Mara X Lever Leak

bacciochi

Hello all, apologies if posting in the wrong forum, I’m new here!

I just wanted to see if anyone could shed any potential light on what might be causing a recently occurring leak from the lever of my Mara X. It seems to happen when pulling a shot but slows down and stops towards the end of the shot.

I’ve removed the lever before this to lubricate the cam, and I’ve tried tightening the lever again but the issue persists. I’ve circled on the below photo where the leak is coming from.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Doram

bacciochi I’ve removed the lever before this to lubricate the cam, and I’ve tried tightening the lever again but the issue persists. I’ve circled on the below photo where the leak is coming from.

Are you 100% sure that the leak is coming from where you marked the photo and not slightly to the left where the barrel screws into the group? Did you remember to put back the white Teflon seal (seen at around 1:25 on @DavecUK ’s video linked to by MediumRoastSteam?) If you did use the seal, did you try to tighten the barrel a bit more to see if it gets rid of the leak?

If the seal is there and reassembling the cam as suggested (and tightening the barrel) all fail, then you will have to wait for advise from the master himself.

MediumRoastSteam

Try following the process to lube the lever cam again.

Maybe you’ve got a gasket not correctly seated or something like that?

http://coffeetime.wikidot.com/e61-lubrication

bacciochi

Doram

The leak is definitely coming from the circled area. I have tried tightening the barrel which screws into the group to no avail. The white Teflon seal went back in when I last reassembled the lever, however I’ve just had a response from my retailer who suggests PTFE tape can be used as a substitute for this seal. I’d never seen this recommended before, would you say this is worth doing if I find that the white teflon seal is worn in any way?

I have some time tomorrow to take the lever off again, so will attempt to relube the cam and inspect the seal.

DavecUK

bacciochi inside the barrel which the cam spindle slides through are 2 black pressure o’rings. They are flat not rounded and can be readily purchased. If the cam spindle is never lubed (Molykote 111) there can be drag and they wear and leak at the point you indicated, when under pressure. You could try lubing them which may stop the leak for a while, until you can get replacements.

http://coffeetimex.wikidot.com/e61-group-servicing

bacciochi

DavecUK I believe I have been lubricating the cam spindle, however I had no idea that the barrel could be opened, I just presumed it was one big nut, shows my complete lack of knowledge!😄 I’ll open it up tomorrow and see if I can stop the leak until I can get replacement o rings. Thanks so much!