First introduced by the renowned Faema company in 1961, the E61 group has since become a hallmark feature of espresso coffee machines. It’s particularly celebrated for its pre-infusion system and its remarkable ability to maintain a consistent temperature, both of which significantly enhance the quality of coffee extraction. The E61 group employs a pump to sustain steady pressure and is typically constructed from chrome-plated brass, a material known for its excellent heat retention. Owing to these exceptional characteristics, espresso aficionados hold coffee machines equipped with the E61 group in high regard for their dependable performance and superior reliability.
Nonetheless, consistent upkeep is crucial for achieving peak performance, and that includes proper lubrication of the machine lever. In this piece, we’re going to guide you on how to effectively lubricate the lever of your E61 group coffee machine.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Properly Lubricate the Lever of Your E61 Coffee Machine
For a smooth operation of your E61 group coffee machine, it’s essential to regularly lubricate the lever. Start by turning off and unplugging the machine to ensure your safety. Next, detach the lever and meticulously clean all moving parts using a clean cloth. This step is crucial to get rid of any coffee residue and old grease that might hinder the machine’s performance. Then, apply a modest amount of food-grade lubricant—specifically formulated for coffee machines—to the moving parts, paying particular attention to the seals and lever pins. After this, carefully reattach the lever, making sure all parts are properly aligned and securely tightened. To finish off, turn the machine back on and operate the lever a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
For your safety and the best results, please ensure to carry out this operation on a machine that is not only switched off but also completely cooled down.
Let’s embark on a journey together as I guide you through the process on your Lelit Mara X V2. Ready? Let’s dive in!
A Closer Look at Each Stage
- Start by unscrewing the lever with a large flathead screwdriver.
- When the lever is released, you can see the brass water intake shaft, which will need lubricating.
- Unscrew the large nut using a large wrench. Cover the wrench with several layers of duct tape to protect your coffee machine.
- Once the nut has been removed, the shaft is completely free. Take a photo of the location of the water inlet pin to facilitate reassembly.
- Lubricate the chamber with edible grease.
- Lubricate the water inlet shaft.
- Apply plenty of edible grease.
- The chamber after lubrication.
- Remove the 3-way solenoid valve and lubricate it too.
- As before, unscrew the pre-infusion valve using the flat wrench covered with rubber tape. Be careful, there’s a spring inside.
- Lubricate the top of the spring (the pre-infusion valve).
- Here’s what the disassembled components look like.
- When reassembling, lift the lever (as if pouring water). The pre-infusion valve will be easier to reinstall as the spring will be released.
Here’s a handy snapshot illustrating the correct placement of the stem on my Mara X for when you’re putting it back together.
Wrapping It Up
This is a straightforward process that ensures the lever operates smoothly and without any annoying squeaks. After a comprehensive clean with a specialized coffee machine cleaner like Puly, you’ll often find this step to be absolutely essential.
We’re thrilled to provide this concise guide, designed to assist you in maximizing the benefits of your coffee machine! Enjoy!
Leave a Reply