thanks for re-writing this, i got all the bits when it was first talked about (in the place that shall not be named) but havn’t got round to doing it yet - will be a job to do over Christmas (honest)

    siliconslave I think these instructions are much clearer, easier to follow and include the tips and insights that were picked up along the way. If you bought the brass connectors, I would follow the above and only swap the blue plastic connector with the brass one you have. I have seen a few people complain about plastic connectors failing (on other machines, not Mara X). The mod is really a no brainer, very easy and quick to do, and now that Lelit is doing it you know there is no reason not to. I think that once you do it you might kick yourself for not going for it earlier.

      Merry Christmas greetings

      Thanks, saw this when you first posted the mod, I’d just got my Mara but with one thing and another it was another Round Tuit…..

      You are right, this version seems much easier for my old brain to assimilate, just done the OPV adjustment this week.

      Got the fittings in brass from evilBay, so a very timely Christmas break project on the cards

        CafeNoir You are right, this version seems much easier for my old brain to assimilate, just done the OPV adjustment this week.

        Got the fittings in brass from evilBay, so a very timely Christmas break project on the cards

        Let us know how you get on, and just give a shout if you need any help. It really is very easy to do it now with the steps above. And Merry Christmas to you too. :)

          DavecUK marked the discussion as super sticky.
          6 days later

          It looks like the tube coming off of the OPV is different. It appears to have a 90 degree connector which most likely prevents the hose from kinking against the inside of the top cover. Is this a separate connector or part of the hose?

            6 days later
            DavecUK unmarked the discussion as super sticky.
            8 days later

            finally (14months after receiving the brass) i’ve done it 😁 The instructions are great thanks @Doram although i’ve no idea how you’d do it without removing the panel separating the water tray from the main part of the machine - that’d take some seriously scraped knuckels.

            Did a couple of coffee-less runs and a few back-flushes and don’t seem to have any leaks so very happy!

              siliconslave although i’ve no idea how you’d do it without removing the panel separating the water tray from the main part of the machine - that’d take some seriously scraped knuckels.

              I have done it (twice) without removing the back panel and my knuckles are fine :-). 14 months is indeed a long time to be sitting on the fence, lol. I hope you will find it worthwhile to be on the other side.

                logjames It looks like the tube coming off of the OPV is different. It appears to have a 90 degree connector which most likely prevents the hose from kinking against the inside of the top cover. Is this a separate connector or part of the hose?

                Maybe upload a photo of the connector/hose you are referring to?

                  Had a leak with the brass connector but reused the plastic one and seems to work! I hear the different sound and sounds of water but can’t find any leaks so seem to be good! Thanks!
                  It seems like maybe my hoses from the boiler are shorter? I had to bend one of them, so you think that’s ok?

                  7 days later
                  DavecUK unstickied the discussion .
                  4 days later
                  a month later

                  Hello coffee lovers.
                  This is my first comment on this forum. Humbly I would like to point some issues about this mode. Firstly I haven’t tried that and I am not willing to. Because as a marine engineer I can say that the pump will not be happy to work with the new piping system as aspect of fluid dynamics. The more fittings, valves, connectors, elbows etc. etc. cause more friction, energy loss by heat. They create more critical issues on the suction sides of the pumps, as like cavitation.
                  In our case, with new suction piping system, suction head of the pump decreases and pump may suffer to suck water properly compering with the previous original pipings because the OPV not all time keeps open, not feeds water continuously. In conculation we may obtain non-uniform flow and in long term shorter life of the pump, those effect the cup quality obviously. In my opinion the best option of this mod is re-routing the opv exhaust directly to the tank, instead of the pump suction.
                  I just wanted to share my thoughts, not advising any thing to anyone. Best regards to all.

                    Odie Welcome to the forum….

                    With espresso machine vibration pumps, it has been common practice over the years to route expansion valve output back to the inlet of the pump. many manufacturers have done this, some have routed back to the tank as you suggest. Both solutions appear to work fine.

                    Contact me

                      16 days later
                      2 years later

                      Hi,

                      I just did this and have a small leak from the plastic three way connection that feeds the pump. Pretty sure it is coming from the connection to the pump with the shortest bit of silicone pipe.

                      I have dried it all off, it thankfully was only a few drops.

                      what is the best way to fix this please?

                      Also when I opened the machine I noticed that the connection from overflow valve had a bit of sediment, is this anything to worry about? I bought the machine second hand and know it was descaled about a year ago- the seller said only Tesco water used- I feel they are trustworthy. Photo of sediment attached.

                      Thanks!

                        PC202 - not sure what that picture is… but the only way to fix a leak is to make sure it’s water tight. If the plastic three way valve is cracked, then replace it with a copper one. Try emailing lelit (care at lelit.com) or try to source the three way connector elsewhere.

                        As for the sediment… Ashbeck will scale. It has calcium in it.

                            MediumRoastSteam thanks for your reply. I understand, I have ordered some more of the hosing. So will try that, fingers crossed.

                            Thanks for the info on the calcium in the water, that makes sense.

                            ps: On the off chance you read my previous reply- sorry I didn’t catch your drift- I was very tired.