup underneath.. when you lift the pour lever up it flows water fine.. you can do this 3 or 4 times. But then the lever blocks half way up stopping any water coming out... once cooled it works fine.. is this an oveheat issue??
All parts are replaced and lubed up ??
It sounds like a lubrication issue. I'd pull the upper actuator and cam and inspect both for and damage and lubricate both a little more. The only issue with brew stall once heated is related to the recoil valve and doesn't present with the brew lever stopping prematurely. That description is specific to an issue with the actuator and/or cam.
Super helpful! Very happy you put this video online. Could you help me with the size o-rings in the flow controle part, the black ones that need a bit of lubrication and wear quite a bit. Measured them and think it is 9mm, but not sure as also 8,5mm is a common size.
Hi g, I do not have the dimensions but here is our part number for the flow control o-rings: PRO-P1025.1
If in the US you can order from us using that part number and calling: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
What happens if your new Rocket Chrono Mozzafiato R makes that dolphin noise from the start? Bought it from WholeLatteLove in August/September
This video is great. I have a Rocket Apartamento and have had zero problems in five years and I only ever backflush...until recently. It is holding too much water in the basket and I have to push the lever down after a shot and harder to get all of the water to exit the head and the basket. Is it likely the lever seals? I am about to attempt replacing them. I hope that's all it is! Havent had any other issues to date. Thanks again for a great video.
Hi hid, Thanks for the kind comment! Hard to say for sure but after 5 years you are def due for teardown maintenance and/or rebuild.
Great video, helped me so much with my Crem one Profiler - lovin the content guys
Our pleasure! And thank you for the comment!
Great video. Would you be able to expand on the cafiza soak as far as the right mix of ingredients, setup, etc.? Is this a cold soak?
Thanks in advance.
Hey g,
Use 1 teaspoon Cafiza per cup of water. Use water just off the boil, stirred well.
Duration depends on the component and how dirty it is. I typically suggest checking after ten minutes. Never let something with chrome plating soak over ten minutes without a cold water rinse in between.
Thank you Brian excellent break down and service recommendations.
Very welcome!
Superb video, worked out perfectly, changing all valves just following your advice!
Hi N, Thanks for the comment and happy to hear it worked out perfectly!
I recently completed E61 rebuild on my 5 yr old ECM Classika with guidance from this video. An ongoing issue of long delay (10seconds) for the vibration pump to kick on remains. Should I replace the pump?
Hey k, That's odd. Too many unknowns to say for sure. Usually they come on or don't. If you are in US/Canada I suggest taking a short video of the issue and submitting a support ticket here: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
How often would you recommend to do this maintenance procedure?
Hi Basil, Depends on use level - average home user should do annually.
If you pull 2-3 doubles a day, how often should this indepth maintenance be performed? I have a Profitec Pro 600.
I would like to know the same .
Great video guys - just what I was looking for. I regrease the cam 3 or 4 times/year but looking to go further soon with the top and bottom valve assemblies. A simple question: I notice you didn't protect the chrome plate nuts against the wrench jaws. Is the chrome hard enough to withstand the wrench or should I use some tape? My chrome is so far unmarked as the top cap and preinfusion chamber have never been removed. Thanks
Hi Stuart, Thanks for the kind comment and question. The chrome is fairly durable but using tape is not a bad idea for extra protection. Much depends on the tool and if it has any sharp edges which could scratch.
How frequently should you be doing this level of maintenance? Once per year?
Hi LW, Frequency depends on level of use. A once a year check with daily use is reasonable. Can do at anytime you have a performance issue like stiff operation, leaking, squeaking etc.
Thank you gentlemen for a very helpful and fabulously done video. Bravo!!
Hi JC, You're welcome!
How often would you do that on a E61 with normal home usage ? Annual? 4-6 shots a day on a HX here btw. Seems easy. Thx for the great content
Every other day! Kidding.
My gosh.. mine 2y and I haven’t done this..
Haven’t touched my Profitec Pro 500 in 6 years. Only descaling and cleaning. 8-12 shots a day in our house. Works fine, no leaks. I should go through it, though.
@@paulferreira8342 i have a 6 year old Profitec pro 500 too. Had to replace the rubber seal between the heating element and the boiler, because it was leaking. It was rubber, but looked and felt like a piece of coal :D. So, find a gasket and replace that one too, it is about to go probably :). But other than that, i do the same: descale every 2 months or so (soft water) and the boiler was completely devoid of calcium buildup when I took out the heating element.
The portafilter ring goes every so often, it is just always hot and abused. Just breaks if you take it out at some point :).
My 2 group commercial Wega used in a restaurant is developing issues after 25 years of use (and I was lackadaisical about back flushing.) Obviously a different machine but the group heads are solenoid controlled E-61. Filter gaskets need replacing regularly but even the screens are still good.
Thank you, super helpful video. My EMC is like a new again.
Hi LC, you're welcome!
I just purchased the ECM Synchronika from you about 3 months ago. Is this something i need to worry about or be doing? I don't feel comfortable taking a part a $3,000 machine and then my warranty not cover the fix, if it was my fault for trying to do this.
HI Mike, Thanks for your question and patronage. I wouldn't say you have to worry about doing it. Those who use their machines a lot might consider doing this 1x a year. My guess is most only do if there's a problem. It's like automobile maintenance. At some point things that rub together will need some maintenance and lubrication. Easy preventative measures help prevent problems and decrease maintenance frequency. Do a plain water backflush every 20 or so extractions and backflush with cleaning agent like Cafiza every 120-150 brew cycles. Don't overdue cleaning agent backflushing as it can remove too much coffee oil and cause extra wear of cams and other parts in the group. If or when a rebuild becomes necessary the process is fairly straightforward as seen on this video. Perhaps you could enlist the help of a friend if needed?
Hope that helps!
Marc
Many videos claim that the brew lever/cam shaft cannot be re-inserted incorrectly. They are wrong. You must replace the cam in the same orientation as when you removed it (I suggest with the lever half up). But if one manages to reinsert the cam even at 90 degrees off, you will not be able to lift the brew handle when you re-assemble, though you CAN re assemble.
Hey ZAUSA, Thanks for the tip!
Help! I put my machine back together and the lower part of the machine is steaming. What did I do wrong?
Hi FC, Hard to say from here but guessing something not reassembled correctly.
@@Wholelattelovepage so do you recommend I take it apart and reassemble?
@@FCF09 Yes
Any advice for stuck flow control mushroom valves? I have two wrenches to try and loosen but it seems cemented together. Trying to lubricate for flow control squeaks.
my cam of the Profitec Pro 700 is slightly bent...is that normal or do I need to replace it? Super helpful video. Thanx
Hi Markus, Hard to say since I can't see it but if machine is operating normally no concern for worry.
When you say shut off the water before lubricating and breaking down do you mean turning the switch off behind the drain or do you mean turning the water system off that feeds the machine
Hi m, If the machine is plumbed in to waterline shut that feed off. Some machines have a solenoid on the waterline input and some don't so better safe than sorry!
I have a profitec pro 700 with flow control I purchased from you. Do you sell rebuild kits for the flow control unit itself? Do you have a plot diagram for the flow control? I can't seem to find it on your website
Hi stephen, reach out to our Tech Support staff here for assistance with parts, orings for the flow control: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
@@Wholelattelovepagedo you have a number I can call for tech support? Submitting a ticket I feel it's overkill for what I need to ask. When I open the flow control. Even if I just crack it I got way too much water coming out. Do you sell rebuild kits for those units? Particularly the needle in the seat? Moreover, I have the pump pressure at just one tic above the eight. However, as you discussed in the video. The pressure gauge on the who is above 10 bar should I lower the pump pressure more? I stand corrected. Instead of needle and seat needle and jet replacement
@@stephenbile3932 Perhaps I can help with the high flow rate. Most often the cause is the sleeve on the flow control sliding down the stem preventing the valve from fully closing. If you turn the pump on with the flow control fully closed and you're still getting flow that's probably the issue. To fix, loosen the black ball, raise up the sleeve so there's clearance between bottom of sleeve and top of mushroom - about a credit cards worth when the valve is fully closed. Then tighten the ball to hold the sleeve in proper position. If that's not the issue you could check the jet which the needle valve goes into. I've never seen it happen but maybe the jet came unscrewed. Best reference to FC assembly is in this section of the video: ruclips.net/video/ELIwD40tsrs/видео.html You can see the jet in the section linked after the mushroom is separated. We do have parts available for flow control. It's very uncommon for the needle valve to need replacement unless it was somehow damaged. Should you need more tech assistance submitting a ticket (with photo of any parts needed) is best course of action.
@@Wholelattelovepageno the thing closes fully. My problem seems to be when I first got the unit. The flow control was manageable. Overtime I noticed that when I closed it and when I go to open it just a little I can't get the control I used to get it comes out first. I lowered my pump pressure a little over eight bars. And I was thinking maybe I should go lower. I was also thinking maybe the needle and jet are worn. I'm good for about six shots a day and I like to tweak to get the different flavors out of the coffee. I found a local roasted here and they do a real nice medium roast. To go for a whole new unit is a lot of money. It was suggested in the video that parts can be replaced for the flow control unit.
@@stephenbile3932 think it's unlikely lowering pump pressure more will change things much. Have you been able to visualize the needle valve and jet within the flow control. Think that's step one to determine nature of issue. Providing photo to tech support thru ticket of those parts is best way to diagnose.
Awesome video! Thank's a lot!!! Great value!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Superb video. Thank you for this. Explains in super detail how this thing works. Will give people who are nervous about stripping down their investment the encouragement to do it.
Hi AS, You are welcome and thanks for your comment!
Marc
Do we need to pad the wrench or the nut to avoid scratching the nuts?
Hi KN, To avoid scratching the nut it's a good idea to protect the nut with padding. If you're very careful most can be removed without scratching even if no padding but no guarantee.
@@Wholelattelovepage Can you recommend a way to pad it? Have a towel between the nut and the wrench?
I need to do this for my Rocket Cellini espresso machine after pump stopped working correctly and no local espresso repair folks so I am on my own or buy new machine.
Thank you guys ❤
Great video. The best I’ve seen on the subject. Thank you!
Wow, thanks! Appreciate the comment a whole latte!
Großartiges Video…vielen dank…
Danke für den Kommentar! Gern geschehen!!!
Is it possible to do the clean with ultrasonic cleaner and cafiza?
Hi GN, Not something I've tried but don't see why you couldn't.
Thanks for the video! Does the orientation of the lock washer matter? Should the jagged edge press against the nut or the lever?
Against the nut
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you!
This is super helpful, thanks!
Hey AE, You're welcome!
Would you recommend any lubricant on the threads?
Could def use some of the food safe grease.
Just completed E61 Rebuild on my 5 yr. old ECM Classika. I must admit that I haven't done any maintenance on it until now. The pump/brew handle was getting stiff, and my backflush was not very forceful. Note, I was not able to break the mushroom valve. So I did not replace the filter screen. Am i correct in assuming that is the cause of my concerns?
I have a few questions...
1) I noticed that when I finish the shot and turn off the pump the "backflush" is still not as forceful as when new, but better after the rebuild.
2) In addition the pressure remains at 10 after turning off pump. Only after I turn on the pump to flush the screen the pressure will drop to almost zero.
Hi k, I would have another go at getting the mushroom open. With the right tools and enough force they usually break free. May not be cause of your concerns but could change your flow rates etc. Pressure remaining in system after pump off is normal if after you turn pump off and lift the handle a bit without pump coming back on it drops.
Will give another try at opening mushroom valve, and thanks for the support.
Wholelattelove ,gotta love them. 🤓
@@Wholelattelovepage … we’ll, I did separate the mushroom this time. Replaced screen, and O-ring. In addition cleaned all the small vent holes. What did change is now the pump kicks on immediately whereas prior it was taking 4-6 seconds with it just humming then I would vibration pump sound.
Good as new new! Thanks again
Between Rocket Apartamento and Profitec 500/400 which of them is less noissy in terms of vibration pump ? Because you know the quatity construction of both what coffe machine do you prefer for your ?
Hi d, The most capable of those machines is the Pro 500. Given the choice, with price not a concern, I'd go with the 500. It's a full PID machine for more accurate temperature control than the Appartamento. Build quality is better as well. The Pro 400 is very good as well. It's PID but uses temperature presets with one preset being good for light roasts, one for dark and a third gets you extra boiler heating for more powerful steaming. The 500 is more precise. The 400 is better for ease of use.
@@Wholelattelovepage and between Brezzera ARIA Pid and Profitec 400 ?
I am hearing a lot of squeaking in my lever after I have done a cafiza back flush. I know some squeaking is normal, but it’s been a couple of weeks and it’s still squeaking. I want to lubricate the lever cam. Do I have to remove the mushroom to do that (I noticed that Brian did, but he was performing maintenance on the whole group), or do I only need to remove the lever?
Hey mike, the easiest method is to remove the mushroom and pull the spring and valve underneath it within the top chamber. Then use a small paintbrush or similar coated with lubricant to go down through the hole to apply lubricant to the cam. When you apply, operate the lever to help spread lubricant on the cam.
Thanks! Went ahead and followed the directions on the video. Eliminated the squeaking, but now I’m having trouble getting the lever to stay in the 45 degree position for pre-infusion-style operation. Any suggestions?
Thanks guys for the informative vide… Is there any video or a way to test the springs inside the group? How to know that the springs need to be replaced?.. I got Rocket R58 that the pressure wouldn’t go down to 0 after brewing, had to open the lever half way up to and then deon to release remaining pressure, so the gauge shows 0 … any suggestions to this problem?
Hi MA, Machine indicating pressure on the gauge after brewing is normal operation - nothing is wrong with your machine. Most machines regardless of manufacturer will do that. It's due to brew system pressure being measured deep in the hydraulic system behind a one-way valve.
Amazing video, so well detailed and clear.
Thank you!
Best instructions ever Thanks!!!
Hi jh, Glad it was helpful!
Hi guys, thank you for all the videos. Really helpful to demystify these machines!
After I recently cleaned and descaled my Rocket Appartamento, I’m finding that the water out of the group head is initially far hotter than before and gushes out for a couple of seconds, before the flow stops.
It comes out steamy for a couple of seconds, then gushes out at normal temp, then stops for 5 seconds, before the flow restarts.
It’s almost like there’s an airlock as the pump works the whole time and doesn’t change in pitch.
It feels like something is pushing all the water out of the brew circuit and then the pump has to catch up before it stabilises.
Have you see anything like that before?
Hi Stuart, You are welcome for the videos.
A couple of things could be going on. Steamy hot water that's spurty is normal to some extent on pressure stat controlled machines like the Appartamento. It's flash boiling and it's most common when the machine is on and idle for extended periods. A cooling flush is SOP when using pressure stat controlled HX boiler machines. Descaling might have made flash boiling more likely if there was scale partially blocking components prior to descaling.
Sounds like once you get past the flash boiling the flow smooths out? If so your machine is operating normally.
@@Wholelattelovepage perfect! Thank you for the response. Keep up the good work!!
Hi guys really helpful video! My machine gets the E61 level very squeaky, what I have to lube to get a smooth feeling again? Thanks
Hi F, Thanks for the question. Lube the valve actuator contact points as shown in the video.
Great video. Marc could you do one on replacing the front panel on a profitec pro 700 with Flo contoll incase front was damaged or scratched
Hello gentlemens, I have ECM V Slim espresso machine (purchased from Whole Coffee Love). Making 120 - 130 espresso cups monthly and of course flashing shover after use. Please suggest to me how often I should lubricate group head water lewer and how often whole group head maintenance ? I love my ECM baby and want to keep it in perfect condition. Thank you !
Hi Aleks, No perfect answer for those questions as variables like coffee used, how long the machine is on each day and source water quality play a role. At 4-5 cups/day I'd backflush with plain water at least every 2 days, backflush with a detergent like Cafiza once per month. If you don't often take water from the hot water tap take a cup or two out every other day to prevent concentration of minerals in the boiler. Lubricate the internal group components if/when they get noisy/squeak. Do the whole group head maintenance and lubrication every six months. If you have hard water filter using a BWT product with calcium to magnesium ion-exchange to prevent internal scale deposits. At your usage level the in-reservoir BWT Bestsave pad filter is a sensible option for that: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-m-anti-scale-filter
Preventing scale is the single most importanbt thing you can do to keep the machine running for years to come!
Marc
I am so thankful for these types of videos! I was wondering if you guys could do a video using the ECM synchronika discussing with your technician how to properly descale the Synchronika and other dual boiler espresso machines.
Hi Phil, Thanks for the request. When our techs get a dual boiler in need of descaling they almost always remove the boilers from the machine for descaling. As you might imagine it's a rather involved process and beyond the skill level of most home users. A more normal descaling like those for single or HX boiler machines is a bit risky on a DB machine. In some DB machines it's difficult to fully empty boilers of descaler acids. But the bigger problem is scale particles breaking free during descaling and plugging up other components in the more complex hydraulic systems of DB machines. This is why machine manufacturers recommend professional descaling of DBs.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you for your reply. I appreciate your explanation. I have read recently about how DB espresso machines essentially require a full deconstruction to properly descale. I wish it were something that if not advised to complete would at a minimum be discussed by technicians in the industry...maybe not so much as a how-to per say (especially if that poses risk for companies *disclaimer necessary I'd assume*)...but I guess if it couldn't be a how-to...at least a technical breakdown of exactly why a consumer should absolutely NOT descale on their own. I understand the fact that particles can break off, but maybe a cutaway model describing how home descaling can damage a machine, would be at the least highly educational for the viewers and might discourage people from performing the maintenance on their own. I also understand using proper water can essentially eliminate this issue per se...however I just recently bought my first espresso machine, the ECM synchronika....such a large purchase I intend to take care of...I hope to keep using it some 30 years from now if at all possible... lol, but even 30 years of proper water, I would assume eventually would cause a need to descale...and that is why such a video would be awesome to have.
Thank you for your consideration and taking the time to read the comment.
Will WLL be offering a refurb kit of the parts featured in the video?
Hi AL, the rebuild kits are available here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/maintenance-packages
My ECM is making that dolphin noise when starting to pull a shot, I bought the machine used, is there something I can do to rectify this, does it need a part or just servicing. I do not have the flow control.
Hi dave, You can replace the 2 springs within the brew group. Over time they lose some tension and can allow the valves to flutter resulting in the dolphin sound. Before replacing you can try to stretch the springs out which sometimes works.
Thank you for getting back to me ... and fast too, thank you, thank you . This seems to of done the trick@@Wholelattelovepage 🙂
Mark... Great Video... I have a Profitec Pro 700 and would like to do the lubrication maintenance that you detailed in your very informative video. Would I be able to order some parts that you recommended replacing? Specifically: the 3 brass valves inside the grouphead, 3 Teflon Gaskets (35x20x2 mm), and 1 Teflon Gasket( 26x21x2 mm). Can you please advise me how to place the order...
Hi Mike, We are working on a complete E61 rebuild kit - actually a couple as there are some subtle differences like for flow control and non-flow control E61s. In the meantime you can contact us here and get the parts you need: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
Marc
Hi Mike, UPDATE: the rebuild kits are available here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/maintenance-packages
If I detergent backflush monthly, how often should I do this?
Hi, recommend an annual check and lubrication unless you experience a problem.
The valve stem for my flow control wasn't screwing in all the way, so when i removed the mushroom I found a dislodged O ring that preventing it from operating properly. When I reassembled it, the flow control now works but the shower screen does not disperse water across the screen and instead shoots all the water straight down like a good espresso shot. Do you know what I did wrong during the assembly that can cause this?
Hey VT, Great you were able to find and correct the O ring! For the dispersion... taking off the mushroom and reassembling should not change that. My best guess is shower screen that's a a little dirty around the edges.
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you for your reply. I removed the shower screen and it looked perfectly clean, as I have been regularly back flushing. Do you have any other ideas what might have cause this? I took apart the mushroom again and put it back together and I’m still having the same issue, and this has never happened before. I appreciate any suggestions.
@@veggietables6974 Removing/replacing the mushroom should not functionally change how water disperses through the shower screen. There is a dispersion plate in the center of the group behind the shower screen. It has small channels around the edges and one in the center to direct water. Perhaps some of those channels are clogged and forcing more water out in some spots and less in others. Not out of the question some scale particles or other debris was dislodged when the mushroom was removed and blocked some of the channels. The dispersion plate can be removed with a flat blade screwdriver. I'd take it off and clean and see if that helps. Let us know how that goes!
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you very much for the additional advice. I pulled the dispersion plate and actually found shreds of the displaced o-ring in there, and after cleaning it out and pulling some shots I actually had the best coffee of my life. The shower screen flow appears to be the same as before, but I guess it’s not an issue if I pulled a really even extraction this morning. I really really appreciate your help so so much.
@@veggietables6974 My pleasure!
Marc
Great video's. I've had my Sync about a year. It's plumbed and I make 10-12 coffee drinks per day. How often would you say full service should be done? How long do most of the valves last. Is descaling a plumbed machine with a water filer something I need to be checking?
Hi A, Thanks for the comment and questions. At minimum perform the group maintenance every 6 months. Hard to say exactly how long valves will last as it depends on use and other maintenance like backflushing and lubrication. Replace valves if you notice excessive wear. If using an inline filter which reduces calcium and replaces with magnesium like the BWT Bestmax you should not need to descale if using filter as directed. And, that's a good thing as manufacturers advise against non-professional descaling of dual boiler machines.
Marc