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Silvia 3 Way Solenoid Valve Question

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  • Silvia 3 Way Solenoid Valve Question

    Hi, I dont have a grinder (yet), so have been ordering fresh ground coffee from one of this sites sponsers.

    Regardless of how much I tamp/overdose/underdose I always get wet/sloppy pucks which is probably to be expected given how finicky these machines can be without perfectly ground coffee.

    My question is shouldnt the 3 way solenoid valve dry out the puck? Its not happening in my case, how would I know if this valve wasnt working?

  • #2
    Re: Silvia 3 Way Solenoid Valve Question

    The 3 way valve will release the excess pressure from the portafilter and provided the basket is full it will normally get rid of all the excess water. If the fill is too low youll still get some left behind though.

    To check yours: When you switch off the brew switch you should get some water running into the rear of the drip tray. Pull the lid off the drip tray and turn the brew switch on and off and see what you can see. I just checked mine and even with no portafilter I still get some water draining into the back of drip tray. Of course if you have a tamped and loaded portafilter this effect will be more obvious.

    Greg

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    • #3
      Re: Silvia 3 Way Solenoid Valve Question

      Hi Kent and welcome to COffeesnobs.

      Unfortunately, each machine has its own level of optimum grind. And that can and does vary as the beans age, and the humidity level and the type of bean

      Your sloppy pucks are probably a result of underdosing. Try putting in more coffee. If doing so elongates your extraction time way beyond 30 seconds, you should ask your supplier to grind a little coarser.

      With your own good grinder, you can dial up to suit prevailing conditions.

      The three-way valve is there to release the pressure on the puck, not to dry it out. Without the valve the pressure would remain, and when you go to remove the portafilter youd get an explosive mess all over the walls.

      --Robusto

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      • #4
        Re: Silvia 3 Way Solenoid Valve Question

        Thanks for the info Greg & Robusto!

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