Issue with Vesuvius steam boiler

Igm45

When using the steam boiler all is working ok at present. However the sound of steam can be heard within the machine.

I opened her up this morning and found that the noise is coming from the place indicated in the photo.

It seems to be coming from behind the white stuff (is it simply silicon?). What is causing the issue and what could be a solution?

MediumRoastSteam

Igm45 is it simply silicon?

I hope it isn’t silicone. Never seen silicone being used like that. Thread locker, PTFE, I get it. But silicone?

Stupid question: Does it feel like silicone? (Squishy, soft?)

DavecUK

The white stuff looks to be deposits rather than ptfe tape. The solution is to remove the fitting and clean up the area. And then wrap the fitting with 7 to 12 turns of ptfe tape and fit back into the boiler.

If thread locker has been used to secure the fitting, try and shock it off with sharp knocks and an open-ended spanner.

Igm45

MediumRoastSteam to be honest it does look, and feels, like silicone. It seemed strange to me too but that’s what it seems most like.

Elcarajillo

Difficult to see clearly, could be a teflon washer or jointing paste. When cold!! slacken the knurled nut to release the tube. Remove the fitting threaded into the boiler, clean the thread and apply 5-6 turns of PTFE tape (plumbers tape)
Reinstall the fitting ( if the fitting is too loose clean off and re-apply more PTFE).
Possibly worth moving the knurled nut back and using a knife remove a few mm’s off the pipe and remaking the joint

Igm45

Might be jointing paste. That’s not something I’m familiar with though.

Igm45

Here’s a picture of the part post removal. It really does seem to be silicon.

DavecUK

Igm45 Here’s a picture of the part post removal. It really does seem to be silicon.

How old is your machine….I want to check if it’s Loxeal 18/10 or not as it looks blue in the photo?

Igm45

In any case, part removed PTFE tape applied. Part replaced.

Problem solved. I absolutely love it when a fix is both simple and free!

Thank you all.