Hello Rizwan! So it sounds like the machine is in decent shape, generally speaking parts are not hard to come by, so no big incentive to pre-order parts. The one exception is the group head gasket, and id get a silicone one to replace the black rubber one if it hasn’t already been done. Makes removal easier for cleaning.
As far as maintenance it sounds like you have a good handle on the daily stuff. I would agree not to descale unless it is necessary. I would recommend getting some espresso back flush detergent. It sounds like you already have a blind basket since you are doing water backflushes daily. Somewhere between once a week and once a month it would be advisable to backflush with detergent. How often it needs to be done is a function of how much use your machine gets, and how often you feel like re lubricating the group head (more on that in a minute) Follow the detergent manufacturers instructions regarding dosing, pre dissolving, timing etc. for the backflush. It is important to note that backflushing the E-61 with detergent will washout the lubrication. So after a detergent backflush it is important to re lubricate the lever and all the pins inside the group head to prevent premature wear. Here’s a link to a great write up on how to do that. http://www.espressomyespresso.com/HowToE61LUBE.html After that there is the shower screen and the area behind, generally once a month to once a quarter it is good to remove the shower screen and soak it in the same detergent you use for the backflush, or a coffe specific cleaner like “joe glow”. At the same time inspect behind the screen and clean with a soft brush as needed, using the cleaner for the shower screen. That’s really most of the maintenance your machine should need. There will be parts to replace occasionally, but it’s a fairly easy machine to work on. As far as the water in the steam boiler, if you aren’t using it daily to pre heat cups, or make an americano’s/tea etc. it is advisable to pull a few 1-2 cups of water out of it through the hot water tap about once a week. And the orange color in the group head is nothing to worry about. That is because the entire group head is made of brass. The outer parts are chromed for cleanability and appearance, but the area where the portafilter goes in not, since it wouldn’t hold up to the abuse of the portafilter, and isn’t food safe anyways. Good luck! I’m sure you will enjoy the machine for a long time to come. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brewtus" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to brewtus+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/6577ab64-d75e-41ed-b2a8-699630628978o%40googlegroups.com.
