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  • Old or New model Silvia

    I have an option to purchase an 18 month old secondhand Silvia for a good price. I will have to sell my Classic first though. I am tossing up with the secondhand one from a relative which is in perfect nik and the new edition Silvia recently released. I like the idea of the adjustable POV on the new Silvia but the large round cover around the group area is supposed to now be all plastic with a chrome finish. I am not sure what the part is actually called but it is where the group handle fits in and is quite visible looking front on to the machine. I am worrying about it being plastic and the subsequent wear that might be unavoidable.

  • #2
    Re: Old or New model Silvia

    Hi CK,

    Personally Id take the old model. I was in a similar position to you some time ago and opted for the old one, but that was mainly just because the new one was a bit too pricey. Only recently did I physically inspect the new one and I dont really regret my decision. Side by side the new one looks more schmik, but thats only side by side, on its own the old model looks fine. But once you get hands-on it changed a bit. I was particularly unimpressed with the plastichrome group surround - I wouldnt worry about it wearing out as the portafilter doesnt actually touch it (its still the same brass group underneath), but even though it does help aesthetically, it felt totally out of place on an otherwise all metal machine - all hollow and crackly. Things like the adjustable OPV can easily be added to an old model later if necessary. I understand the newer boilers have a non-replaceable element (i.e. replace the whole boiler) but Im not sure if this came in on the new model or some time before then. If its only on the new models then thats another downside to the new one.

    Greg

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    • #3
      Re: Old or New model Silvia

      Well Greg, you have given me more food for thought. I will definitely check out the boiler/element situation. With the OPV I hear they actually set it at 9 bars in the factory. Would not that negate the need to have an adjustable OPV. With the Classics, Snobbers remark that the valves are set all over the place, hence the need to do the OPV mod.

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      • #4
        Re: Old or New model Silvia

        Originally posted by cremakid link=1203298691/0#2 date=1203306626
        With the OPV I hear they actually set it at 9 bars in the factory.
        I wouldnt believe that. You really need to check it. The one I had (new model) was set at 10.5bar when I checked it with a gauge. Ive heard reports of some earlier models coming from the factory set as high as 12bar!


        regards,
        Bill

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        • #5
          Re: Old or New model Silvia

          My Silvia was actually right on 9 bar when I tested it, but that was more coincidence than design I believe. Im sure some of our sponsors who sell these machines would be able to confirm this with actual experience. It may be possible to adjust a non-adjustable OPV via spacers or something but Ive not looked into it. The adjustable unit just makes it a much easier job.

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          • #6
            Re: Old or New model Silvia

            Originally posted by Greg Pullman link=1203298691/0#4 date=1203313124
            It may be possible to adjust a non-adjustable OPV via spacers or something but Ive not looked into it.
            Yes, that can be done. Theres sites that detail how to do it. Problem is getting the spacers at just the right total thickness. eg. 2 spacers may be not enough, but 3 too much. As you say, the adjustable OPV makes it easier to adjust.


            regards,
            Bill

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            • #7
              Re: Old or New model Silvia

              Originally posted by Greg Pullman link=1203298691/0#1 date=1203306262
              I understand the newer boilers have a non-replaceable element (i.e. replace the whole boiler) but Im not sure if this came in on the new model or some time before then. If its only on the new models then thats another downside to the new one.

              Greg
              I understand that a much earlier model Silvia has separate boiler and element, however my Silvia is 18 months old, the model before the "new" one and came with the non-replacable element. Didnt realise the new group surround is plastic though.

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              • #8
                Re: Old or New model Silvia

                Originally posted by Bill link=1203298691/0#5 date=1203323698
                Originally posted by Greg Pullman link=1203298691/0#4 date=1203313124
                It may be possible to adjust a non-adjustable OPV via spacers or something but Ive not looked into it.
                Yes, that can be done. Theres sites that detail how to do it. Problem is getting the spacers at just the right total thickness. eg. 2 spacers may be not enough, but 3 too much. As you say, the adjustable OPV makes it easier to adjust.


                regards,
                Bill
                Note IF you choose to do the OPV mod......

                Coffeeparts sell a special thick washer that is slightly compressible and if fitted carefully will give OPV setting closer to what you want, and if checked immediately after fitting can be adjusted slightly either way.
                (Incidentally my understanding is that prior to the models with the adjustable OPV, all Silvias were coming out of the factory 11-12 even up to 13bar, and yes I have seen this on a gage)
                Best way to solve the issue is check brew pressure before you do the mod and then re-check after the thicker gasket is fitted......and if you really want to be sure use a pressure gage that can read the pressure with a similar flow rate through the group head as would be used during normal extraction. If that isnt available, fudge factor of about 0.5bar is reasonable (meaning the pressure reading with no flow can be up to 0.5bar higher than what you want with normal flow, if my memory is correct)


                I have done this mod on 2 Silvias some time ago,
                both performed better immediately afterwoods, and still do.

                Bullitt

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                • #9
                  Re: Old or New model Silvia


                  Great advise as always.

                  FYI....
                  The following post describes a rough and ready way to determine the OPV setting, it works quite well.

                  http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1143622054

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                  • #10
                    Re: Old or New model Silvia

                    FWIW, here in the US, Silvias have had the new adjustable OPV for at least 2 years now (first appeared quite some time before the current POD-adaptable version was introduced).

                    So it might be worth checking that "old" machine to see if it has an adjustable OPV.

                    Jim

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