Installing a new seal - There is a right and wrong way

[barri]

I've got an embarrassing confession to make. The first 2 times the seal (VBM Jn) was replaced (one by the seller and one by me) it was obviously installed correctly. The third time I did it and I wondered why the group handle was locking in at about 8:00 clock. The seal needs wearing in, I thought. It stayed this way for the last 12 months and this morning I decided to change the seal but luckily I watched a youtube video and found out there is actually a tapered section that's important. I never realised after all this time there is a right way up. I installed it this way and the handle locks in at about 6:00 oclock as expected. Having had it the wrong way meant the screen was higher and I could therefore fit more coffee in. Here I was telling people you could fit 14gms in a VBM single basket (passing the coin and rice test) and 16gms in a VST single but this all changed when I installed the screen the right way and you want to know something, when I readjusted my dose and grind the shot actually tasted better. I feel red faced and I want to apologise to anyone I misled.

[Thundergod]

Good on you for admitting the error and passing on the advice.

[barri]

Thanks TGod

[hovercraft2]

Easy mistake to make, good advice. Although the screen wasn't higher, it was just the basket sat a tiny bit lower. How were the shots with 16grams of coffee from a VST single? VST's only really thrive when their dose size is met.

[barri]

Easy mistake to make, good advice. Although the screen wasn't higher, it was just the basket sat a tiny bit lower. How were the shots with 16grams of coffee from a VST single? VST's only really thrive when their dose size is met.

Oops, that's what I meant! BTW the 16gm in a VST basket tasted really nice despite "breaking" all the VST rules (guidelines, suggestions, hints). Probably defined as a ristretto.