EM6910 gone bad?

gogreenpower

Hi guys,

My coffee machine is 4 years old, but I've only inherited it recently so I'm still going through that big learning curve. But I noticed the other week that the group head seal or something around there was leaking, so I done what any self respecting man would do and replace the seal. So far so good. I got the new seal today and I pull out the old one and found this

So I was wondering is that terrible or not so bad for her age? And can it be cleaned somehow?

Koffee_Kosmo

So I was wondering is that terrible or not so bad for her age? And can it be cleaned somehow?

Its definitely not good :o Yes it can be cleaned manually from the outside and with a the manufacturers recommendation of a chemical flush on the inside KK

derrilex

Whoa. If that's what the group head looks like whats the rest of the machine look like on the inside. No doubt resident 6910 guru AM will offer constructive advice at some stage but it may not be what you want to hear.

gogreenpower

1: Where are you located? Perth 2: Take it slowly or you will make bigger problems. Got it. 3: Do you have descaling solution / tabs / Powder ? Yes 4: Do you have back-flush cleaning agent ? No 5: When was it last used? This morning 6: How long has it been sitting? Since I took over, it's only missed a day. Before that I think it was used pretty regularly. 7: How does it smell and from whom did you get it? Smells like coffee, no bad smell, just used/stale/old coffee and I got it off my brother-in-law for $100. FYI, needed a coffee this morning so i put it back together and the new seal stopped the leak.

derrilex

My hero.. :-* :rofl: :rofl:

RichardM

*BARF*

gogreenpower

Ok, thanks for the pointers, there's no power tonight so I'll get to it tomorrow and let you know how I'm going

gogreenpower

Ok, I've got it nice and clean. I've done the descale and I was about to clean the group head when I realised I don't have the cleaning disc. But what I do have is a blank filter basket (no holes at all) will that do the job? Or does there need to be a little hole in it? I have 1mm drills if need be.

UNM

Blank basket should be fine. I like this guide to backflushing http://www.frcndigital.com/coffee/HowToBackflush.html I am sure AM will add any caveats if it needs tweaking for the sunbeam.

gogreenpower

I used a jewelers screwdriver to scratch it off, then a little poke with a power tool...., then the wire brush to get into the cracks and finally a bit of green scotchbrite to polish it up. No dual floor baskets, just the single and double single floor baskets and the blank one.

gogreenpower

Can you buy these sunbeam cleaning discs somewhere?

gogreenpower

Well things are not good, the group handle slides nice and easy all the way to the end without getting tight. So I gave it a shot anyway but major leaks were evident. I checked the seal and filter discs and they are all fitted correctly. Is there anything I can do to get it tight again? Adding spacers for example?

gogreenpower

After some extensive googling I answered my own question. I'll try the cardboard spacer under the seal (temp fix i know) and if that doesn't work then it'll be a new collar. Have I opened a can of worms here?

derrilex

I hate to say it, but yep. Maybe only a small can though. Collar wear is a very common issue. Mine was quite worn but not bad enough to warrant replacing. I'm pretty sure there is a mod that can be done to the lugs on the PF to counteract a worn collar to some degree. I dont regret my time with the 6910 at all as it started me on my way and did 50 -60 cups per week for nearly 2 years before I donated it to AM. Treated right they can do the job but for how long and with what degree of reliability is anybodies guess. I'm sure AM will advise further

Thundergod

gogreenpower wrote:

I'll try the cardboard spacer under the seal

My invention! ;D

gogreenpower

Well after 2 "Manila folder gaskets" it works perfectly! I guess I'll buy a collar and wait for the next time it all falls apart. Thanks for all the help.

derrilex

Excellent news. I would not bother buying a collar. Next time it shits itself just upgrade. You'll be hooked by then anyway ;D

gogreenpower

Hopefully it last a little while, my next upgrade will be to an Isomac Tea or a Diadema Regal. Plenty of time to decide.....

derrilex

A forward thinker. I like it. :thumb:

gogreenpower

derrilex wrote:

A forward thinker. I like it. :thumb:

More like someone that knows what they want, but can't afford it yet....