Blowing an O-Ring on a Lever Espresso Machine
Maintenance on a new old machine
I recently bought another Kim Express. I have three kids, and I had only 2 Kim Express machines. So I feared if I died, one child would feel left out. So I did it for the kids, and then I bought another one after that…
This machine was in the best condition of the old espresso machines I have bought. I started pulling shots like a champ. They were amazing!
Then a blew an O-ring after about 25 shots. The gasket above the portafilter burst during the shot, and water starting coming out of the top of the filter basket and down.
I still was able to drink the shot (4.1% TDS @ 11% EY), but then I assessed the damage.
I took a closer look outside in better lighting:
I bought a new O-ring, but it was suggested to buy a flat O-ring instead.
New Flat O-Ring
The day it arrived was magnificent, and I started a few unit tests to make sure everything worked right before pulling a shot.
I put it on underneath, and after 4 tries, I was able to push it deep enough to insert the portafilter.
The first test was with the filter basket empty!
Then I pulled a shot. Not the best shot but a success!
I have done plenty of work on these machines, but I still feel a sense of excitement when I’m able to fix them even though there is a great frustration when I have a machine mishap.
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Further readings of mine:
Collection of Espresso Articles
A Collection of Work and School Stories
Measuring Coffee Grind Particle Distribution using Image Processing
A Summary of the Staccato Lifestyle
Measuring Coffee Grind Distribution
Espresso Baskets and Related Topics
