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Lubricate E61 group head cam.

Dry_bean.Dry_bean.
edited January 1970 in Espresso Machines
I had this discussion about 12 months ago and was told in no uncertain terms I was wasting my time.
Now I will say it unequivocally, the cam and shaft on E61 group heads need periodic lubricating with food grade grease, I use Inox from Jaycar electrical, a tube will last forever.
The orange cam in the illustration and its shaft are the parts that need lubricating.
I give them a smear every time I descale (approx 3 monthly) its a simple job, 5 mins at the outside and well worth the effort, the difference in lever operation (smoothness) is very noticeable.
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Comments

  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    Thats good advice Dry Bean Good maintenance at reasonable intervals is essential for good operation An E61 head also benefits with a good mushroom & mushroom chamber clean and rinse periodically KK 
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  • Dry_bean.Dry_bean.
    on 1315015046:
    An E61 head also benefits with a good mushroom & mushroom chamber clean and rinse periodically KK 
    Morning KK, Also good advice, descale takes care of the mushroom etc. :)
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  • GraGra
    I picked up a spray can of Inox that's food grade safe from Bunnings very handy for  lubrication of seals and O rigs ect...I also use the grease.. Gra..
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  • LacehimLacehim
    I use inox mx foodgrade on my lever piston seals.  It's clay based, and seems to work perfertly well. A big of grease here and there won't hurt Dry Bean and if it makes you happy all the better. :)
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  • Dry_bean.Dry_bean.
    on 1315049383:
    I use inox mx foodgrade on my lever piston seals.  It's clay based, and seems to work perfertly well. A big of grease here and there won't hurt Dry Bean and if it makes you happy all the better. :)
    I'm not talking about applying grease "here and there" Lacehim but specifically to the cam in the mushroom assy, cant think of any other part of the machine that needs any of the slippery stuff. Making me "happy" has nothing to do with it, I've identified a need and alerted members to the fact with the original post in this thread. :-\
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  • Brett HBrett H
    on 1315089381:
    I'm not talking about applying grease "here and there" Lacehim but specifically to the cam in the mushroom assy, cant think of any other part of the machine that needs any of the slippery stuff. Making me "happy" has nothing to do with it, I've identified a need and alerted members to the fact with the original post in this thread. :-\
    I'm sure I could just pop over to HB or detailed instructions but seeing this is your thread DB, would you mind giving us a step by step on how o do it?  I for one have not done this and as a maintenance pedant would like to.  I back flush daily, chemically every Sunday night, descaled quarterly and run filtered water only. I did read that the cam shaft and lugs can suffer if the coffee oils are stripped from them constantly thus I always reaseason with a good oily dark roast after back flush. I have some inox that I use to lube the steam and hot water wands so the extra effort will be worth my peace of mind.
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  • Dry_bean.Dry_bean.
    on 1315101677:
    I'm sure I could just pop over to HB or detailed instructions but seeing this is your thread DB, would you mind giving us a step by step on how o do it?  I for one have not done this and as a maintenance pedant would like to.  I back flush daily, chemically every Sunday night, descaled quarterly and run filtered water only. I did read that the cam shaft and lugs can suffer if the coffee oils are stripped from them constantly thus I always reaseason with a good oily dark roast after back flush. I have some inox that I use to lube the steam and hot water wands so the extra effort will be worth my peace of mind.
    Check this link Brett, I think it describes the process pretty well. http://coffeetime.wikidot.com/e61-lubrication Cheers, Jon.
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  • Brett HBrett H
    My shaft has been a bit lacklustre of late so I've lubed my head.  I got the instructions off the Internet and was most satisfied.  Now seriously, the cam shaft was sticky so a bit of food grade grease and its as good as new.  I noticed the difference when my Unico Splendor (now with new improved owners) returned from a service and my friend made mention of how they obviously oiled the lever.  It's an easy yearly maintenance routine that will save you some $$ if you don't have to pay someone else to do it.  Take your time, print a schematic and lay out your pieces on it.  Use non-marking tools as to not damage the chrome.  Don't overdo the food-grade grease. Anyone with anything else to add? 
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  • Dry_bean.Dry_bean.
    on 1380502810:
    Anyone with anything else to add?
    Morning Brett. Yep, Don't overdo the food-grade grease. :)
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