Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

TheXperior t1_j6h7yda wrote

That's a beauty! Very simple, reliable design. By the way, you can get almost all spare parts new online. They even sell upgrade kits to make it look and feel a bit more like the newer versions.

171

Waryur OP t1_j6h8b7k wrote

I'm probably gonna replace the milk frother because the arm is a bit drippy even when closed - not enough to cause problems when coffee making and maybe that's just how they are new - also the newer versions you can move it more. Also im gonna throw a bunch of electronics in it to make it more capable - Gaggiuino mod. Basically, my plans for the machine are, new steam arm, insulate the boiler, Gaggiuino. No purely cosmetic stuff like replacing the steam knob or the drip cover because thats how you can tell it's an old one and it's BIFL material.

50

Unique_Name_2 t1_j6hzm08 wrote

Glad to see youre aware of gaggiuno etc! Came here to suggest PID 😆, you got this.

Also never read espresso subs if you dont want to be jealous of the people who found a LMLM for 25 cents :|

7

Waryur OP t1_j6m43bi wrote

I'm pretty sure Ms. 35-Dollar Silvia is that post that makes people jealous lol. But I remember when "I found this Barista Express on the side of the road!" happened twice in a month, was nuts

1

falliblehumanity t1_j6iplu5 wrote

They're definitely not leaky when new, replace the part! It's a gorgeous machine that's definitely a buy it for life type of deal.

7

PrestigeMaster t1_j6iu3lu wrote

Sounds like a valve leaking. Make sure you dig in and find the correct part. Might even just be able to buy new seals depending on what type of valve it has.

7

Waryur OP t1_j6iw1ax wrote

Yeah, the valve that opens the steam wand most likely. This replaces the valve and adds the newer steam wand (because they changed some of the fittings, I would have had to replace the valve anyway, even if mine wasn't leaky.)

2

Bob_Chris t1_j6jsoe0 wrote

I have a PID controlled Silvia that was made in 2000. It's basically the same as yours.

1

CaughtInTheCameraEye t1_j6lswhq wrote

Inside the arm unit there is a washer set you can get to fix leaking valve. Also check for what V you have. Looks like a v1 or v1 so make sure parts for that version if you have it.

I fixed my leaky stream arm with a service kit for it, insulated the boiler with high temp silicone and cable ties. Re-did a few wire and connectors and got the IMS shower screen and grided the bolt for it to sit much flusher.

I had a used grinder too but nothing but issues, got me a 1zpresso K-max and cant be happier (you might like the J-max though)

Lastly I used a makeshift pressure portafilter to make sure im at the right BAR

As for mine (insulated) I just wait 40 seconds after the boiler light goes off and that suits me okay. You could be different and might have to learn the right time or do the temp surf.

Best of luck

1

Waryur OP t1_j6m3vrz wrote

I'm replacing the entire steam valve + wand setup since the newer versions of Silvia have the wand on a ball joint vs the simple rotation on the old versions. But I'll remember that if the new one leaks!

I own a JX-Pro alongside my Mazzer. Theres nothing wrong with used equipment unless the previous owner was stupid, and the previous owner of my grinder took good care of it. I'm looking to replace the grinder with a DF64, maybe DF64P, because of workflow.

I dunno if I'm at "the right" pressure - I know a guy who owns a late-90s Silvia and his OPV is still at the factory pressure, it hasn't lost pressure over time so I assume I'm also at factory pressure (11 bars or so) - but I'm putting a mod in to be able to pressure profile.

1

thegassypanda t1_j6j0e7o wrote

I can't get the screw out on the screen above where the coffee goes

1

TheXperior t1_j6jfir3 wrote

Try it when the machine is hot. Once you got it, I suggest replacing it with a countersunk stainless hex screw, this reduces the profile and makes it easier to remove it. I often had an imprint of the original screw in the puck, not a huge deal but I like it better without it.

4