ECM stiff lever problem- even after lubrication

[SanderP]

Worth noting that the lever mech on a lever also needs the odd service and a bit of food grade grease

Cheers

[LeroyC]

I suppose you’ve got to expect that sort of thing when people replace perfectly good technology like traditional lever espresso machines with completely unnecessary technological ‘improvements’ like the ‘lever’ operated e61 machines.

[Yelta]

This is a topic that resurfaces pretty regularly.

I know it had me flummoxed early on in my E61 ownership, I quickly learned that a dab of grease every now and again kept the mechanism functioning smoothly, particularly when the machine is new.🙂

[86snowy]

Great thread guys, this also helped solved the mystery of my VBM's sticky lever.
A little bit of lube goes a long way....

[Adam76]

Just an update for anyone interested. After pulling everything apart again, cleaning and re lubing I have smooth and easy lever movement. Not sure what was different this time, but glad it's all working. I think getting lube right into both upper and lower valves and not just on the cam lobes makes a difference. Thanks for everyone's help on this thread.

[Adam76]

Ok, thanks SanderP.

I'm happy to take advice, especially from those with a lifetime of experience. Java's post just came across really condescending and if that wasn't intentional then I apologise.

Thank you.

[amberale]

Agreed Dimal.
I’ll be buying a couple of Rothenburger shifters with protected jaws once my Bianca arrives and I know the maximum size required.
Meantime I’m going to play around with some Plastidip, some chrome plated brass plumbing fittings and an old shifter to try some things out.
Sorry about the thread drift/steal Adam.

[Dimal]

All the impact sockets I’ve got have a slightly rough finish for grip.

Bugger...
I managed to source some very high quality impact sockets with a smooth internal finish and corner protection. Exy but worth it considering the value of the item it's being used on.

[SanderP]

Depressingly Java seems to be one of "those people" that are mostly right and also mostly happy, probably comes from a lifetime of experience.

I reckon you should take the helpful advice in good humour so we can all enjoy ourselves.

Cheers

[Adam76]

OK Java, looks like you're one of those people that has to be right about everything. I'll settle with being happy instead of right. Cheers

[amberale]

All the impact sockets I’ve got have a slightly rough finish for grip.
I do have some highly polished/chromed hex sockets but they are$$$.
(I know, so is the machine).
Hey Wirecutter, where’s the fun in that?

[Ted2013]

Mal

Out of curiosity what is the problem with Sidchrome spanners? Are you talking about the new overseas made ones or the original Aussie ones? My spanners are mainly ETC ones.

[Javaphile]

I was simply agreeing with his post and validating my experience. What's with all the smart ass attitudes? I can read English and I understood perfectly well what he said. Some of you guys must need to make other people feel stupid in order to make yourselves feel important? I can go to my 15yr old for that. Thanks to all those who have assisted me with genuine and helpful replies.

There was nothing smartass about my reply. Your reply post to Andy's...:

Hi Andy, yes I've tried tapatalk on my phone and the tablet I'm using now - still can't see any comments? Bummer. Cheers Adam

...reads as if you were responding saying you tried what he suggested and it didn't work. There was no statement about 'Thanks for letting me know Tapatalk is the problem and not some setting on my end.' or a 'Thanks I'll try using a web browser.' Nothing in that post clearly indicates an understanding of what Andy had said. In order to interpret the post in the way you have now stated it was meant we would have to have been able to read your mind. Hence I was attempting to make sure his message got communicated when it apparently hadn't.


Java "Chooses his words carefully" phile

[amberale]

I haven’t seen them but I have about a dozen shifters already.
I wonder if taping the chromed part with electricians or masking tape would work better than taping the spanner.

[Adam76]

Hi Adam. Two shifters or spanners(either tape the ends or buy units with protective end caps). The joins are designed to have a tool on one side to hold it steady and one on the other side to unscrew. Most espresso machines are sturdy enough to cope with using one tool but I prefer two.

Gotcha... I have been using the 2 spanner method to get to the lever cam, works well. Thanks 👍