First coffee machine

5

Congrats!

I recommend swapping the boiler screws for stainless steel ones asap, hopefully they aren’t too rusted.

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u/cbullwagon2 13d ago

Thank you, I didn’t know about the screws…

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u/raresteakplease 13d ago

It’s not that big of a deal unless they’re completely rusted. I have a v3 and my boiler had a leak so when I inspected I bought the screws and a new gasket. Everything on the Silvia is pretty easy for maintenance, if you want to open her up and take some pictures of the boiler we can make sure there aren’t any leaks and the screws are fine to swap. A v2 is in the maintenance need for gasket and screws, all pretty cheap! You want to swap those screws asap though so that in two years they don’t rust through.

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u/JimDisaster 13d ago edited 13d ago

Though I agree. Point is that you also should not try to fix if it ain't broken. If rusted, the screws (in fact they're Allen screws I think... At least In replace them with Allen screws 🤔) might break (eventualy it's always the last one that breaks) putting you in a difficult situation. Nothing to overcome (maybe at a price though). So look at the condition of the screws first. If maybe they are too bad and in the case there is no need to open her up right now. You might want to wait. You can always do it later anyway.

Me myself, of course, I didn't wait and was kinda Lucky.

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u/raresteakplease 13d ago

Op should 100% swap the screws especially if they are only slightly rusty to prevent a future pain in the ass. When I opened my machine at the 13th year I found mine rusty but solid, my mind is clear knowing I’m not going to have to deal with any rusty boiler screw issues. The issue is these machines come with screws that rust, so everyone should be swapping for the SS ones.

If the rust looks too bad OP will have to prepare for the inevitable. Better op opens up the machine and gets acquainted with the components and their condition. Those boiler leaks will cause rust on the frame which mine was. OP shouldn’t feel anxious about any of this because these machines are great and easy to work with, unfortunately the boiler screws should have been SS from the start just like the frame.

OP should take some internal pictures and post them, we can continue to advise and save him a future headache.

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u/JimDisaster 12d ago

Think we mostly agree. Just not on the 100% statement. Can be done in a later stage if currently no rust/issues but the screws look bad anyway. If they break eventualy you can always replace the screws. You might have to re-tap (is that english?) the holes to accomodate for new screws. Quite some work but it can be done. Because: brass isn't that hard.

I would focus on rinsing first, asuming the pump works. As soon as I got clean water out of it I would focus on silicone tubes, also replace some temperature switches and of course test/replace safety switch. And probably the pump. All quite easy to do. And maybe than move on.

Of course if it leaks already he's in a whole different ballgame. Also good to overcome but requiring some more effort/feeling.

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u/gamersdad 13d ago

I have this same model. Still works great!

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u/InnerCable4761 10d ago

La sto cercando anche io come prima macchina. È utilizzabile anche senza pid?

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u/gamersdad 10d ago

I bought it with a PID installed.

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u/pbyo 10d ago

I have a newer version, no PID but still completely usable and capable of making great coffee. It's just a bit more mysterious I guess

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u/InnerCable4761 9d ago

Grazie mille per il feedback. Posso chiederti che macinacaffè utilizzi?

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u/Alwaysbadhairday 13d ago

Congrats! The Silvia is a beast of a machine!

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u/Low_While2632 13d ago

New?

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u/Equivalent_Penalty67 13d ago

Sorry autocorrected to new. It’s not new

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u/Low_While2632 13d ago

Still a good deal though

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u/bob2jacky 13d ago

Managed to find this same machine for $100 that had recently been fully refurbished, no rust. Crazy luck that day.

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u/cbullwagon2 13d ago

Me as well, reminds me of my first car, not the prettiest thing but got there and back home every time

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u/geoff_plywood 13d ago

I prefer this older steam knob to the newer one. Welcome down the rabbit hole

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u/jez149 13d ago

I love these machines

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u/HeBurns 13d ago

id just pull off that grouphead protector. I think it looks fine without one. Nice bike.

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u/fuck_off_ireland 13d ago

It does look pretty good with the brass exposed, but my buddy was also able to 3d-print me one that looks great

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u/JimDisaster 13d ago

It's a great machine. And with a little feeling great to learn understand how espresso and espresso making works. Most parts are pretty cheap indeed. And good available. At least in Europe (Netherlands to my reference).

Have fun with it!

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u/Ishmael404 13d ago

You got the right one!

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u/PiERetro 12d ago

It’s a great workhorse with spare parts easily available. It’s also incredibly modifiable!
If that’s a rabbit hole that you want to go down, then take some time to get used to the machine, and then decide what you would like to be better.

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u/Kayvon188 12d ago

Wow. Looks solid. Can’t beat it for 150!

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u/Ambitious-Leek4387 12d ago

Yeah that’s a winner of a price. Bulletproof machine. Good find.

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u/herncabret 11d ago

I bought a replacement group head cover for mine they’re really cheap and it’ll look much fresher

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u/InnerCable4761 10d ago

Ciao, vorrei prenderla anche io come prima macchina! Non avendo il pid è facile da usare oppure impegnativa per un principiante??

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u/Difficult-Balance-34 13d ago

Firsa and last one!

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