Tune-up A Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Written By: Samuel Kanenwisher

Comments: 26

Tune-up A Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

3 hours

Introduction

This guide is for the DIY'er who wants to do a basic repair on the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine. We take you step-by-step with a visual guide through the process of replacing the grouphead gasket and screen. Learn how to conduct a deep cleaning of your machine.

Make sure you do not rush the process. The parts are not readily available at the local hardware store. If you damage the parts it may take several days to get new parts.

If you have doubts about your ability to do the repairs yourself give your machine to a professional to do the repairs. These machines are not inexpensive to replace if damaged.

On the other hand, this may be your last effort to fix your old machine before you buy a new one. If so, give it a try. Your efforts may save you the cost of a new machine.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

This section assists in identifying the version of machine you are repairing. The version matters because there are slight variations in the way the repairs are performed.
This is the version 3. It is identified by the ergonomic handle, the larger steam handle with a silver cap on it, and a steam wand that is mounted on a ball joint.
Version M has the same group head configuration as Version 3. In appearance, Version M has two lights on the front of the machine and no light on the power switch. Version M is the newest version.
This is the version 2. It is identified by the smooth handle, the steam knob with ridges, and the plastic Rancilio logo.
This is version 1. The handle has ridges on it. The logo is silk screened on the machine.

The yellow dot indicating version 1 does not correspond to any photo.

John Tracz - 05/03/20

Step 2

Lift the water tank cover and put it aside.
Lift hoses from the tank and pull to the side.
Pull tank straight out of machine.
Make sure to tuck both hoses inside machine.

Step 3

Remove Drip Tray
Flip machine upside down.
Make sure hoses stay tucked in machine. They could get cut by the case laying on them.
Remove screw with flathead screwdriver.
The new parts kit comes with a 8mm hex head screw.

Step 4

Our favorite screwdriver for extracting difficult to remove screws. It has a big handle for a good grip. The screwdriver cannot be too long or it will hit the drip tray and won't fit. This is a Craftsman 5/16" x 1 3/4" slotted screwdriver.
Remove the screen. It may take some prying. If it is really stuck you can use a channel lock pliers.
It is okay to damage the old screen. Just be careful not to damage the brass housing.
Remove the small stainless steel diffuser.

Step 5

Soak this dirty little guy in coffee detergent with hot water. Then clean it again with a wire brush if needed.
Make sure to clean out all the water channels on the back side of the diffuser.
On Version 3 you will need to remove the brass disc. Just lift it out. If it is stuck you can use a channel lock pliers to get it loose. Be gentle! Careful not to damage the brass. You cannot remove the brass disk on Version 1 & 2
This is the brass disc after it is been removed. Soak it in coffee cleaner with hot water for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub both sides with a steel brush. Get leftover coffee residue off disc.

All parts on Step 5 are easily cleaned with liquid based lemon cleaner, or lemon juice!

Same for Step 7 and Step 8.

Little to no brushing afterwards ;)

Ric Vieira - 07/08/20

Step 6

Picture of grouphead with brass disc removed on Version 3.
An awl works great for removing grouphead gaskets from espresso machines.
Pry the gasket up with the sharp tip of the awl.
Patience! You don't want to stab or poke yourself.

https://youtu.be/E_eOxdBzvaA?t=217

Ric Vieira - 07/08/20

Step 7

If you are lucky the gasket will still be intact after you remove it. However the gasket may be hard as a rock and difficult to remove.
You may need to use the awl and a hammer to split the gasket into pieces before removal.
Careful not to damage the brass grouphead when splitting the gasket.
It's time to clean the bottom of the grouphead.
We like to pour about a 1/2 tsp of coffee cleaner on the bottom of the grouphead.

Step 8

Pour boiling hot water on the grouphead and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
Take a wire brush like the one in the picture. Scrub the top of the grouphead clean.
Take some paper towel and soak up the liquid in the grouphead. The grouphead doesn't need to be perfectly dry at this point.

Grouphead on Step 8 is easily cleaned with liquid based lemon cleaner, or lemon juice!

Same for Step 5 and Step 7.

Little to no brushing afterwards ;)

Ric Vieira - 07/08/20

Step 9

Get a pick like the one in the image. Clean the inside edges of the grouphead.
Clean all surfaces. First, focus specifically on the top rim that comes in contact with the portafilter. This helps the portafilter to seat correctly.
Focus on the bottom surface. Cleaning this surface helps the gasket to seat correctly.
Use compressed air to remove all excess debris from the grouphead.
If you have Version 3 do not install the brass disk until you are finished installing the new gasket.

Many thanks for this. On my Rancilio Silvia the porta filter no longer turns all the way in the grouphead (that is perpendicular to the machine). I’ve checked the grouphead and it’s clean.

Robert -

Step 10

Get the New grouphead gasket.
Make sure it is a Rancilio Brand gasket. if it is an imitation it may not be exactly the right size. This could cause many problems.
Next with the lettering down insert the gasket into the grouphead. We use a 3/16" punch to gently push the gasket into place. Make sure the gasket is level on the entire surface.
If you have difficulty getting the gasket in or getting it level you may need to do a deeper cleaning of the grouphead.
if you have version 3 insert the brass disk you scrubbed earlier.

Thank you for a very nice guide.

I inserted the gasket with the lettering . Should that be an issue?

cw.stenberg - 04/08/20

A bit confusing here… on Step 10, it says gasket "lettering down”, but the machine is up side down, so which way is down??

And on Step 6, the gasket is opposite from what you mention on Step 10!?

Ric Vieira - 07/08/20

Step 11

Then insert the stainless steel diffuser that you cleaned earlier.
The slotted side with the water channels should be facing down. Therefore, you will not be able to see the water channels when the diffuser is installed correctly.
Install the new screen.
We highly recommend against using the old screen. It can be almost impossible to get perfectly clean because it has two layers.
Now put the screw in nice and tight. Use a 8mm socket wrench to do so. The screen should flex downward toward the grouphead when tightening the screw.
Congratulations! You have finished the repair.
We will be happy to hear about your experience! Please share it with us on our Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Kanen-Cof... Thank you!

Conclusion

You are almost done. Turn your machine over. Pull the hoses out. Install the water tank with the slot on the left side for the hoses. Put the hoses in the tank. Add water, put the lid on. Install the drip tray and grate.

Now, pour a shot of espresso and see how your machine works.

Author

Samuel Kanenwisher

Member since: 12/08/12

1230 Reputation

19 comments

Thanks Sam for your very thorough instructions. My machine has been spraying coffee all over creation for a couple years now and I just recently figured out the reason why. I ordered the parts from Amazon and Seattle Coffeegear and could not wait to install. I've got to let it sit overnight so the new rubber feet I put on it take hold but, first thing tomorrow, I'll be firing it up and praying for "no spray."

You have really done a great public service by posting this blog and I thank you for that.

I don't know what the 30 points are all about but I give you all that and more.

thanks

Ranny

ranny - 09/09/16

Hello Ranny, thank you for your comments. I am happy to give other people the tools to repair their machines and enjoy great cups of espresso again :) -Sam

Samuel Kanenwisher - 09/09/16

Just wanted to say thanks and that a great job was done with these instructions. If you're handy at all these instructions will give you great confidence before starting the project.

Doug

revdougl - 02/02/17

This was so helpful! I had a hard time removing the old screen from the brass disc but I persevered. The old gasket came out easily- I screwed a small wood screw into it and used the screw as a handle to pull it out which worked great.

I did a thorough cleaning and made sure the writing side of the gasket was pointing downward, and replaced the screen, but now there's a bit of leaking. I took it all apart again and double checked everything, used the portafilter to help wedge in the gasket (again), tightened the screw on the screen, but it's still leaking a little bit.

Help?!

buffywiskers - 26/05/17

Often the issues related to wear on the ears of the portafilter. If the chrome is worn away and you can see brass. Then the portafilter has developed a wear pattern. Can you send pictures showing the bottom ears on the portafilter?

Samuel Kanenwisher - 27/05/17

Hi, thanks but I sorted it out. For some reason I now need to turn the handle to 5 o'clock with this new gasket. With the old gasket I only needed to turn it to 6 or 7. (FYI chrome is intact)

buffywiskers - 30/05/17

Very good instruction. Especially the hint from buffywiker on how to pull out the gasket by skrewing a screw as a handle in the old gasket, was very much appreciated.

By the way the angle to which you can turn the handle is mostly depending on the thickness of the gasket. There it seems, that you can buy a lot gaskets with some deviation. This is depending on whether it is an original Ranchilio part or a me-too part.

Oliver Kortmann - 11/11/17

Thanks Sam!

Good instruction.

Denes Attila - 02/02/18

Hi Sam. Great instructions. Thanks!

After I replaced the gasket I began to have water flow problems. It is coming out so slowly creating a terrible shot.

Erin

Erin - 03/02/18

I am not sure why you would have water flow problems after replacing the gasket. I have to start with some questions that might seem a little silly. Yet, many people have resolved their slow water flow issues with these steps:

A. No water flow problems before replacing the gasket?

B. Did you replace the screen too?

C. Have you tried backflushing the machine with coffee cleaning detergent?

D. Did you change the grind setting?

Samuel Kanenwisher - 04/02/18

Hello,

I am noticing one problem regarding Rancilio Silvia steam pipe.

It is somehow stuck, and water doesn’t come to steaming point, it starts leaking from steam pipe,

I bought a whole new set of steam pipe, but it doesn’t help,

can someone know a solution?

would be great help.

bharati581 - 22/06/18

Hi there.. thanks for posting this, I learned a lot.

A friend just gave me an old Silvia Rancilio but the milk frother, and the steamer aren't working. Is there a fix-it instruction somewhere?

Juli Dyulia - 13/09/19

We don’t have one for a steamer not working. Did you take the steam tip off and see if it works? Does hot water come out of the steam wand?

Samuel Kanenwisher - 13/09/19

Regarding the lettering on the gasket. You say lettering down. Is that you say lettering against the group Head so it is down when the machine is upside down or facing down when the machine is right side up. I'm sure you mean down as in technically facing up when the machine is right side up but want to make sure. It would make sense that you want a fully smooth surface aka no writing when inserting the portafilter.

Clayton Erickson - 14/10/19

Hello, the lettering should „touch“ the group head so you are not able to read if its placed into it.

My old gasket was mounted with invisible lettering too.

Anagapi - 19/10/19

this was a brilliant guide. i had to reuse the old screw as for some reason the new one was slightly too short. thanks

Daniel Wolman - 03/04/20

I have these 3 parts stuck together, i was wondering what could be done to those things apart? I have tried soaking them in hot water, cafiza but the shower screen is literally molded into the group diffuser spacer.

BREW GROUP DIFFUSER SPACER

BREW GROUP HEAD JET BREAKER 25-139-001

SHOWER SCREEN - RA40200005

the last thing i want to do is buy the parts unless it’s damaged and needs to be replaced. I was wondering can you use acid like citric acid instead of vinegar as i hate the smell.

Samuel Kim - 10/07/20

The last resort is to burn them with a blow torch.

Samuel Kanenwisher - 29/08/20

Hello, I was wondering if anybody could tell me how to take apart the black handle from my friend Rancilio silva espresso machine. The metal part has come Unscrewed, and will easily slid off.

thanks

thomas munro Sr. - 31/08/20