Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 8:35am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
Cheapest boiler replacement I've seen is still at 1st-Line Wayne. There's new copper plumbing too (complete boiler kit), associated with the new boiler (only 5 buck more, includes red silicone boiler gasket OPV union nipple & OPV alignment/orientation washer {save your old ones too, some may be needed)., but for you it wouldn't be a problem to fabricate a new copper steam tube. Man, what a mess!
jlhsupport Senior Member Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 85 Location: Lafayette, IN Expertise: Professional
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 9:18am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
That boiler is not safe to use. The heating element filament is exposed and live current is running through the ground wire. Bad accident waiting to happen!
When you do the tear-down, you will want to disassemble the 3-way valve because I bet the springs are all caked with insulation.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,772 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 9:50am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
jlhsupport Said:
That boiler is not safe to use. The heating element filament is exposed and live current is running through the ground wire. Bad accident waiting to happen!
When you do the tear-down, you will want to disassemble the 3-way valve because I bet the springs are all caked with insulation.
Thanks for the word of warning... I was being sarcastic. :P
Edit If you didn't get that then perhaps others would not either thank you. End edit.
This is indeed a pictorial explanation of why you want to use good water, descale the boiler and don't let the water level get too low.
EDIT on 11-7-11. This budget has gone out the window, she is getting all new interior parts and some mods along the way also, when all done, I will update with the $$ spent! LOL
END second EDIT:
If the above guide lines had been followed, this machine would still be happily making espresso. Well, I will have a few more $ in it as the boiler kit is going to be about $125~ plus $40 to buy it in the first place then while I am at it, a PID system, someplace about $150 to $175 so, worst case, about $350 give or take a little. Not the great deal I started with but for a fully rebuilt, PID modded Sylvia, not a bad deal either.
I am going to go the extra $ for a PID as I am so used to the HX system at home, I really REALLY don't want to try to get into temp surfing. Otherwise, under $200 all up for the rehabed Sylvia.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,772 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 9:55am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
I really hate the fact that the heater is soldered in place. Just to show them..... I have half an idea to look around for a replacement element for another machine and mod this bell end to accept it. I really hate non replaceable parts!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
stefano65 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 1,340 Location: Eugene OR Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Vibiemme,Elektra, Grinder: Vario,Macap, Vac Pot: not Drip: not Roaster: not
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 10:42am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
A little suggestion inspect the lower bottom half of the boiler for warping (and possibly small airline cracks) before investing in all the other parts
if you are refering to a Over Pressure Valve there is indeed a OPV valve, on the pre 06 is not adjustable, after 06 is adjustable both are with a silicone hose going back into the reservoir
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 11:06am Subject: Re: calling all Sylvia experts and techs. Boiler open pics
calblacksmith Said:
I really hate the fact that the heater is soldered in place. Just to show them..... I have half an idea to look around for a replacement element for another machine and mod this bell end to accept it. I really hate non replaceable parts!
Hey Wayne, Once upon a time the Silvia, Nancy, etc used to have a boiler that you could replace the heating element on. I supposidly got the last one in North America after I searched & scoured around (Rancilio NA found the last one for me) on April 30 2007. If you search my posts, you'll see pics I posted of it.
You can still buy replacement heating elements for it/them. I'm sure that you could drill/bore out the old heating element & retrofit the OEM Rancilio heating in place. I'll go measure the holes & post the dimentions back here for you. Pictured below is the old style replacable heating element Rancilio Silvia boiler.
P.S. Wayne, the mounting holes are .530" or 17/32"., also 1½ thou away from 13.5 mm.
I was hoping as such but still had to write something to reach the one less-than-experienced person who may come across this thread and interpret that the boiler was safe to use.
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