Hi today I have noticed a piece of rubber gasket dangling down from steam arm it is still attached somehow, how to service this easily? Or should I just leave it as is? [URL=https://i.imgur.com/A7yVEyw.jpeg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/A7yVEyw.jpeg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/97H8yGo.jpeg][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/97H8yGo.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]

@"Inspector"#p63565 Yes, it's just an O ring, it shreds like that mainly for 3 reasons, in order of diminishing importance: * Lack of lubrication * lack of Lubrication * Nut too tight * Moving the arm when it's cold (especially if it's not lubricated and the nut is too tight) * Aging (takes a long time, but hastened by lack of lubrication) It can be easily repaired with an FKM O ring, you might want to see if Lelit will tell you the size, then we can put it in the knowledge base here. The O ring fits in the base of the nut under the ball joint, forming a seal as you swivel the wand.. You can see it has shredded out from under that balljoint.

@"DavecUK"#p63567 Thank you Dave, so I can undo that nut on the picture slide it off from the steam wand, replace the gasket and put it back. Is it that simple?

This is the video for fixing if anyone else have the same problem. Thanks all for your input. https://youtu.be/u_gkYaZNGk8?si=IXd5uHxEBXJ9OnY9

@"Uncletits"#p63576 NBR is not really great for a steam arm, get FKM o rings.

Lelit Elizabeth question

Uncletits

https://www.espressounderground.co.uk/Lelit-Steam-and-water-valves-s/3076.htm

These seem to have a few o rings for Lelit steam arms

DavecUK

Uncletits NBR is not really great for a steam arm, get FKM o rings.

Inspector

This is the video for fixing if anyone else have the same problem. Thanks all for your input.

MediumRoastSteam

I actually just serviced my steam tap and steam arm. All good as new! A bit of silicone grease over the o-ring and spring valve and that’s it. I can leave it alone for another couple of years 👍

there’s no need to overtighten that nut. Just tighten with your hand and then a very brief nip up with the spanner so it doesn’t come undone.

Inspector

I struggle to find this part in the UK tho.

La machina asks for 20Euros for shipping, some Spanish retailer asks for 10Euros, it is mad!

MediumRoastSteam

Inspector - is La machina del caffe actually shipping small items to the UK now? They weren’t last time I checked - if the consignment is below £135 then the responsibility to pay VAT is with the supplier) directly to hmrc.

Try espresso underground. Last time I needed an o-ring they had in stock, and they are in the uk. A quick phone call and they sorted me out pretty quickly. Not sure if they are still going though.

Inspector

MediumRoastSteam hi yes apparently they send now, at least confirming on the checkout section but 20euros for 1gr item is come on!

Same part is also for expobar and crem machines apparently. Part number C30370075 but I also couldn’t find it in the UK apart from parts town UK but their shipping is also £21 unless I go and collect it from their counter in Cannock.

I will ask Espresso underground for sure.

Inspector

Ok I have found this https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/gaskets-o-rings/2610013

This being silicone can withstand up to 230degrees. 50 in a pack comes £18 with delivery. But it says you can’t apply silicone grease on it, only PTFE.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134882948856?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2WnjR41sSCq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=SWN84fC1QX-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

There is also this OEM part single item cost £13

DavecUK

Inspector This being silicone can withstand up to 230degrees. 50 in a pack comes £18 with delivery. But it says you can’t apply silicone grease on it, only PTFE.

get FKM/Viton ones, then you can use Silicone.

I think original fitment might be NBR, which is nowhere near as good as FKM, you can but a whole O ring kit of various sizes quite cheaply from Amazon, always handy.

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK - thanks Dave.

Would you mind explaining when FKM, Vitton, rubber and silicone o-rings should be used?

I noticed some o-rings are red, some are green and some are black. Is there any difference?

MediumRoastSteam

MediumRoastSteam - doing my own research looks like FKM and Viton are the same thing. The latter being the trade name of the type of rubber, registered by DuPont.

DavecUK

MediumRoastSteam I noticed some o-rings are red, some are green and some are black. Is there any difference?

They can be green and be Butadiene or FKM (which can be black, as Viton is).

Silicon o-rings = can’t use Silicon lubes

Fluorocarbon Rubber = can use anything to lube

Butadiene, EDPM etc. = Can’t use food safe petroleum based lubes Like Vaseline 3313

delta76

MediumRoastSteam yes

Are VITON™ and FKM the same | TYM Seals & Gaskets

pretty much like PTFE (the material) vs Teflon (brand name). but it is so popular that people usually use Teflon or Viton for the materials regardless of manufacturer

Inspector

just to update the thread, i ended up ordering EPDM ones from rs components 10 of them for £1.66 and not FKM ones which costs £16, EPDM one should last couple years before i need to change again i hope.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/gaskets-o-rings/2040960 the ones i ordered

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/gaskets-o-rings/2040958?gb=s the ones i should have ordered if i weren’t tight :)