Tune-up A Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

This is the version 3. It is identified by the ergonomic handle, the larger steam handle with a silver cap on it, and a steam wand that is mounted on a ball joint.

This is the version 2. It is identified by the smooth handle, the steam knob with ridges, and the plastic Rancilio logo.

This is version 1. The handle has ridges on it. The logo is silk screened on the machine.

Lift the water tank cover and put it aside.

Lift hoses from the tank and pull to the side.

Pull tank straight out of machine.

Remove Drip Tray

Flip machine upside down.

Remove screw with flathead screwdriver.

Our favorite screwdriver for extracting difficult to remove screws. It has a big handle for a good grip. The screwdriver cannot be too long or it will hit the drip tray and won't fit. This is a Craftsman 5/16" x 1 3/4" slotted screwdriver.

Remove the screen. It may take some prying. If it is really stuck you can use a channel lock pliers.

Remove the small stainless steel diffuser.

Soak this dirty little guy in coffee detergent with hot water. Then clean it again with a wire brush if needed.

On Version 3 you will need to remove the brass disc. Just lift it out. If it is stuck you can use a channel lock pliers to get it loose. Be gentle! Careful not to damage the brass. You cannot remove the brass disk on Version 1 & 2

This is the brass disc after it is been removed. Soak it in coffee cleaner with hot water for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub both sides with a steel brush. Get leftover coffee residue off disc.

Picture of grouphead with brass disc removed on Version 3.

An awl works great for removing grouphead gaskets from espresso machines.

Pry the gasket up with the sharp tip of the awl.

If you are lucky the gasket will still be intact after you remove it. However the gasket may be hard as a rock and difficult to remove.

It's time to clean the bottom of the grouphead.

We like to pour about a 1/2 tsp of coffee cleaner on the bottom of the grouphead.

Pour boiling hot water on the grouphead and let it soak for about 10 minutes.

Take a wire brush like the one in the picture. Scrub the top of the grouphead clean.

Get a pick like the one in the image. Clean the inside edges of the grouphead.

Use compressed air to remove all excess debris from the grouphead.

Get the New grouphead gasket.

Next with the lettering down insert the gasket into the grouphead. We use a 3/16" punch to gently push the gasket into place. Make sure the gasket is level on the entire surface.

if you have version 3 insert the brass disk you scrubbed earlier.

Then insert the stainless steel diffuser that you cleaned earlier.

Install the new screen.

Now put the screw in nice and tight. Use a 8mm socket wrench to do so. The screen should flex downward toward the grouphead when tightening the screw.