Stinkin filthy dirty machine!

C-man

As most of you know My S24 was in a holiday rental for 10 years, so lets assume the worst

I had to completely remove everything in the milk path and soak it overnight to finally get micro foam

I had to back flush it within an inch of it's life to get the pub taste out of the shots

Now I am wondering if I got all the old rancid coffee oils out?  I still can not get the subtle fruit flavors I am looking for.

Just how far up the group head could the dirt be?
The most of it came out with the portafilter wiggle after the back flushing, some came out into the drain via the 3 way valve.

I was thinking of draining the boiler again and turning the entire beast upside down and injecting Strong back flush detergent up his pee hole and all around the collar and let is soak a few hours.

would that work?  or do I need to remove the parts and soak them?


the coffee does taste good now and the water tastes OK too, just can only get chock let flavors and not fruity flavors yet.

Koffee_Kosmo

The group head is easily removed on a commercial machine Just remember to mark the position and replace it correctly - it's for the PF lugs and lock position Just soak it overnight Take the top cover off and you should see 3 bolts or screws holding the round head on a brass bridge to the boiler KK

UNM

I wouldn't bother, but it should be straightforward enough if you want to. You might try a kilo of mycuppas berry apocalypse blend. If that doesn't fruit you, nothing will.

derrilex

on 1364692814:

  I still can not get the subtle fruit flavors I am looking for. the coffee does taste good now - just can only get chock let flavors and not fruity flavors yet.

So the machine is perfect then C-Man  :rofl: :rofl:

Brett H

on 1364697556:

I wouldn't bother, but it should be straightforward enough if you want to. You might try a kilo of mycuppas berry apocalypse blend. If that doesn't fruit you, nothing will.

Yep!  Don't bother... Just start to experiment with different beans and roasts and you'll soon learn what the machine likes!  If of course you don't want it any more Ill give you what you paid for it...  :rofl:

Lacehim

I agree.  It's probably more to do with beans that anything.  Try some different roast depths, and different beans mate before you go ripping it apart.  Mind you I thought your steam wand was okay so maybe I should shut up!  :laugh:

C-man

It could be beans, but with the track record I'm betting on more dirt....

C-man

photo of GH

Koffee_Kosmo

Its a little different to the Bezzera as the head is separate to the bridge - all it takes is 3 screws and it falls out Found this link - see page 16 http://www.rancilio.it/rancilio/download.jsp?file=/img/rancilio/undefined/download/1219681287965_epoca1group+spare+parts+drawings.pdf Looks like a seal kit is required if you pull it apart KK

C-man

another shot with the sheet metal out of the way

C-man

looking a bit scummy

FreshCoffee2

Hi C Man. The machine is 10 years old......and from what can be seen from the photos, its actually pretty smick for the age.....which seems to be contrary to the impression of it that you seem to have gained. Cut the poor old thing some slack  Seriously, I dont think you are going to gain anything that you can detect, from trying to clear out the group path to within an inch of its life by pulling it apart and soaking with detergent/chemicals etc). Suggest you leave the group in situ and simply remove the shower and backing plate and clean the area by hand (because it is quicker and more thorough first off with a machine that is new to you, than trying to back flush with detergent ad nauseum). After you have done that, a detergent backflush with have more effect (and a quicker effect) in clearing  the group drillings. If a simple back flush with detergent can quickly get it to run out white, what would be the point of removing the group and thowing it in a bucket of solution? Honestly I believe that whatever you are, or are not getting from your cupping, has not much to do with the machine itself, and more to do with your level of understanding of the relationships between all three of your grinder / machine / coffee making technique, and perhaps your understanding and level of experience of the (espresso) cupping process. Example. This morning I cupped  a coffee that we currently (reasons I wont go into) call our "Queensland Blend". I designed it a few weeks ago for a specific purpose. This morning I cupped it through a series of different grinds from too fine to coarse, different coffee making techniques, and different brew temperatures (PID cupping machine same as Brett H machine). One blend.....but the brews of course changed significantly through the range. Aside from the beans the one constant was the cupping machine and I can assure you if there is a machine that is more likely than yours to be bogged up with coffee oils and lots of use, it would be mine  ; Your machine actually doesnt look like its had much use, so where did all the apparent "internal filth" come from? Suggest you blokes up there get together for some cupping sessions. That will be the way to develop your palate and also your espresso making skills to achieve particular results. hope that helps.

C-man

I agree, it is in great condition I am sure it had very little use, also very little servicing if any and zero cleaning! I was pulling better tasting shots on my old inferior machine, so I am pretty sure their is still some dirt somewhere.

C-man

more parts off now soaking

Lacehim

Doesn't look very dirty to me.

C-man

that's what I thought too, but the bucket water is gone really brown! I think it is inside and under the seal wait for the shinny after pics

C-man

After soaking all night and changing the water a few times and using boiling hot water and some scrubbing

Koffee_Kosmo

Now that is shiny clean  :thumb: Hope it sorts out the frustration But don't forget to take on board Fresh Coffees suggestions KK

C-man

on 1364943643:

Now that is shiny clean  :thumb: Hope it sorts out the frustration But don't forget to take on board Fresh Coffees suggestions KK

No worries, it is warming up know and I got some good Clandistino beans to try out. I was pulling flawless shots that tasted good, but just not getting the subtle flavors I am looking for, hopefully that should improve now. But I always work on everything else too as suggested.

Ol Grumpy

on 1364865388:

Suggest you blokes up there get together for some cupping sessions. That will be the way to develop your palate and also your espresso making skills to achieve particular results.

Ahaaa... Now there's an idea... Any Takers? KK- What about a cupping session on the new deck? :idea?

C-man

good news!  all that cleaning is paying dividends now It is a subtle change but a definite jump in the taste levels.

Brett H

on 1365136779:

good news!  all that cleaning is paying dividends now It is a subtle change but a definite jump in the taste levels.

Great news!