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  • #16
    Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

    The 700146 is 0.5mm thicker to take up slack space if the group and PF have worn to the point that the 700150 would allow the PF (with basket) to be pushed right across to the lock stop and still be loose.

    To change the group seal, you need to remove the showerscreen (phillips head screw) and then remove the dispersion disc (2 x 3mm socket head bolts). Then the group seal can usually be pried out quite easily - in extreme cases, the best tip Ive heard is to screw 2 coarse threaded screws into the seal so it gets pushed out as the screws extend out the top and hit the group.

    The easiest way to determine if you need the 700146 or 700150 is to remove your seal from the Coffee, measure the thickness with calipers and replace the Babys seal with it. If the PF locks OK, then you need that same thickness seal. If the PF is loose, then you need a thicker seal (there is a spacer for REALLY worn machines). I seriously doubt that a domestic machine should need the 700146.

    If you swap the baskets from the Coffees PF to the Baby, does it still fall out? If so, the spring in the PF needs replacing - CoffeeParts have them too.

    All the external parts (PF, seals, baskets) are interchangable between the 2 machines and can also be interchanged with commercial Gaggia machines.

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    • #17
      Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

      Thanks for the tips on seal replacement. Will look at getting a couple of seals from coffeeparts in the next few days

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      • #18
        Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

        Maxrob - never use vinegar or anything like that to descale your machine. It will kill the boiler.

        Get yourself some cafetto descaling solution and use that.

        Also - remember to bleed off some water from the steaming wand after steaming milk as they can suck milk up into the boiler (yuck).

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        • #19
          Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

          Hi Lucinda

          Thanks for the descaling tips. Couldnt get any descaling stuff from the supermarkets and I was in a real hurry to start up the machine so I opted for the bi-carb and vinegar treatment...not knowing is bad! Have to find a store that has them in Melb.
          I make it a new habit of running hot water out of the steam wand after frothing as having milk sucked inside the boiler is not fun at all
          The Deluxe at the moment is better in pulling shots (not great but ok) than the borrowed Baby (bad group seal and loose PF)). I will order a new seal and PF spring and addiitonal basket soon and see what happens then in terms of coffee quality.
          Its a HUGE learning curve and I am only on my first dozen or so shots so its still fumble fingers everywhere. The borrowed MDF grinder works really well and I only grind enough to fill the PF. I find that the single basket holds enough coffee for me , the double is too much and knocks me out with the hit!

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          • #20
            Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

            Ive used vinegar before with no problems - you just need to flush a LOT afterwards to clear the taste. Boiler pulldowns (for experimental purposes) have shown no problems with my machines.

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            • #21
              Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

              So Kaanage - if Max damages his machine by following your advice are you going to fund a replacement for him????

              Gaggias have an Aluminium / brass boiler and using citric acid or vinegar in them damages them beyond repair. As you do not seem have one of these machines, and I do, I think I would know what I am talking about.


              Please be careful about the advice you are giving.


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              • #22
                Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                Max - try weighing your doses on a digital kitchen scale. Basically measure your beans then grind them. It may take a few goes to get it right, but when you do you will be very happy with the results.

                eg - my classic double basket takes 20g of beans. I dont use the single basket.

                A good way to work out what is right for your basket/machine is to fill your basket to the top, level out and then tamp.

                Place the pf into the machine and it should be a little stiff to lock in.

                Pull your shot and then when you remove the pf, there should be a little round imprint of the showerhead on the coffee and the puck should be dry and not wet and sloppy.

                You may have to play around a little with this to get it right, however, once you do, the coffee will be awesome.

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                • #23
                  Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                  Originally posted by lucinda link=1180856580/15#20 date=1181285675
                  Gaggias have an Aluminium / brass boiler and using citric acid or vinegar in them damages them beyond repair. As you do not seem have one of these machines, and I do, I think I would know what I am talking about.
                  Didnt you see my comments about pulling boilers down for experiments? I currently have 4.5 Gaggias.

                  And I never post about what I havent tried/observed without stating as such

                  And it was a Gaggia rep that 1st told me about using vinegar as she said the commercial descaler for Al boiers and thermoblocks was a waste of money. But, yes, I have tried BEFORE I dispensed the advice.

                  I actually advise everyone with a commercial sized PF to pull out the single basket every now and then to pull practise shots as it is far more exacting than the double basket so any flaws in technique are highlighted. Removing the PF spout gives even more feedback as you can readliy see if the extraction is spot on (all comes out without touching the PF at all), is a bit off (most comes out the centrer but a few drops from one side) or is channeling badly (fully flows from ones side and moves around in random directions)

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                  • #24
                    Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                    Okay - point taken, I apolagise.

                    I was told repeatedly by a number of gaggia dealers not to use these ase they destroy the boiler.

                    Better safe than sorry.

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                    • #25
                      Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                      What you really shouldnt use id commercial coffee descalers as they are made for brass/copper boiler machines and really will eat out a Gaggia

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                      • #26
                        Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                        Originally posted by kaanage link=1180856580/15#24 date=1181290187
                        What you really shouldnt use id commercial coffee descalers as they are made for brass/copper boiler machines and really will eat out a Gaggia

                        Which is why I recommended Cafetto at home coffe machine cleaner.

                        It is recommended for Gaggia machines and made here in Oz (SA).

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                        • #27
                          Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                          Ok advice taken into consideration from both Lucinda and Kaanage regarding descaling. If vinegar is potetially bad and commercial grade descalers can eat out the boiler, it seems that cafetto as recommended could be ok to use. What about bi-carb on its own with water?

                          Will try out both single and double baskets and get hold of scales to make sure of correct dose. The Baby PF does need a new spring as the baskets fall out after a sharp knock. Add that to the list of things to buy....after Grinder, knock box and SS tamper. Luckily I have a Gaggia MDF on loan aas well as two coffee machines (my own Deluxe and the loaned Baby-sick). Just have to wait till the pocket recovers than I will be in search of a good Grinder - Iberital, MDF or Rocky. Bit scared of 2nd hand Grinders from ebay although the Deluxe I got of ebay is in as new condition for a very reasonable bid price compared to new. I was actually looking for a Classic or Silvia but the proces are a bit steep for my current budget and until I get the hang of coffee making was not willing to shell out too much dough.

                          Aprreciate the welcome from all CSers and advice.

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                          • #28
                            Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                            Originally posted by maxrob200 link=1180856580/15#26 date=1181364224
                            What about bi-carb on its own with water?

                            Aprreciate the welcome from all CSers and advice.
                            Hi maxrob200...

                            NOPE!!! Bi-carb when heated decomposes into Calcium carbonate - also known as scale.... so that would add to your problem.

                            Scale (calcium carbonate) is only removed by acid..... but with your boiler you have to be very careful which acid....

                            Use the correct product as advised above and it will work well..... vinegar, citric acid and other "home grown" descalers will damage your boiler.... so dont try them.

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                            • #29
                              Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                              So does anyone know where I can get descaling solution that is safe for gaggia boilers in Melb?

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                              • #30
                                Re: New to CS and enjoying the reading

                                I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Getting good pours with nice crema. Using the double basket as recommended and yes, it is not as critical of correct dosage. I now use two scoops of beans (using the plastic scoope thingy) and it gives me pretty much a good amount of grind. Still getting the hang of frothing milk consistently.
                                A friend has a bottle of Sunbeam descaler so I guess Myer or Good Guys should have some for sale. The label says safe for all cofee machines. What do you guys think?
                                Havent bought any seals for the Baby yet, as the Deluxe is working fine.

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