|
E61 Group Head Maintenance Turorial (E-61) |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, 31 August 2005 |
Courtesy of EspressoParts.com
 This
month we are going to take a look at the ever popular E61 style brew
group. This group can be found on many machines today and is a very
temperature stable brew group, thus its popularity. Introduced by Faema
in 1961 on the E61 machine, this group head revolutionized the espresso
industry by providing a thermically stable method of espresso
preparation.
Today the E61 group or versions of it can be found on several brands of
machines and still manages to be one of the best groups available. This
is a case of technology being way ahead of its self I suppose, and the
fact that "If it's not broke don't fix it".
The E61 group is a massive chunk of brass, when assembled and ready to
place on a machine it weighs in at 9 lbs. This weight mass contributes
to its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. The other function
that helps with this temp stability is the thermo syphon function; this
is a function of water circulation that reduces hot spots within the
group head. A very simple system that is worth its weight in creama.
This article is part one of a series of articles based on the E61 group
head. As so many manufacturers use this style of group, I find that
there are still Baristas out there that do not know how to properly
maintain the screen and baskets. The maintenance procedure is quite
simple and if kept up your espresso machine will last many years.
The first part of maintaining this style of group is to understand the
idea behind back flushing. Back flushing an espresso machine is a
process that involves forcing water and a detergent back through the
group all the way to the three way valve. This procedure starts by
replacing the filter basket in the portafilter with what is referred to
as a blind filter or a back flush disc. This blind filter has no filter
holes thus allowing the group to build pressure and force the cleaning
product back through the group. The manufacturers of these products
provide information on the quantities of the product to use. Make sure
that you stick to the prescribed amount, never use more than suggested
as this can create trouble.
 This is the blind filter or back flush disc as it is also known. Note the lack of holes in this filter.
 The
big brass screw. This is the diffusion screw / dispersion screw or
disc. Make sure that you clean the oil residue from this as well.
The portafilter or filter handles of your espresso machine fit into the
group and are sealed by way of a rubber gasket. After a period of time
the gaskets can become hard and brittle and will not seal well. If you
notice that some water is leaking around the espresso machine group
where the filter resides, it is time for gasket replacement.
The gaskets need to be replaced on a quarterly schedule, and if you
decide to operate on a longer schedule you may find you need to chisel
them out. Gaskets not maintained, are very difficult to remove as well.
The rubber has a tendency to carbonize and turn very hard. Maintaining
these gaskets on a regular schedule will make your life a lot easier.
 This
image shows the condition of a group head gasket that is ready to be
replaced. Note the groove, this is many times the cause of leaks around
the poratfilter basket.
 These are the old parts removed from the E-61 (E61) group. In this case we have opted to replace the group head screens as well.
 The brand new E61 Group Head parts all ready to install.
Removal of the gasket is very simple and involves the use of an ice
pick or a scratch awl. These devices will help you remove the gasket
without much effort. Simply pry the gasket out. When you do this the
group screen will follow as the gasket holds the screen in place.
 This
is where all the action takes place. You will be spending a little time
with this view. Take your time and get it all clean.
 Use
a scratch awl or an ice pick to remove the old group head gasket. The
gasket holds the group screen in place, so bot parts will all come down
and out together.
Now with the gasket removed and the screen in your hand, take a look at
the screen. Hold it up to a light to inspect for holes larger than the
screen it is made from and also look for coffee build up. You want to
be able to see clearly through the screen. If you find that there is a
build up of coffee oil, you can do one of two things. First you can use
a scribe to clean the screen and then soak it in some machine cleaner
or you can simply replace it with a new screen.
While the screen is down it is a great time to scrub the diffusion
disc. If you look up into the group you will see what appears to be a
large slotted screw, this is the diffuser.The disc is made of brass
thus you should use a brass brush to clean it. A simple solution of
machine cleaner applied to the brush will aid with the removal of
coffee oils. Make sure that you have removed all traces of coffee oil
and debris from the surfaces that are now exposed, and prepare for the
reinstallation of parts.
Now its time to reassemble the screen and gasket assembly. The group
screen as mentioned earlier is held in place with the group gasket.
Take the new gasket and insure that the beveled edge is facing up.
Squeeze the group gasket around the screen. Now take the assembly of
the two items and place them on your filter handle without the filter
basket in place and insert the entire assembly into the group head.
Give the handle a turn as though you are locking it in place to brew
coffee, this will insert the gasket into the groove that holds it in
place.
To complete the installation insert the filter basket back into the
filter handle and insert it into the group head, this will completely
force the gasket into the proper position. While most E61 groups use an
8.5mm gasket there are some that use 8mm and 9mm. make sure that you
use the proper thickness gasket for replacement. Your portafilter
handle should be in the 6 oÂ’clock position when installed. If this is
not the case you need to use a different thickness gasket or paper
shims to create the correct spacing.
 Here
we have the assembled group screen and group head gasket. Note the
beveled edge of the gasket is facing up, this will ease installation.
 To
install the assembly, remove the filter basket from your portafilter.
Now take the assembled unit and place on top of the portafilter and
install into the machine. Give the portafilter a good twist to the
right to set the E61 gasket assembly in place.
 This photo shows the use of a paper shim to get the correct spacing of the group gasket.
There, now you have completed the job of group gasket and screen
replacement. Simple maintenance like this will ensure that your
espresso machine operates the way it was intended to and your espresso
will be just how you like. Next article we will do a photo essay of
sorts showing all of the components of the E61 Group Head.
Till next time...
Click here to find replacement parts for your E-61 Grouphead.
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
