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How would you treat this?

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bluedog225

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I picked up this little Rancilio Silva espresso machine for just about nothing. It’s annoying, because it’s making better espresso than my big nice lever machine.

The photo below is of one of the screws on the copper boiler. As you can see, it’s got the ground wires attached and it’s experiencing some galvanic corrosion. Not the end of the world, but I’m thinking about cleaning it up.

Hoping I can take that one corroded screw out, clean it up and replace it. And maybe the one next to it, without messing up the seal on the boiler. If I do screw it up, not the end of the world.

After cleaning it up, what would you treat that with to minimize the issue going forward? I was thinking of some generic dielectric grease like super lube. Though I’ll need to check the temperature ratings so I don’t smoke the place up. Are there better options?

Thanks

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bluedog225

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OK, I have f’ed with it. Probably not my best idea but here we are.

Replacing the boiler gasket is probably a good idea. I wasn’t looking for a big project, but, this little thing needs some attention.

This one bolt is not coming out. The 5/32 fits in there pretty tight but I think it must be metric since it’s Italian. I’ll bring my metric stuff back from the place next time.

It’s got some WD-40 on it right now. I’ve heated it up and cooled it down once but no budge.

I gave it a few light taps with a screwdriver and a small hammer. No dice.

I’ve tried to get in there with some small vice grips, but that’s not going to happen given the angles. Maybe if I have to take the whole thing out I can do it.

The only other trick up my sleeve is acetone and automatic transmission fluid. I’ll have to get that from up at the place. If I can find it.

Maybe a broken bolt extractor with a long adapter.

Other ideas? I think it’s just steel screws threaded into a copper boiler. Here is a comp companion screw that is in pretty rough shape. But it came out.


Thanks

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bluedog225

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A much cleaner machine. Nice. No porta filter or baskets or anything else. But they may show up later independently.

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bluedog225

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The Cobbler said:
Nice score,
as to the brokem bolt, looks like you could drill it right thru & put a nut & bolt in there?
Click to expand...
Yes. But what are the odds I’m going to be able to drill that little thing out without screwing up the copper around it? I feel like the bit is going to wander off that little bolt and sink right through the copper. Any tips appreciated.

At minimum, I’m going to take the boiler out to make it easier to work with.
 
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bluedog225

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Maybe. I’d wonder if they could hold the boiler pressure. At least some anti seize.
 
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johnre

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I've got this exact model of espresso machine. Yes, Italian and yes, built with metric fasteners. No big deal, my local Ace Hardware carries many common and even some uncommon fastener styles in stainless.

It's a well-built model, and easily serviced. And most importantly, OEM repair parts are available for it here:

The local indy coffee house has one of their two-head commercial machines, and I note many parts around the shower head and portafilters look identical to mine - a good sign that it's built very well like their commercial machines, and that parts will remain available for a long time. They are happy with it, it seems.

The pump in particular will have a service life of 5 years or so, going by my limited history with it (10 years and replaced once so far at 5 years). Keep hard water away from it, and it along with the other plumbing should be good for a long time.

The only other part I've replaced on it besides the pump is the filter gasket and the group cover. The latter is plastic and well known for breakage, and it's the one exception to the rule that this is a well built machine.
 
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Lassen Forge

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While you have it apart, I'd replace all those cap screws with stainless (yes, they're metric but you know this). Kroil, tap, heat, time, repeat. Once you get the boiler split, you (hopefully) can get to the remnant of the broken bolt. I'd try that before drilling it out.
When it all goes back together, use anti sieze to reduce the dissimilar metals corrosion, so next time it comes apart it'll be easier.
Good luck!!!
 
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oldmachinenut

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Noalox

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