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Main
Date: 17 Mar 2007 06:45:18
From: LF
Subject: Gaggia Classic: parts and maintenance?
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I=E2=80=99ve collected a few used espresso machines, and have some parts and
modification questions.
GAGGIA CLASSIC (Gold):
Pretty much any old espresso machine I get looks like it has rarely,
if ever, been cleaned or maintained. Of the 1/2 dozen used machines
in my collection, this one was by far the most gunked up with coffee
crud. After descaling and multiple backflushings, I figured out that
I needed to remove the shower head holding plate for a thorough
cleaning. It=E2=80=99s held in place by two 5mm allen bolts.
HOLDING PLATE QUESTIONS: =E2=80=A81) I noticed a small crack in the holdi=
ng
plate, propagating from one of the threaded holes for the bolt, to the
center of the plate. This crack doesn=E2=80=99t seem to do any harm. The
holding plate remains firmly attached. If there is a small leak, it
just goes into the portafilter. Am I missing something? Should I
replace it? Should I fill it with JB Weld or something?=E2=80=A82) The
holding plate is, unfortunately, aluminum. What=E2=80=99s the best way to
clean it? =E2=80=A83) I backflush with Cafiza. I thought that Cafiza was n=
ot
for aluminum. Should I backflush a Gaggia with something else?
MODIFICATION QUESTIONS:=E2=80=A81) Is the Gaggia Classic a good candidate =
for
PID?=E2=80=A82) Are there other mods I might consider for this machine?
PARTS WANTED:=E2=80=A81. Anyone selling a used Gaggia portafilter? I=E2=
=80=99m
currently using an aluminum portafilter from a Gaggia Coffee.
Thanks,
Larry
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Date: 17 Mar 2007 13:21:04
From: LF
Subject: Re: Gaggia Classic: parts and maintenance?
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On 17, 10:27=C2=A0am, "daveb" <davebobbl...@gmail.com > wrote:
<snip >
>
> remove the bolts -- pry on the side of the plate. it will pop out.
> also change the PF gasket.
>
<snip >
> > holding plate is, unfortunately, aluminum. =C2=A0What=E2=80=99s the bes=
t way to
> > clean it? =E2=80=A83) I backflush with Cafiza. =C2=A0I thought that Caf=
iza was not
> > for aluminum. =C2=A0Should I backflush a Gaggia with something else?
>
> boil the screen, plate, screw and bolts in cafiza for 1/2 hour, brush
> of the remnants with a brass brush -- unclog all holes. =C2=A0clean the
> exposed bottom of the boiler, too.
> rinse!
>
> > MODIFICATION QUESTIONS:=E2=80=A81) =C2=A0Is the Gaggia Classic a good c=
andidate for
> > PID?=E2=80=A8
DAVE,
Thanks again. As in my other reply, it's great to get such a quick
and helpful response.
All the best,
Larry
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Date: 17 Mar 2007 07:27:24
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Gaggia Classic: parts and maintenance?
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On 17, 9:45 am, "LF" <fie...@gmail.com > wrote:
> I=E2=80=99ve collected a few used espresso machines, and have some parts =
and
> modification questions.
>
> GAGGIA CLASSIC (Gold):
> Pretty much any old espresso machine I get looks like it has rarely,
> if ever, been cleaned or maintained. Of the 1/2 dozen used machines
> in my collection, this one was by far the most gunked up with coffee
> crud. After descaling and multiple backflushings, I figured out that
> I needed to remove the shower head holding plate for a thorough
> cleaning. It=E2=80=99s held in place by two 5mm allen bolts.
remove the bolts -- pry on the side of the plate. it will pop out.
also change the PF gasket.
>
> HOLDING PLATE QUESTIONS: =E2=80=A81) I noticed a small crack in the hol=
ding
> plate, propagating from one of the threaded holes for the bolt, to the
> center of the plate. This crack doesn=E2=80=99t seem to do any harm. The
> holding plate remains firmly attached. If there is a small leak, it
> just goes into the portafilter. Am I missing something? Should I
> replace it? Should I fill it with JB Weld or something?=E2=80=A82)
NO.
> holding plate is, unfortunately, aluminum. What=E2=80=99s the best way to
> clean it? =E2=80=A83) I backflush with Cafiza. I thought that Cafiza was=
not
> for aluminum. Should I backflush a Gaggia with something else?
boil the screen, plate, screw and bolts in cafiza for 1/2 hour, brush
of the remnants with a brass brush -- unclog all holes. clean the
exposed bottom of the boiler, too.
rinse!
>
> MODIFICATION QUESTIONS:=E2=80=A81) Is the Gaggia Classic a good candidat=
e for
> PID?=E2=80=A8
Yes, I have done them. "Great success"
2) Are there other mods I might consider for this machine?
> PARTS WANTED:=E2=80=A81. Anyone selling a used Gaggia portafilter? I=
=E2=80=99m
> currently using an aluminum portafilter from a Gaggia Coffee.
there are far more machines than there are used handles.
Dave
Seaoc / Gaggia service SE
>
> Thanks,
> Larry
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