zxcvbob wrote:
> Grandpa wrote:
>
>> [...]
>> I think that's the check valve aka 3-way valve, and you will most likely
>> have to carefully take it apart. There's a ball and spring arrangement
>> inside so be careful and take note how its arranged. Clean the orifice
>> and then reassemble. Unless you take it apart, the cleaning solution
>> will take a really long time to get that orifice clean since its blocked
>> on one side by the ball and spring.
>> HTH - Love my Gaggia
>>
>
>
> Thanks. I did take it apart; I felt the spring in there as I was
> loosening it, so I was careful not to let it fly apart. I had used a
> needle to poke the hole that was completely blocked before I took it
> apart when I was trying to just soak it clean.
>
> I soaked the taken-apart valve in vinegar for a while, then used a Q-tip
> with some phosphoric acid to clean the inside where the check ball
> seats. Rinsed it, put it back together, and ran some fresh water thru
> the machine.
>
> It's working just fine now. :-) It's kind of odd that the holes don't
> line up between the 2 halves of the valve and the water has to travel a
> little ways through the screw threads. The water doesn't seem to mind.
>
> Best regards,
> Bob

Glad I could help. Don't ask me how I knew about the ball and spring!
Enjoy the espresso!

--
Grandpa

What is that dripping from my fingers?
Why it looks like time.