Ben, Every few months? That may be more that I can stand… $700 is sounding expensive at that rate.
I wonder how much time and money do you think Expobar owners are spending on annual maintenance? Cheers, Peter > On May 1, 2023, at 5:02 PM, 'Ben McCafferty' via Brewtus > <[email protected]> wrote: > > A bunch of great advice here. > > Plumbed/vs water jug. Soooooo nice to have it plumbed. Even nicer to have the > drain plumbed. Having done both with my current machine, I’d never go back. > > Pitcher’s advice re: bigger heating element is good; you can also adjust the > pressure stat to set the steam boiler to its max, around 1.45 bar if memory > serves. This made a world of difference for me vs. stock settings. > > As to the multiple failed p-stats per year (that is quite exceptional Adam!), > I don’t recall the brand but we used to discuss switching to a non-stock > model that was available at Chris’ Coffee and maybe Espresso Parts. It was > great (Jaeger maybe?). Search my old posts and you’ll find it. > > Heat time—half hour is about right, to really get the group head up to temp > (which is the strength of this machine’s design, as is the case with all > E61’s). > > Price—$700 max sounds reasonable. You could always mention this group and the > consensus here? By about 10 years of age, I was working on my machine every > few months, and after about 2 more years of that, went with the ECM instead. > Holy crap have they gotten expensive though! The ECM likes to eat vacuum > breakers, and also they have a silicon tube that goes from the vacuum breaker > to the drip tray (a nice touch, keeps the steam condensation out of the > housing). That tubing rots regularly also. I’ve done one element, very easy > replacement method. > > By the by, I mentioned using teflon tape instead of the liquid sealant. > Another plus there—you’ll get to know the joy of removing a heating element > from a Brewtus if it’s glued in with the factory sealant—definitely need a > friend with an impact hammer and a way to clamp the boiler in a vise without > bending it. With teflon tape, the remove/replace is worlds easier. > > Rotary and PID were great (I upgraded to both on my B2)—the vibe pump was a > regular replacement item also; the rotary never needed work other than > setting the pressure when I installed it. > > Backflush weekly with cafiza—and let it soak in there for an hour under > pressure if you can! It will keep your shots really nice. > > Best of luck, keep us posted! > b > >> On May 1, 2023, at 13:56, peter riess <[email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >> Sounds like my old hot tub… Thanks to it, I could probably have a part time >> tub repair job! >> >> Anyway, thanks again. I’ll see if I can get it to a dollar point where it >> feels like a fun hobby, not a money pit. >> >>> On May 1, 2023, at 2:43 PM, Adam Meade <[email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> When I got my IV-Rotary, I stuck the hose in a jug of water for a few >>> months until I was able to plumb it in. No issues there. When I did plumb >>> it, my water pressure was too high causing a leak in the machine so I had >>> to add a pressure regulator upstream from it. >>> >>> I'll echo what others have said... you'd best be handy to own this machine. >>> In the 6 or so years I have owned it, I've replaced several parts >>> including a control board, a heating element, a sensor, and for whatever >>> reason I am averaging going through about two pressurestat per year (I buy >>> them in bulk now). If you enjoy learning about these machines and don't >>> mind working on them, then go for it, but if you don't, then steer clear. >>> On the upside, this group is extremely helpful as has been Whole Latte Love >>> tech support. >>> >>> For heat up time, mine is about 8-10 minutes for the steam boiler followed >>> by about 10 for the brew boiler. >>> >>> >>> On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 4:32 PM Jason Scott <[email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> Hmmm, others will have to chime in on whether or not you can just stick a >>>> hose into a water vessel. I tend to think that the rotary pump needs a >>>> minimum water pressure to function, but I could be wrong there. >>>> 35 minutes is more than enough time to heat up. >>>> >>>> On Monday, May 1, 2023 at 3:19:34 PM UTC-5 peter riess wrote: >>>>> The Brewtus Crew is awesome, thanks all. Good to hear this as well. I’m >>>>> currently using a GCP so this would be a big upgrade. Maybe a huge time >>>>> suck as well.. >>>>> >>>>> Is 35min accurate for heat up time? >>>>> >>>>> Any thoughts on plumbing vs dropping the tube into a big ol jug of good >>>>> H2O. Plumbing would entail splitting my the icemachine line and figuring >>>>> out an inline filter and some holes in counters, walls, etc. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On May 1, 2023, at 2:09 PM, Jason Scott <[email protected] <>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> They're no longer made, but the parts are all pretty universal (heating >>>>>> elements, steam/water controls, pstat, etc.) I think I'd be right there >>>>>> with you on the price. I would LIKELY pass on a leaking machine at $950, >>>>>> but would likely jump on it at $600-$700. The plumbed rotary IV version >>>>>> is quite a nice machine. My biggest gripe (which is a common one) is the >>>>>> lack of steam power, but there are ways to improve that with different >>>>>> tips/wands. I chose a higher-wattage steam element, and if the elements >>>>>> are due for replacement anyway, this is an option (but not a trivial >>>>>> option, as it does involve replacing wiring that's not intended for >>>>>> higher current). >>>>>> >>>>>> On Monday, May 1, 2023 at 2:51:19 PM UTC-5 peter riess wrote: >>>>>>> Thanks for that beta! Good info to take into consideration. The ask is >>>>>>> $950 but, assuming the worst, I wouldn’t want to pay much more than >>>>>>> $600-700. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> She also has some back up bits and parts, prepared for the end of the >>>>>>> line for the brand. I gather these are no longer made and parts are >>>>>>> harder to find than for an old Quick Mill, for example?? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On May 1, 2023, at 1:32 PM, 'Ben McCafferty' via Brewtus >>>>>>>> <[email protected] <>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hey there Peter, >>>>>>>> I think you have some unknowns here, and the bottom line is: what >>>>>>>> discount are you getting, how willing are you to replace/repair parts, >>>>>>>> and as Pitcher said how handy are you? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I owned a B2 from new for 12 years or so (still have it, no longer in >>>>>>>> service), and now have an ECM (another E61 machine, very similar). At >>>>>>>> 8 years, you are definitely into the phase where you will be replacing >>>>>>>> things and I feel that’s to be expected. As to the lack of descaling, >>>>>>>> that may or may not be an issue—where I live, I rarely descaled my >>>>>>>> brewtus and didn’t have any buildup to mention. Definitely not the >>>>>>>> case in all areas. As an aside, I’ve been using the BWT system (WLL >>>>>>>> carries it) for maybe 6 years now and it is money well spent. No more >>>>>>>> descaling is their claim, it’s been true for me (I live in a different >>>>>>>> area now than I did with the B2 that didn’t scale, harder water here). >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> If it were me, I’d consider the following parts likely to need >>>>>>>> replacing relatively soon: >>>>>>>> —both boiler elements >>>>>>>> —overheat sensors on top of both boilers >>>>>>>> —pressurestat >>>>>>>> —vibe pump if it’s a vibe machine and possibly solenoid/plunger >>>>>>>> —miscellaneous copper and silicon tubing, esp the copper tubing to the >>>>>>>> hot water boiler which is prone to clogging shut >>>>>>>> —seals for the E61 group >>>>>>>> —vacuum breaker for the steam boiler (this can be repaired with a >>>>>>>> simple o-ring, instead of buying the whole part from a vendor—I have a >>>>>>>> bag of 100 high temp/food grade and happy to send you one or more). >>>>>>>> —E61 portafilter gasket and screen >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Less likely but possible: >>>>>>>> —PID >>>>>>>> —Giemme control box >>>>>>>> —over pressure relief valve on the steam boiler >>>>>>>> —seals for the wands >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So if you add those up, and they are less than the discount you’re >>>>>>>> getting on the machine vs. new (and you like to work on machines), I’d >>>>>>>> say go for it! In any case, you will know the machine well, and since >>>>>>>> you’ll be doing future maintenance on any machine, it’s good knowledge >>>>>>>> to have. Meanwhile, I’d just get the machine and use it, fix the leak, >>>>>>>> and then be pleasantly surprised (and money ahead) for the time that >>>>>>>> you don’t need to do the things I mentioned above. ;) >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> As to Pitcher’s comment about his machine leaking since new, that is >>>>>>>> not normal in my experience. I can’t recall a leak in mine ever, >>>>>>>> unless a line blew or something like that. You should be able to chase >>>>>>>> that down and fix it, I hope you can too Pitcher! Water under the >>>>>>>> machine is one of those things that drains my energy fast—just annoys >>>>>>>> the crap out of me I guess! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> One tip/suggestion—Expobar uses a liquid sealant on threads. It works >>>>>>>> great, but it sets up FAST. You have to be really quick to get things >>>>>>>> aligned, etc., especially on the pump assembly. I have always used >>>>>>>> yellow teflon tape instead (you could add teflon paste over the tape >>>>>>>> if you wish) and have never had a leak that I can recall. Just might >>>>>>>> save you a little headache/heartburn. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best and good luck with the decision and/or new machine! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> b >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On May 1, 2023, at 12:08, peter riess <[email protected] <>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thanks for the reply. From her description the dripping is coming >>>>>>>>> from a spot under one of the boilers. I assume it was build for the >>>>>>>>> states. My biggest concern I guess is the maintenance over the last 8 >>>>>>>>> yrs... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On May 1, 2023, at 12:58 PM, Pitcher Pitcher <[email protected] >>>>>>>>>> <>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I do not think the dripping is a sign of something major. Mine is 15 >>>>>>>>>> years old and it drips since I have owned it. I would have to see >>>>>>>>>> where it is dripping from to give you a better idea. There are some >>>>>>>>>> things to consider if you are going to purchase. How handy are you? >>>>>>>>>> Some things I would recommend doing to your machine to make it more >>>>>>>>>> hardy. Is the machine for the States or Overseas? The machine was >>>>>>>>>> built for 220 v 10 amps. The States where I live are 120 v 20 amps. >>>>>>>>>> The extra amps over time has caused some problems. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 10:46 AM peter riess <[email protected] <>> >>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> Seller claims she bought it new from WLL. Works well bur apparently >>>>>>>>>>> it drips a small amount of discolored water as it warms up. >>>>>>>>>>> Collects on counter under machine. She's never descaled it for the >>>>>>>>>>> 8+/- yrs she's owned it. I am not sure about her water quality but >>>>>>>>>>> she has it on a filter. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Does the dripping raise a hairy red flag?? >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Thanks for any feedback! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] <>. >>>>>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/42ebc17c-56b2-4ddd-893e-107e0b924ffbn%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/42ebc17c-56b2-4ddd-893e-107e0b924ffbn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> "Pitcher" >>>>>>>>>> Stephen Pitcher >>>>>>>>>> [email protected] <> >>>>>>>>>> 225-408-9041 <tel:(225)%20408-9041> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] <>. >>>>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/CACn%2BS8Fx2sED_Qdsyb0m%3D4z9aogMewzBDjKf_e9vz3eEGULamQ%40mail.gmail.com >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/CACn%2BS8Fx2sED_Qdsyb0m%3D4z9aogMewzBDjKf_e9vz3eEGULamQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] <>. >>>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/3508BEAD-4CA1-4958-A4B5-BFACB47BFF7C%40gmail.com >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/3508BEAD-4CA1-4958-A4B5-BFACB47BFF7C%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>>>>>> Google Groups "Brewtus" group. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/brewtus/AdQF0ugls1E/unsubscribe. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>>>>> [email protected] <>. >>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/EBEAEE7C-6F5D-4F15-A2C3-93AE97345AAA%40me.com >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/EBEAEE7C-6F5D-4F15-A2C3-93AE97345AAA%40me.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> 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 [email protected] <>. >>>>> >>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/5fbe977b-dd4e-4909-ad28-64e1f836af7cn%40googlegroups.com >>>>>> >>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/5fbe977b-dd4e-4909-ad28-64e1f836af7cn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> 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 [email protected] >>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/a9d81081-951c-44df-821b-3209e5402a01n%40googlegroups.com >>>> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/a9d81081-951c-44df-821b-3209e5402a01n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> 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 [email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/CAOJZtCL131o8ZqdaB7kBvc2%3DXftpAotYMjf8f4wZt3CUnd8MEA%40mail.gmail.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/CAOJZtCL131o8ZqdaB7kBvc2%3DXftpAotYMjf8f4wZt3CUnd8MEA%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. >> >> >> -- >> 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 [email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>. >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/85DA36D5-92D6-4053-9AC8-CDACD7B9C699%40gmail.com >> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/85DA36D5-92D6-4053-9AC8-CDACD7B9C699%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. > > > -- > 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 [email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/6A80D0E1-9474-4704-B23A-2C96C491CF4E%40me.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/6A80D0E1-9474-4704-B23A-2C96C491CF4E%40me.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>. -- 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 [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/brewtus/10B48A78-687A-45CE-AF72-F06CC48126AF%40gmail.com.
