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EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

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  • EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

    Hi everyone,   please provide your advice on my next steps.

    This combination has served me well enough over the years. It is time where the machine requires either some maintenance or otherwise replacement (and by the sounds of most opinions for the Sunbeam, I have been extraordinarily lucky with the length of tenuer).

    The group head collar requires replacement and will cost me $187.  My concern is with the age of the machine and it constant 2-3 coffees per day, what else will require maintenance and will the issue of the soft group head collar inherent in these machines ever be resolved.

    Further, I love my coffee extraordinarily strong and velvety with just a dash of milk.  This will always push the limits of the current machine as I have come to realise.  

    I would love to purchase the Rancilio Silva as from the word around here its the beez neez. Close to that is the Lelit PL041. But I do like the idea of trying new ways of brewing coffee with aftermarket bits and bobs - hence the Rancilio takes my eye.

    I do not want to replace the grinder because I love my BBQ just as much as the Coffee Machine. The BBQ also needs some funding, so the budget is just not there.

    What do I do?

    A. Repair the EM6910 for $187 and continue on my merry way
    B. Replace the EM6910 with a Rancilio or Lelit PL041.  Will the EM0480 Grinder complement this at all?
    C. Sell the current Sunbeam hardware and buy a Rancilio and suited grinder.  My gut feel is that I dont think I will get enough $$ to do this.

    ps:  I understand the opinions for the EM6910 are deep and almost united. For me, it is a point of taking this as an opportunity to upscale because the current unit has served me well enough irrespective of its shortcomings.    

    Regards, Nick

  • #2
    Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

    Originally posted by 787A717A6D7E73666A7A77797A761F0 link=1270805267/0#0 date=1270805267
    The group head collar requires replacement and will cost me $187.  My concern is with the age of the machine and it constant 2-3 coffees per day, what else will require maintenance and will the issue of the soft group head collar inherent in these machines ever be resolved.
    $ 187 is a bit over the top... $125 - $140 TOPS

    No major problems with the collar if ya manage ya grind and dosing correctly...

    Update ya profile with ya location...

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

      AM, update done.

      Quote from Ashfield was $88 parts and $99 labour

      I need to go offline for a couple hours and will check back later tonight and on the weekend.

      Thanks for the interest people and look forward to any feedback or PMs

      note: with the right instruction, I prob could replace myself if I know the tricks and what to look out for.  I have the full set of T bits usually required for these things since replacing my screen on the mobile. I did not put this in the options as I figured a like for like comparison - being not having to do or risk the work.

      Regards,

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

        Hi Nick,

        I had the same combo for 2.5 years. After 2 years my collar went. I had it fixed at Ashflied for $150 about August last year - I guess the price has since gone up - man that guy must be rich  ;D. I was guilty of updosing, however I knew no other way of getting a decent pour out of the 6910. After the collar replacement, I was a bit more careful with my dosing technique.

        Then in February this year my control board went, and I was quoted $200 plus - thats when I jumped ship.

        I guess if things are tight at the moment, I would get the collar fixed - or try and do it yourself.

        Eventually you may want to upgrade - just make sure your upgrade isnt a sideways one. The Rancilio is a great machine, and if you dont have milk based drinks would be OK. If however you will need frequent milk texturing, then you should wait till you can buy a Hx machine.

        The em0480 should be fine, but they can be a bit finicky. My first one was rubbish - I couldnt even fix it with the washer fix. I returned it and my second one is great. It does subtle adjustments quite well and worked ok with my Hx machine. Of course the coffee tastes better when you upgrade grinder, however my sunbeam was still quite adequate. Hope this helps.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

          With close to $200 on repairs to an older machine (is it really aged rather than older?) it must surely be getting close to replacement rather than repair. After all $200 is 25% of the new cost--would you consider $thousands to repair an old car?

          If you had a machine like the Silvia then their more graceful ageing makes repairs more viable and much less likely.

          Greg

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

            Originally posted by 0F3A2D2F1F273A2529242C480 link=1270805267/4#4 date=1270813192
            After all $200 is 25% of the new cost
            Originally posted by 2A2D26262D3C3C480 link=1270805267/3#3 date=1270808767
            After the collar replacement, I was a bit more careful with my dosing technique.
            Both good points but also remember that youll end up with a new collar and everything else will still be old.

            I was lucky enough to get the collar fixed under warranty for the work machine and at the same time he found a circuit board problem which was replaced (also under warranty).

            I liked the Sunbeams up to a point but having used them for almost 3 years I no longer trust them.

            I will still recommend one to someone with a strict budget so long as they are made aware of all the cons before deciding to buy one.

            You have to weigh up whether or not youve got your moneys worth so far and then whether you want to risk $187 on an unknown amount of usage to be gained.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

              Originally posted by 60676C6C677676020 link=1270805267/3#3 date=1270808767
              Hi Nick,

              I had the same combo for 2.5 years. After 2 years my collar went. I had it fixed at Ashflied for $150 about August last year - I guess the price has since gone up - man that guy must be rich  ;D. I was guilty of updosing, however I knew no other way of getting a decent pour out of the 6910. After the collar replacement, I was a bit more careful with my dosing technique.

              Then in February this year my control board went, and I was quoted $200 plus - thats when I jumped ship.

              I guess if things are tight at the moment, I would get the collar fixed - or try and do it yourself.

              Eventually you may want to upgrade - just make sure your upgrade isnt a sideways one. The Rancilio is a great machine, and if you dont have milk based drinks would be OK. If however you will need frequent milk texturing, then you should wait till you can buy a Hx machine.

              The em0480 should be fine, but they can be a bit finicky. My first one was rubbish - I couldnt even fix it with the washer fix. I returned it and my second one is great. It does subtle adjustments quite well and worked ok with my Hx machine. Of course the coffee tastes better when you upgrade grinder, however my sunbeam was still quite adequate. Hope this helps.
              Always require updosing? Heres what I think:

              1) Beans over a month post roast?
              2) Non-level distribution!
              3) Uneven tamp.


              Ive tried and tried and tried, and after awhile come to realize that you really need to dose carefully to avoid the need to updose.

              It is possible with the single basket on the 6910. No updosing necessary. Grind into cup. Disturb grinds to break up clumps. Pour into portafilter carefully. Level with back of knife. Tamp.

              I have been getting good shots without having to updose. With an imprint of the showerscreen on a solid one-piece puck to boot! A small annoyance is that the puck does not knock out cleanly at the bottom from the basket. The puck looks clean,  but there is an even spread of grounds on the curved bottom part of the single basket.

              Note that this will only work if your beans are fresh...ideally less than 2 weeks post roast. This is because they seem to expand properly and generate resistance without having to updose.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                Originally posted by 4E4942424958582C0 link=1270805267/3#3 date=1270808767
                Hi Nick,

                I had the same combo for 2.5 years. After 2 years my collar went. I had it fixed at Ashflied for $150 about August last year - I guess the price has since gone up - man that guy must be rich  ;D. I was guilty of updosing, however I knew no other way of getting a decent pour out of the 6910. After the collar replacement, I was a bit more careful with my dosing technique.

                Then in February this year my control board went, and I was quoted $200 plus - thats when I jumped ship.

                ...

                It does subtle adjustments quite well and worked ok with my Hx machine. Of course the coffee tastes better when you upgrade grinder, however my sunbeam was still quite adequate. Hope this helps.
                Thank you Bennett, I am sharing the same concerns.  Good to know the grinder is up to the task of delivering at least the kind of pour I am currently getting.

                Michael from Ashfield was very clear, upfront and helpful over the phone.  He has a good service attitude and I like that being open with all the options.  Everything has gone up of late and the guy has to pay the rent.  

                Originally posted by 6B5E494B7B435E414D40482C0 link=1270805267/4#4 date=1270813192
                With close to $200 on repairs to an older machine (is it really aged rather than older?)
                Greg
                Thank you Greg, I have invested equal amounts in cleaning and descaling the machine and replaced seals and filters as per schedule to keep up the performance.  

                The current fault is due to my use of the machine.  In hindsight, I could have grinded the beans finer with less packing.  I just want more coffee poured when making two in the morning.

                It is a question of confidence in the rest of the product such as cct board etc. although I have not seen any signs of other probs.  Like I said in the orig post, I seem to be luckier than most with mine.

                On this note, assuming I had a Rancillo, can you get a triple sized filter cup?

                Originally posted by 7844594248495E4B43482C0 link=1270805267/5#5 date=1270814524

                I will still recommend one to someone with a strict budget so long as they are made aware of all the cons before deciding to buy one.

                You have to weigh up whether or not youve got your moneys worth so far and then whether you want to risk $187 on an unknown amount of usage to be gained.
                Thundergod, I bought my mother one last year but I will be checking it out very closely when I next visit.

                Most definitely feel good about the investment to date.  Just want to make the right choices going forward. :-/

                Nick...

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                  Originally posted by 2A2823283F2C21343828252B28244D0 link=1270805267/7#7 date=1270817395
                  can you get a triple sized filter cup?
                  One came with my naked group handle.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                    Originally posted by 6E6C676C7B6865707C6C616F6C60090 link=1270805267/2#2 date=1270806420
                    Quote from Ashfield was $88 parts and $99 labour
                    Sorry... Bought a collar the other day... $58 if I remember correctly

                    The Au dollar is still strong...

                    Originally posted by 6B6C67676C7D7D090 link=1270805267/3#3 date=1270808767
                    I guess if things are tight at the moment, I would get the collar fixed - or try and do it yourself.
                    If you take it slow and follow any number of guids and advice ... About an hr or maybe two to making a shot.

                    Rush it... Do something silly.. Make assumptions and you could be in a bit of trouble..

                    A number of others here have done and had no problems. Others have jumped in and are still dealing with the outcome.

                    Mum2three dropped hers in to my place and I think it was back in her car after 1.5 hrs and it also go a chemical clean and a steam wand flush.. Oh, and a new seal..


                    Originally posted by 5D617C676D6C7B6E666D090 link=1270805267/5#5 date=1270814524
                    I will still recommend one to someone with a strict budget so long as they are made aware of all the cons before deciding to buy one.
                    Agree.... Note. In most cases, just like teh Silvia.... I find the cons in the majority are a direct outcome of poor / nil maintenance / lack of understanding etc.. A new Silvia can cost you $180 for a new boiler / element at any time if you do not follow the rules. Warranty... Once maybe... After that just like sunbeame.. They have every right to wipe you.

                    As the old saying goes. Tis a poor trades person that blames his tools.

                    Dropped into a well respected supplier and sponsor today... Was chasing a Procon pump (yes I got one).. I was blown away....

                    Row upon row of Automatics ... Just like an assemble line... These items cost 1k to 2k no problem and they are basicly on a conveyor belt. Serviced = working = return to owner = short time later = broken again. Now some of us might say... Ya well they are Autos... But sponsors here sell and I am sure thaey will tell you. Treat them right and they will last for some time and make OK coffee. Great coffee... Maybe not but they serve a purpose.

                    The 7.5K KLIIB I am working on... NEVER had a chemical back flush... Or a service, other than to change group seals, once they started spraying water. Does that make it a poor machine NO.

                    I have direct contact with at least 5 EM6910 owners whos machines are over 3 years and never had problems; CON.... They are now spoilt and can only move up much higher end machines..


                    generalyuehfei - At the end of teh day... You have been spoilt by the EM6910..

                    Do not buy off the specs and or pretty pics ;D

                    You owe it to your self / the bank and your partner ? to visit a few sponsors and get ya hands dirty.. Do some training with them... Make a couple of coffees in a row... Black and with milk.


                    What one user is happy to live with; can drive another mad... Pics and words will never expose these issues... Hands on is the only way..

                    For me it is the i-brick.. So many love it.. Yet it is the bain of my existence and even after;

                    1: Me having 3 replaced... AND

                    2: Almost half the companies fleet has been changed over at least once...

                    Some people still love them.... It makes no sense to me..

                    Well ....... the same for coffee machines.

                    Need more BF1942.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                      Ok... I will attempt the repair based on the guides I have found here -> Thanks Martrix and AM!!

                      Attached is a photo of the Shower Head Collar as it is called in the Service Manual (aka Group Head Collar as discussed herein).  This is the left hand side shot when facing the machine.  It is noticably compressed and no longer providing the incline to seal the filter basket.  This is me jamming the group head of late trying to stop the leaking!!  Naughty Naughty

                      I just want to
                      1) Confirm the part number from the supplier that I need to source (EM6910106 approx $55 - quote AM Jan 21st, 2010).   The machine was purchased in 2007.
                      2) Locate a supplier that may be able to supply one today (Saturday) here in Sydney for a reasonable price.  Alternatively then delivered next week and I will deal with the weak watery coffee  

                      I would assume most will be closed but those that arent, midday will be my deadline.  Will start calling the supplier list from Sunbeam.

                      Regards, Nick


                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                        Originally posted by 292B202B3C2F22373B2B26282B274E0 link=1270805267/10#10 date=1270849956
                        Ok... I will attempt the repair based on the guides I have found here -> Thanks Martrix and AM!!

                        Attached is a photo of the Shower Head Collar as it is called in the Service Manual (aka Group Head Collar as discussed herein).  This is the left hand side shot when facing the machine.  It is noticably compressed and no longer providing the incline to seal the filter basket.  This is me jamming the group head of late trying to stop the leaking!!  Naughty Naughty

                        I just want to
                        1) Confirm the part number from the supplier that I need to source (EM6910106  approx $55 - quote AM Jan 21st, 2010).   The machine was purchased in 2007.
                        2) Locate a supplier that may be able to supply one today (Saturday) here in Sydney for a reasonable price.  Alternatively then delivered next week and I will deal with the weak watery coffee  

                        I would assume most will be closed but those that arent, midday will be my deadline.  Will start calling the supplier list from Sunbeam.

                        Regards, Nick
                        That is not that bad... But it means your starting.

                        1: Get a spacer... That will assist

                        2: Get those stepped lugs smoothed off and you will be fine for another 6 months plus.

                        Once the gouging starts... It is exponential as the step in the lugs dig in... Then when you force it.. That adds even more distortion.

                        Dremal from bunnings ( ye more than $50) and take some care and smooth those steps out and it will make a major difference.


                        Sunbeam parts on a Saturday... Not a hope.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                          Originally posted by 17383133241B37383731333B333822560 link=1270805267/11#11 date=1270851321

                          That is not that bad... But it means your starting.

                          1: Get a spacer... That will assist

                          2: Get those stepped lugs  smoothed off and you will be fine for another 6 months plus.

                          Once the gouging starts... It is exponential as the step in the lugs dig in... Then when you force it.. That adds even more distortion.

                          Dremal from bunnings ( ye more than $50)   and take some care and smooth those steps out and it will make a major difference.


                          Sunbeam parts on a Saturday... Not a hope.
                          I have a Dremal already!  So let me confirm that I am smoothing the step lugs on the Group handle head and not touching this Shower head.

                          Spacer? Ok just found an old post of yours - "58 ID and OD of 70 out of some thin material... Works well as a stop gap."

                          Time to play with the power tools!!! ;D

                          This will give me the time to sort out a longer term solution if the machine continues to perform well without additional complications.

                          3 cheers for AngerManagement everybody!!

                          ps: still need to confirm the Shower head part # etc so this is in the back pocket for later. Thanks

                          Nick

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                            Originally posted by 55575C5740535E4B47575A54575B320 link=1270805267/12#12 date=1270852502
                            I have a Dremal already!  So let me confirm that I am smoothing the step lugs on the Group handle head and not touching this Shower head.

                            Spacer? Ok just found an old post of yours - "58 ID and OD of 70  out of some thin material...  Works well as a stop gap."

                            Time to play with the power tools!!!

                            This will give me the time to sort out a longer term solution if the machine continues to perform well without additional complications.

                            3 cheers for AngerManagement everybody!!

                            ps:  still need to confirm the Shower head part # etc so this is in the back pocket for later.  Thanks

                            Nick

                            Nick...  Great to see you can use the search function... Makes it easer for all.

                            PS... Dont send cheers... A polite PM will do     Others are less accepting of my often perceived rants.. And be aware... You to could be on the receiving end if ya start playing with 240V  ;D

                            Never the less... Glad I may have been able to assist.

                            1: Some one did post a pic of the NEW SunBeam group handles and the reduced step... But ya think I can find it  

                            2:   Just do the lugs.  Now with out knowing what tools...  I actually grind the dremal tip so that I can get the flat of lug at 90 to the wall.  Other wise you tend to end up with a bit of a slope   ;D

                            3: The other thing is to make sure you do the same on both sides... Black nico pen and mark / measure how far back on the big step you want to go. Try to stay in that area.  It is easy to just keep extending and over do it.  This will not overly hurt... But it means more spacers or you just have to move the group around to 4:30 or maybe even 4 for a good lock.

                            4: Then get some wet and dry and or a polish attachment for the dremal and polish those lugs..   I still have a small step but the rest is a nice  even slope and thus it allows more surface area to mate with the collar.  Thus pressure is spread more evenly and as it does start to dis-form... You can just lock in a bit harder.  There is no step to bind / dig in.

                            The one at work had a stuffed collar..  I used a round SS bar and beat the lip and swelling back in the collar... Then did the group lugs..  Not nice and I took a few nicks into the wall of the group.. Had the shakes and wrong glasses on..

                            Good thing I was not crimping detonators  :

                            But it was to buy me time..

                            Guess what..  Been 9 months now.... Still being abused... One spacer added about x-mas time...  Still going strong...

                            If it lasts another 6 months this unit will have spent  2.5 years in a abusive place and the only other fault was crap in the steam valve and a broken steam micro switch..  

                            Great value.. EM6910R and EM0480 got for $400.

                            Previous owner had for 12 months and loved GJ flavoured beans... The grinder still stinks of coconut  : : : :



                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: EM0480 Grinder AND [Replace OR Repair Sunbeam EM6910]

                              Originally posted by 09262F2D3A052926292F2D252D263C480 link=1270805267/13#13 date=1270859391
                              Previous owner had for 12 months and loved GJ flavoured beans... The grinder still stinks of coconut

                              ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

                              Comment

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