Intermittent lever sticking on ECM Puristika

AlfredB

Hi, I have noticed lately on my three month old Puristika the E61 lever sometimes stiffens when I am trying to move from middle to horizontal (brew) position. Sometimes it sticks and requires me to apply pressure to get it to get to on position and then the next time I do it, it’s easy. Most of the time it is very smooth. I did lubricate the cam with Molykote 111 about a month ago, following a Cafiza backflush. I am not sure what to make of it.

MediumRoastSteam

AlfredB - any chance of a video, focusing closely on the lever and showing the pump switch?

AlfredB

MediumRoastSteam

Yes, I will make one. It is just that the issue pops up somewhat randomly.

OK, here it is:

MediumRoastSteam

AlfredB - upload a video to YouTube, Vimeo or other video service and paste the link here. Make sure the video is not private, otherwise no one will be able to see it. 👍

AlfredB

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK

AlfredB Are you in the USA?

MediumRoastSteam

AlfredB - thanks. In the video, did it “stick”? It looks fine to me, but maybe I’m overlooking something.

AlfredB

DavecUK

Yes.

DavecUK

AlfredB I thought so from the sound of the pump (going at 60 and not 50Hz). Can’t see anything obviously wrong?

AlfredB

MediumRoastSteam

No, not this time.

MediumRoastSteam

AlfredB OK.

I do wonder whether it might be that the pump switch could be sticking - rather than a pin or valve in the group.

With the machine off, try pushing the button with your finger (maybe remove the lever) a few times to try and feel if they might be the issue. Otherwise, one for Dave or other more experienced members. 👍

AlfredB

A while ago I lubricated the switch with a little Haynes Lubri-Film, but I will give this a try, thank you!

AlfredB

DavecUK

You can tell where I am from just by the sound of the pump? Makes me very impressed : )

AlfredB

DavecUK

No, it only happens from time to time, however, lately at least once every morning.

DavecUK

AlfredB That’s interesting, so it always seems to happen in the morning? After the machine has warmed up perhaps??

AlfredB

DavecUK

Yes, it is kind of like this video, but less severe:

DavecUK

AlfredB The machine in that video probably has worn cam follower pins.

If you whip your lever off and open up the group cam chamber, lets have a photograph of what’s going on in there please.

Oh when you lubricated the cam, you removed it, dried it thoroughly and the cam follower pins, lubed the lever spindle as well? Perhaps you could explain what you do?

AlfredB

DavecUK

Yes, I lubed the spindle as well. As for drying thoroughly… I am not sure, I will open it up and take photos!

DavecUK

AlfredB If the metal isn’t dry, the Molykote 111 just slides off.

AlfredB

So, I did a Cafiza backflush last night, determined to take apart the E61 clean thoroughly and relubricate all parts.

I could not separate the large (36 mm) top nut from the stainless steel bell bellow (marked in red). Not sure if it was too tight or if it unscrews in the opposite direction (clockwise?). Didn’t try to fight it.

I didn’t think it necessary to separate the flange (shown in blue).

Now after I thoroughly cleaned and lubed all the valves, springs, the cam spindle and head, it feels like bringing the lever down require more force than it used to. Go figure. The resistance feels “rubbery”.

I wonder if I should have taken the flange apart and lubed the cam washers. I will attach some pictures I took.