jsands Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5 Location: indianapolis, in Expertise: Aficionado
Posted Sat Aug 16, 2008, 5:32pm Subject: new sylvia problems
I would like some help. I have owned a sylvia and rocky for ten years. While no Barista I roast my own coffee and manage to make what I consider consistently good espresso on my first machine. A year ago I bought a new Sylvia and Rocky for another residence. With the new Rocky and Sylvia I cannot make a cup of decent espresso. It takes brackish and sour. The water in the location of the new machine is fine. I bring the same freshly roasted coffee I use on the "good" machine to the new one. The grind seems about right, not extremely slow or fast to pull. It has with a nice crema on top but it tastes ugh! I asked the firm where I bought it if the thermostat could be defective or if I needed to adjust anything but I didn't really get a helpful answer. I would appreciate any imput. Thanks, Jon
earlds Senior Member Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 437 Location: Mobile
Posted Sun Aug 17, 2008, 10:38am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
Sounds like you need to experament with your timing to get the right water temp when pulling shots.Silvias are much easier to use if you get some kind of gauge on the boiler. And there is no Y in Silvia.
Posted Sun Aug 17, 2008, 8:59pm Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
I don't have a Silvia, but until 15 other users jump in,.... There was a change to a lower temp thermostat a few years ago. Have you checked/compared temps? Sounds like the new machine might be running a bit cooler.
jsands Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5 Location: indianapolis, in Expertise: Aficionado
Posted Mon Aug 18, 2008, 3:04am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
Thank you Frost.
How would I compensate for the cooler thermostat when pulling shots? In my old machine I run the boiler until the light comes on, wait for it to go out, let it run until the light comes on again, then wait about ten seconds which always works perfectly.
Posted Mon Aug 18, 2008, 7:36am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
I would track down another thermostat and replace it so both machines behave the same. (you will have to verify but I think the new is 100C, the old is 110C). ...beyond that, I think you really need a thermometer on the boiler to know/verify your temp surf routine is working. That's what I use to good effect on the Venus.
Ciclisto Senior Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 78 Location: Connecticut Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Innova i2
Posted Mon Aug 18, 2008, 9:56am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
Frost Said:
I would track down another thermostat and replace it so both machines behave the same. (you will have to verify but I think the new is 100C, the old is 110C). ...beyond that, I think you really need a thermometer on the boiler to know/verify your temp surf routine is working. That's what I use to good effect on the Venus.
Before starting modifications, maybe just try changing your temp surfing routine. You're catching it on the way up, which was SOP with the old 110C thermostat. I have a newer Silvia with the 100C (never had an old one), and I start my pulls the moment the light goes out. I can't guarantee you'll get satisfactory results, but it does sound as if you are brewing too cool, and this would move it up the temperature curve. Worth a try.
jsands Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5 Location: indianapolis, in Expertise: Aficionado
Posted Mon Aug 18, 2008, 10:01am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
Frost, Thank you. I will try changing the surfing routine first. I would like to think some different timing would make up for the difference in the thermostats.
Psyd Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1,167 Location: MON AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Sylvia and Astoria Argenta... Grinder: Rocky and Astoria (Mazzer)...
Posted Mon Aug 18, 2008, 10:38am Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
With the new 100C t-stat, try waiting for the light to go out, and then run the group until the water stops steaming/spurting/dancing, wipe off the group, lock in, and start the pull.
jsands Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5 Location: indianapolis, in Expertise: Aficionado
Posted Fri Aug 29, 2008, 5:47pm Subject: Re: new sylvia problems
frost and psyd
thanks! it worked. Pulling the shot just after the light goes out makes an excellent cup - just as good as waiting 30 sec as I do with the old (110 degree) Silvia.
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