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Portafilter handle "loosening"

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  • level3ninja
    commented on 's reply
    pandahill make one out of a cereal box. Trace your group head seal. Start too big and trim down. No they normally don't get (very) wet.

  • pandahill
    replied
    Thanks, no obvious wear on the portafilter, I think it needs a shim under the screen and seal

    anyone know where I might find these?

    i see these ones made of paper or card, don’t they get wet?
    Click image for larger version

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  • amberale
    replied
    Crap photo/diagram but I think he means something like this.
    Both lugs need to be filed equally.

    Click image for larger version

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  • Yelta
    replied
    Originally posted by pandahill View Post

    Yelta could you expand on what you did to fix the worn PF that was loosening please?
    I don't really understand how filing more material from a worn part fixes the problem? I would have thought more material would have to be added to the PF lugs (or a thicker gasket)

    I have the same problem with my old Sunbeam, new silicon gasket, the handle pretty much goes round to 4:30 and when pressurised unwinds completely
    G'day Panda, you will note I said "the judicious use of a sharp fine flat file" if you need it explained I suggest you don't attempt the job, you will probably only compound the problem.

    See if you can find a friendly fitter, what your trying to do is reduce the contact angle, as I said, it needs thinking about.

    I'm not familiar with the Sunbeam setup or whether it would even work, I did the job on a Silvia with a brass PF, it worked a treat.?

    Leave a comment:


  • pandahill
    replied
    Originally posted by Yelta View Post
    It finally occurred to me that wear may well be the problem, on examination the chrome on the PF lugs had indeed worn off as well as a significant amount of brass.

    I solved the problem with the judicious use of a sharp fine flat file, dressed the lugs to reduce the angle of contact, never had a problem after this.
    Yelta could you expand on what you did to fix the worn PF that was loosening please?
    I don't really understand how filing more material from a worn part fixes the problem? I would have thought more material would have to be added to the PF lugs (or a thicker gasket)

    I have the same problem with my old Sunbeam, new silicon gasket, the handle pretty much goes round to 4:30 and when pressurised unwinds completely

    Leave a comment:


  • amberale
    commented on 's reply
    I suppose it depends on the metals involved.
    If both chrome or nickle plated brass then yes.
    If the grouphead is SS you should be fine.
    All good tips though.

  • SanderP
    replied
    Ahh gotcha I didn't think of that but it certainly makes sense now you've said it.

    Cheers

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  • Yelta
    commented on 's reply
    Morning SP.

    Bearing in mind that if the PF has worn its odds on the group head receiver will have worn as well, dressing the PF lugs to match the GH may well be a better option than a new portafilter.

  • SanderP
    replied
    You can purchase a new naked portafilter from one of the site sponsors for circa $90

    I'd be wary of the real cheapo units you find online some have weird geometries that don't marry to your group head and will cause accelerated wear.

    Cheers

    Leave a comment:


  • amberale
    commented on 's reply
    I suppose that if you can’t fix it yourself it can be considered as a standard replaceable part like tyres on a car.
    It is the part that takes the most physical stress and friction with metal on metal with every pour.

  • Yelta
    replied
    My Silvia started doing this after about 5 years of use, tried new seal and whatever else I thought may have helped, it finally reached the stage where I had to hold the PF in place by hand for the duration of the shot or it would unwind completely and fall on top of the cup making a hell of a mess.

    It finally occurred to me that wear may well be the problem, on examination the chrome on the PF lugs had indeed worn off as well as a significant amount of brass.

    I solved the problem with the judicious use of a sharp fine flat file, dressed the lugs to reduce the angle of contact, never had a problem after this.

    Obviously its a job that needs to be done with care, checking often during the process, it would be easy to remove too much material and from the wrong place, close examination and a bit of thought about the contact faces is needed before starting work, go slowly.?

    Leave a comment:


  • Dimal
    commented on 's reply
    My machine was only about 5 years old when I started using the silicon gasket and I can assure you the lugs weren't worn.
    I'm not suggesting that your experience isn't valid Steve and given that, for the most part, all of these items are mass produced by a number of different companies to some range of acceptable tolerances that they try to adhere to. Certain combinations of Group Handles to Group Receivers may result in a rare situation where the accrued tolerances allow for a less than ideal interference fit.

  • flynnaus
    commented on 's reply
    Note that i wasn't arguing against silicon gaskets. Steve asked
    Originally posted by Burkeyboy View Post
    Is it simply a need for a new seal or has anyone experienced this and the cause being different?
    I was simply providing my different experience.

  • SanderP
    commented on 's reply
    I'm with Mal on the silicon gaskets they're great.

    I also don't understand why they are not the default now on new machines.

    Cheers

  • flynnaus
    commented on 's reply
    Sure but isn't there a chance that I'm not the only one that experienced this? My machine was only about 5 years old when I started using the silicon gasket and I can assure you the lugs weren't worn. What I had to do was lo
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