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Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

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  • #16
    Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

    Originally posted by 3020362E212224430 link=1311237977/13#13 date=1311344892
    If its a winner I will start work on that bloody awful short steam wand.  That shouldnt be much of a problem as mine has the acorn steam tip and I will be making up a short extension.  After all, size does matter  Wink
    I have absolute confidence in ya Greybeard!  I just bought my Lelit combi a week ago second hand and the wand is about the only thing Im not fully satisfied with.  Its the 2010 model so I have issues with the wands length, position (2011 model sorted these out with longer wand and swivel ball) and the leak.  It does not effect my shots and makes perfect lattes so I can live with it...but if I can fix it I would!

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    • #17
      Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

      Yes, I agree. Perfect coffee from my stealth corretto beans and perfectly steamed milk but its very awkward steaming for one cafe latte.

      I made one tonight and the thermometer fell off the jug while I was steaming and as I reached to grab it I ended up with milk blowback all over my jumper.

      Ive got a couple of ideas for the extension and might get to it next week. Hopefully, it will be simple and sourced from easy to get parts. (one part Im looking at is for a toy steam engine)

      Anyway, off to bed to dream of long wands...

      G.

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      • #18
        Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

        Saoye, you just jogged my memory when you said you bought yours second hand a week ago. I just had a look at the pictures and you have the same steam wand.

        By the way, that was a very good price for a pre-loved combi. 8-)

        G.

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        • #19
          Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

          Yep, Im happy with the purchase considering it was almost new.  I did pretty well given the $300 limit the wife gave me on purchasing a machine.  Almost ended up with a used Sunbeam 6910 with the EM0480 grinder.  When a used Lelit popped up for sale in Adelaide I was ecstatic.  I managed to convince her the longevity of the Lelit compared to a sunbeam was worth the extra $200+. 
          My wife thinks Im crazy studying pours, taking video notes on grind and timing...but then again shes a tea drinker.  She doesnt want to hear about anything coffee...so I have to come online to get my fix.  ;D

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          • #20
            Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

            So I messaged a few manufacturers/suppliers of heat shrink tubes and got one response:

            "We do not have  approval for any heatshrink tubes for AS4020 for no other reason than we never been asked. The health issues would surely not be a concern since system is pressurised"

            Not sure why pressurised would alleviate health issues, but he sounds sure...right?

            Looking at the spec of their shrink tube looks promising:

            resistant to chemical, copper corrosion and fungus, ROHS compliant, UV stabilised, flame retarded.  Operating temp -150 deg C to +125 deg C.  Heat shock @ 250 deg C for up to 4 hours.

            The tube itself is cheap at 0.75 per 4ft lengths...but orders under $100 has a delivery fee of $20... :P

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            • #21
              Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

              Im also interested in this fix, but I would recommend the food grade silicon tube option as artman suggested.
              Time to look for some suppliers...

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              • #22
                Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                The local clark rubber said they can get a wide range of silicone hose in, but had none in stock, so unfortunately cant try one on for size.

                A metre would service the entire CS Lelit community for a while!!

                I have a new valve for my Nemox I need to fit, but no doubt it will start leaking again like they all do.

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                • #23
                  Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                  Well, its over 2 weeks in and still no leaking.  Its a bit too soon to call the case closed but it certainly looks promising.  I was going to take the valve out and have a look at it but if it aint broke, dont fix it.  Ill keep my fingers crossed for another couple of weeks.

                  Now, back to that steam wand mod...

                  G.

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                  • #24
                    Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                    Hi Greybeard, very promising in deed. So youre not getting even a drop coming through the wand during shots? Waiting eagerly for that 1 month mark.

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                    • #25
                      Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                      Sounds like a terrific outcome and I think it has the legs for longevity as well. Time will tell, but as we see this one pretty often, I think Ill be looking for some heat shrink tube like Grey found to add to all valves we replace. Any suggestions from the forum as to where to start looking to get me some?

                      Can I nominate this solution for a technical tinkerer award?

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                      • #26
                        Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                        I think even if you need to replace the bit of heatshrink (or what ever other material works) every few months, its quite straight forward and quick, it would only take a few minutes (well it does on the Nemox). I think its a fantastic solution.

                        In terms of getting some, any of the suppliers mentioned would have it (jaycar, dick smith, rs, etc I think it would be more of a matter of getting the source that has the one you would be comfortable as being food safe.

                        Any one nearby a silicon tube supplier so they can try bit of thin tubing for effectiveness? You only need a cm or so to give it a go.

                        Cheers

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                          Im trying to source some heatshrink from an alternate source as the original lot came free from a mate that works at a local factory and I dont want to ask him for any more of it. So it looks like were all in the same boat as far as suppliers go. If anyone finds some, I suggest they post the source here so that we can all get some.

                          I have 2 valves so the other one is modded and ready to go in if the first one fails. I expect it to at some time but it would be nice to get 3 months out of it.

                          Back to that mind boggling steam wand mod...

                          Wish I had a metal lathe!

                          G.

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                            Originally posted by 2B3937213D580 link=1311237977/23#23 date=1312043040
                            Hi Greybeard, very promising in deed.  So youre not getting even a drop coming through the wand during shots?  Waiting eagerly for that 1 month mark. 
                            The only drip I get is from residual water in the steam wand after I fill the boiler. Apart from that it has been really good. I do tend to turn the steam valve off a bit harder than I did when I first started using the machine.

                            Lets keep our fingers crossed!

                            G.

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                            • #29
                              Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                              Hey Greybeard, hehe, was kinda hoping youd still have a look at the valve after a month, but agree with you "if it aint broke."
                              Im only giving the steam knob a very slight finger tightness. it splutters a bit when Im brewing but other than that the occassional drip. I know if I tighten it more it would be only a slight drip but dont want to risk damaging the knob. so Im thinking of doing your mod soonish.

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                              • #30
                                Re: Fix for leaky Lelit steam valve (hopefully)

                                Three weeks today and my wand hasnt dripped...

                                Three weeks free of shame and public degradation...

                                I can hold my head up high and tell the whole world that I have a dripless wand...

                                If only it were longer...

                                G.

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