We used our rancilio Silvia with PID daily for ten years now, cleaned it twice, never had to change any gaskets, etc. No leaks that I can see, it works same since day one.
It's important to note that older models of the Silvia do not have the group head spacer (the larger round piece that the diffuser slips into). The small diffuser is the only removable piece. I have been soaking my disassembled head for a couple of hours trying to take apart something that does not have this separate spacer. I only found this out from watching another video on how to do this where they did mention this difference.
Just found that out myself. Thanks so much for confirming this. Did yours unremovable part have kind of a slotted area and hole where the water jets out from when the brew cycle is on?
As long as you're going to the trouble and have it disassembled, why not let those parts (including the brass ones, but not the gasket) soak for a few hours using Puly or Expresso Parts back flush powder? You could also use the same solution to scrub with a stiff brush where you've removed the gasket. Works much better than your fingernails or that pick.
Hi, i just replaced my group head gasket with a genuine Rancilio one and have now found i have to turn the group handle further to the right to avoid it leaking during a coffee pour? Any ideas why, have I done something wrong?
Thanks for the video. I had been unable to remove the screw holding the screen in place and I used the "taco-ing" method noted in this video which indeed enabled me to get the screw it loose. I purchased a replacement screen over a year ago but until now had not been able to install it.
Hey guys, do you know how to get the metal screw covers on to the screw stems on the new group head cover? They don't seem to slide on and can't find instructions for this anywhere... Thanks
Theres a flush screen kit available on amazon. It eliminates the protruding nut from the shower screen. Anyone make the conversion and any feedback on the performance? Thanks in advance.
My gasket is over dry and hard I can not take it out what can I use to softening and be able to ibstall a silicone one thank you I have picture if that can help you to understand me
Help - the group head gasket doesn’t fit into the grove. With brute force, I put portafilter in and turn one direction then back out. Unable to turn other direction, since portafilter doesn’t fit. Unable to get portafilter in groves!
I agree. The gasket lasts a lot longer than a year. They need cleaning but not replacing unless damaged. I'm surprised to hear that 10 years on yours is still good, that's impressive.
Same here. After 10 years I decided it was about time to replace the gasket (even though I wasn't experiencing any issues with it). When I took it out, it was still pliable - no cracking or anything...
A few days ago I took off the screen and the brass piece same as you did here. I cleaned the parts, and put it back together. I also ran some citric acid through the boiler to descale it. Now water goes through the coffee grinds in maybe 5 seconds. I removed the parts and reseated them, but no change. I haven't had a decent espresso for 5 days. Luckily I have an Aeropress (I use the upside down technique for that too). There is no leaking around the portafilter. I had better mention that at the same time I did this maintenance, I also opened a bag of what I thought were Lavazza gold beans, but I had accidentally bought pre-ground beans. As I am a cheapskate, I have been using this pre-ground stuff. What could be causing this problem?
Silvia requires a perfect ground coffee, you may want to consider playing with your grinder machine to get the perfect grind. Too fast water means your coffee is too coarse. Slow water means your coffee is too fine. Pre-Ground coffee purchased commercially is not a good option with Silvia unfortunately.
Are there any suggestions for getting a frozen water dispenser and middle part off? The screen came off easily and the gasket came out, but the smaller water diffuser and next part won't come. They are gunked up pretty badly--old, old, machine and this is the first time I've ever had it apart. I didn't know I was supposed to do these things!
Hey guys. I just replaced the chrome plastic group head cover which chipped with a black one. There is one screw below all the wires connecting to the switches that I could take out but can’t get back in. Any tips? Thanks so much.
Just bought a used 2006 model Silvia. Just pulled my first shot on it with coffee ground from my Rocky. Noticed that Gail had her Rocky set to around 7. I had to set mine to 10 to get a shot in about 25 secs. Would cleaning the diffuser and such, help with that?
@@SeattleCoffeeGear Cool! I'm pretty new to the espresso world, coming from pour over and French press. This is some Guatemalan I roasted last weekend. Thanks for the quick reply!!
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I have an ancient Silvia original version that does need a new gasket (I've done this before), but its also leaking water out the bottom. It doesn't leak at all when the machine is off, and mostly when the pump is running but not always. Do you have any suggestions, besides replacing the machine? It's easily a decade old and gets used daily.
Not to Silvia owners: I did this and many other maintenance steps trying to solve a VERY low flow issue. Turns out, in case this saves you time, that my solenoid was blocked!
Dear grammy (Gail) I am torn between this rancilio silvia or the gaggia classic, please help. I like the steam power this one has and the wand, and dont like the plastic tip steam wand on the classic but the gaggia much less expensive than the rancilio... AHHHH HAAALP!
+TheTraumaFactor Personally, I would choose the Silvia. First SCG sells the Rancilio, and stopped carrying Gaggia a few years ago. Gaggia updated the classic this year, and it no longer fits the Rancilio Silvia steam wand retrofit, or has a 3-way solenoid valve. The silvia has a larger boiler but a smaller water tank and drip tray. You also have the opportunity to get a PID on the Silvia. Hope this helps :)
+TheTraumaFactor You can very easily install the steam wand from the Silvia on to the Gaggia Classic, older ones at least....and you can PID the Gaggia too just FYI.
Chad's right about the PID. But you could probably find a good silvia used (possibly modified) for about $500, depending on what generation. If you want to buy the Classic, make sure to get an older one so you can get the 3 way solenoid valve, schrome portafilter spouts, and the ability to upgrade the steam wand.
Hey guys, so I got a Silvia used in top condition. Descaled it with Durgol and now I want to change the group gasket and the shower screen. Do I have to drain the boiler before flipping the machine over?
Good video. You guys are so much better than the two women who giggle and make corny jokes . We just want the info and to finish and you seem to understand that
We used our rancilio Silvia with PID daily for ten years now, cleaned it twice, never had to change any gaskets, etc. No leaks that I can see, it works same since day one.
Mistake, you should have replaced the gasket every 3-4 months, the guy just said.
It's important to note that older models of the Silvia do not have the group head spacer (the larger round piece that the diffuser slips into). The small diffuser is the only removable piece. I have been soaking my disassembled head for a couple of hours trying to take apart something that does not have this separate spacer. I only found this out from watching another video on how to do this where they did mention this difference.
Just found that out myself. Thanks so much for confirming this. Did yours unremovable part have kind of a slotted area and hole where the water jets out from when the brew cycle is on?
And where is that video pointing this out? If you can recall or steer me to it. Thanks.
Thanks for telling us that, you just saved me heaps of time and anguish!!
As long as you're going to the trouble and have it disassembled, why not let those parts (including the brass ones, but not the gasket) soak for a few hours using Puly or Expresso Parts back flush powder? You could also use the same solution to scrub with a stiff brush where you've removed the gasket. Works much better than your fingernails or that pick.
I wish you showed the method of leaving cafiza in the grouphead upsidedown, it's truly the only way to get it really clean.
I too prefer the inverted method on my Aeropress and espresso machines.
1:33 Is there a benefit in trying to tighten the screw before loosening it? ;)
Hi, i just replaced my group head gasket with a genuine Rancilio one and have now found i have to turn the group handle further to the right to avoid it leaking during a coffee pour? Any ideas why, have I done something wrong?
Thanks for the video. I had been unable to remove the screw holding the screen in place and I used the "taco-ing" method noted in this video which indeed enabled me to get the screw it loose. I purchased a replacement screen over a year ago but until now had not been able to install it.
Mine has a spring in it. It’s nearly impossible to get it back in. Do I need that?
Hey guys, do you know how to get the metal screw covers on to the screw stems on the new group head cover? They don't seem to slide on and can't find instructions for this anywhere... Thanks
Theres a flush screen kit available on amazon. It eliminates the protruding nut from the shower screen. Anyone make the conversion and any feedback on the performance? Thanks in advance.
My gasket is over dry and hard I can not take it out what can I use to softening and be able to ibstall a silicone one thank you I have picture if that can help you to understand me
These espresso machines are very well built. Mine is still running strong after 10 years of daily use. Never had to replace anything.
Mine's been running 14 years without replacing anything. I was hoping it would die so I can get one with a pid but not gonna happen.
@@carlcat l think you can install a PID
Help - the group head gasket doesn’t fit into the grove. With brute force, I put portafilter in and turn one direction then back out. Unable to turn other direction, since portafilter doesn’t fit. Unable to get portafilter in groves!
Surprised you don't offer this tune up kit with a flush screw for the shower screen.
My diffuser seems attached. It it just stuck? Sound I pry it out to clean
What could be wrong with mine I just bought one and can’t really even turn the portafilter in at all it’s very hard.
Once a year? My silvia is 10 years old and the gasket still seals fine with daily use
I agree. The gasket lasts a lot longer than a year. They need cleaning but not replacing unless damaged. I'm surprised to hear that 10 years on yours is still good, that's impressive.
Same here. After 10 years I decided it was about time to replace the gasket (even though I wasn't experiencing any issues with it). When I took it out, it was still pliable - no cracking or anything...
Not mine , the gasket started leaking after 1yr.
Mine gets heavy use though, lots of espresso fans in the house.
12 years on the original gasket and daily use.
I never store my portafilter on the group when not in use and it gets cleaned very regularly.
A few days ago I took off the screen and the brass piece same as you did here. I cleaned the parts, and put it back together. I also ran some citric acid through the boiler to descale it.
Now water goes through the coffee grinds in maybe 5 seconds. I removed the parts and reseated them, but no change. I haven't had a decent espresso for 5 days. Luckily I have an Aeropress (I use the upside down technique for that too).
There is no leaking around the portafilter.
I had better mention that at the same time I did this maintenance, I also opened a bag of what I thought were Lavazza gold beans, but I had accidentally bought pre-ground beans. As I am a cheapskate, I have been using this pre-ground stuff.
What could be causing this problem?
Silvia requires a perfect ground coffee, you may want to consider playing with your grinder machine to get the perfect grind. Too fast water means your coffee is too coarse. Slow water means your coffee is too fine. Pre-Ground coffee purchased commercially is not a good option with Silvia unfortunately.
@@calventelloangeletti I concur. Though at the time I assumed I could rely on a commercially ground bean.
Are there any suggestions for getting a frozen water dispenser and middle part off? The screen came off easily and the gasket came out, but the smaller water diffuser and next part won't come. They are gunked up pretty badly--old, old, machine and this is the first time I've ever had it apart. I didn't know I was supposed to do these things!
Hey guys. I just replaced the chrome plastic group head cover which chipped with a black one. There is one screw below all the wires connecting to the switches that I could take out but can’t get back in. Any tips? Thanks so much.
Should the writing be visible or not?
I turned my Silvia upside down... but all the water ran out of the reservoir... what am I doing wrong?
Did you forget to leave the reservoir lid on when turning it upside down?
Incredibly helpful! Just watched this to guide while switching my filter, thank you!
Are you putting the portafilter in with the basket in or not?
You’re supposed to leave that red fingernail polish on there? I scraped it off as soon as I unboxed my Silvia
Just bought a used 2006 model Silvia. Just pulled my first shot on it with coffee ground from my Rocky. Noticed that Gail had her Rocky set to around 7. I had to set mine to 10 to get a shot in about 25 secs. Would cleaning the diffuser and such, help with that?
Your grind setting is going to change depending on what coffee you use. Probably no need to clean anything.
@@SeattleCoffeeGear Cool! I'm pretty new to the espresso world, coming from pour over and French press. This is some Guatemalan I roasted last weekend. Thanks for the quick reply!!
This is the holy grail of home espresso machines.
This is the beginning of holy grail home espresso machines
What kind of 8mm socket wrench is that?
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Make a tune-up like this for the BES870XL!
+Saxman11290 You got it!
I have an ancient Silvia original version that does need a new gasket (I've done this before), but its also leaking water out the bottom. It doesn't leak at all when the machine is off, and mostly when the pump is running but not always. Do you have any suggestions, besides replacing the machine? It's easily a decade old and gets used daily.
+Eric Ruck Tough to say without seeing the machine. Give our support line a call and we can see if we can help diagnose! 866-372-4734
Not to Silvia owners: I did this and many other maintenance steps trying to solve a VERY low flow issue. Turns out, in case this saves you time, that my solenoid was blocked!
Solenoid?
Super appreciated the help!
That scar is impressive. Is it from a shark bite or an espresso accident?
Id say an angry shark.
Dear grammy (Gail) I am torn between this rancilio silvia or the gaggia classic, please help. I like the steam power this one has and the wand, and dont like the plastic tip steam wand on the classic but the gaggia much less expensive than the rancilio... AHHHH HAAALP!
+TheTraumaFactor Personally, I would choose the Silvia. First SCG sells the Rancilio, and stopped carrying Gaggia a few years ago. Gaggia updated the classic this year, and it no longer fits the Rancilio Silvia steam wand retrofit, or has a 3-way solenoid valve. The silvia has a larger boiler but a smaller water tank and drip tray. You also have the opportunity to get a PID on the Silvia. Hope this helps :)
+TheTraumaFactor You can very easily install the steam wand from the Silvia on to the Gaggia Classic, older ones at least....and you can PID the Gaggia too just FYI.
Chad's right about the PID. But you could probably find a good silvia used (possibly modified) for about $500, depending on what generation. If you want to buy the Classic, make sure to get an older one so you can get the 3 way solenoid valve, schrome portafilter spouts, and the ability to upgrade the steam wand.
Hey guys, so I got a Silvia used in top condition. Descaled it with Durgol and now I want to change the group gasket and the shower screen. Do I have to drain the boiler before flipping the machine over?
Hi Nikias! It's not absolutely necessary, but we definitely recommend it. Get it up to steam temp and purge it!
Seattle Coffee Gear thanks for the quick response. I will stick to your video on this topic. Keep up your work, you rock
the sockets easier for him because theres less chance of stripping the bolt as he actually almost strips it with the socket on tighten mode lol
6 MONTHS TO A YEAR?!!
Oh crap mine is 5 years old.
Good video. You guys are so much better than the two women who giggle and make corny jokes . We just want the info and to finish and you seem to understand that
Yes - all that "HI GAIL >>>>>" and the giggling was hard to take.
Instead of cleaning with your nails just put it in some hot water and back flush solvent. 10 mins later it's clean.
music not quite annoying enough. can you make it worse?
Is this worse or just longer? I think maybe just longer: ruclips.net/video/_4Qg5oZU66o/видео.html
You could do it right side up and just turn the camera upside down. Duh!
Not a smart man, are you James?
That’s one disgusting beard!