This morning the paddle was very stiff to turn and seemed like it didn't make a lot of difference in the flow. Then it snapped, became loose again but the paddle had no effect. The flow was wide open. Something obviously broke inside. Has anybody had this happen? [It doesn't look hard to take apart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHsX9V40Hmg). When I take it apart what should I be looking for? Purchased from Bella Barista in January 2020. Many thanks for any hints. edit: I just priced out the [replacement kit from Bella Barista](https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/parts/coffee-machine-and-roaster-parts/service-re-build-kits/lelit-bianca-flow-valve-kit.html) and it's £225. Yikes!! edit #2: I just removed the water flow regulator but it looks fine. I guess the problem is further down. The replacement kit includes some nuts and a spring. Is there a video for a complete removal? I don't want to just start taking stuff apart.

@"thusband"#p21856 Check that the pin has not fractured. Check out my videos about the flow control especially lubricating before fitting and the checks I do. You will find the post with links in the forum knowledgebase.

Thanks Dave, After removing the shaft from the nut there was this piece of metal in the threads of the pin shaft (see photo). The threads were stripped from the nut. I admit I haven't been diligent about lubricating. Would that have prevented this? Why is there a large spring included in the flow valve kit from Bella Barista? ![](https://i.imgur.com/yHiByJh.jpg)

That looks like shaved metal. Is it a spring?

@"Cuprajake"#p21863 No, it's stripped threads. The shaft just slides through the nut now and spins freely. I'll have to cough up that 225 quid.

> @"thusband"#p21862 After removing the shaft from the nut there was this piece of metal in the threads of the pin shaft (see photo). The threads were stripped from the nut. > > I admit I haven’t been diligent about lubricating. Would that have prevented this? > > Why is there a large spring included in the flow valve kit from Bella Barista? **That's a shame, looks like the steel pin has removed the thread from the inside of the nut. I think lubrication is always a good thing and perhaps lubricating the thread would have helped prevent this, I've tried really hard to encourage people to lubricate these systems regularily (ECM or Lelit version)**…or perhaps it was a defective thread from the start, however, if that were the case, it would have felt stiff from day one! I'm assuming it's been getting stiffer and stiffer for quite a while now…that wouldn't happen overnight. I wondered about a short steel helicoil for a fix, but I don't know what type of thread the pin is (not sure you could get a helicoil like that)….You would have to try the pin in an actual helicoil to see. If it fitted, it would require drilling to just the depth of the thread and no further, unfortunately helicoils require drilling slightly past where they install, and the cross piece broken out. It would also require a helicoil of the right length. The large spring in the kit is for replacement of the preinfusion spring (with a 11+ bar and not 4 bar version), after the vent spring of an E61 group has been removed. This prevent s the preinfusion chamber from opening at 4 bar and interfering with the profile, but allows the group to be vented. You only need this if you are adding the flow kit to a machine that doesn't have one and has a manual E61 group.. e.g. when I fitted it to the Minima, I didn't need to use it. It's irritating, because you only really need that nut, Lelit almost certainly buy it in fully assembled..

@"DavecUK"#p21865 Thanks again for the info. I just ordered the kit and a pack of o-rings.

> @"thusband"#p21867 Thanks again for the info. I just ordered the kit and a pack of o-rings. Did you use the link in the knowledgebase to get the FKM ones? When I saw Lelit at Milan, I recommended they move away from EDPM to FKM O rings. When you get the new kit, like in my video, remove the pin and lube it, I personally don't believe they have enough lube from the factory. It's annoying the kit is so expensive….

@"DavecUK"#p21868 Yes, I used the link and will take your advice about lubing the pin. Too bad you can't order the parts separately. I don't really need the spring or paddle.

> @"thusband"#p21869 Too bad you can’t order the parts separately. I don’t really need the spring or paddle. Although someone else might….so you could advertise the other parts….

@"DavecUK"#p21873 Nice idea. I could give the paddle to a good home. I might keep the spring.

Looks like my flow control completely broke on my Lelit Bianca

thusband

Del_UK

You’ll love your Bianca. 2 ½ years and never a problem until now and it’s really my fault.

Del_UK

thusband
I’ve the Elizabeth, and it’s been great also, but I just like the idea of being able to fiddle/tune a bit more.

DavecUK

Del_UK Bianca is a lovely machine.

Norvin

thusband

If you want to donate the remains, I may be able to repair the nut or make a new one as a project.

thusband

Norvin

Sure, can I drop them in the post? I’d like to keep the paddle as it’s still good.

Norvin

thusband hi

Thanks, send me an email to the address in my signature and I’ll respond with my address.

bluearchtop

I just had the same exact problem. Stripped threads inside my nut as well. Is the only option still the full profile kit? Ugh.

DavecUK

bluearchtop The nut on it’s own is now a separate purchasable part, you don’t need the whole kit.

bluearchtop

Oh wow. Any idea where I can find it? No luck searching around.

Thanks!

DavecUK

bluearchtop what country are you in?

bluearchtop

DavecUK Am in the US

DavecUK

bluearchtop The part is the Lelit 2200095L1 E61 Group Cap LPC

1st line used to carry it.

Norvin

After spending some time repairing one, they became available, sigh.
https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/1016-acs-minima-with-lelit-bianca-flow-contol/8
I saw them for sale on the Bella Barista Web site, £29.
https://bellabarista.co.uk/collections/lelit-parts/products/lelit-bianca-e61-group-cap

DavecUK

Norvin ideally the top cap and flow control piece should be made of stainless.

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