Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Banks Thomas on September 12, 2009 at 8:55pm

I'm not sure but try turning off the machine and trying again in the morning. When the medal cools it may be easier.

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Permalink Reply by David Fell on September 12, 2009 at 9:02pm

Thank you, that makes sense I will give it a try and let you know, again thanks!

Banks Thomas said:

I'm not sure but try turning off the machine and trying again in the morning. When the medal cools it may be easier.

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Permalink Reply by Phil Proteau on September 13, 2009 at 4:46am

Here is what I have had to do in the past. Using a pair of pliers (and having a new set of screens and screws on hand), bend one half of the screen down. Now bend the other half of the screen down. The screes should look like a little metal taco suspended upside-down. Using the pliers again, get a grip on both flaps and turn until the screen and screw come undone.

If this all fails, there is a kit that includes a thread tapper and an insert which you can use the repair the group head after you drill our the screw shaft. I believe you can get it from EspressoParts.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Brady on September 13, 2009 at 5:21am

Good suggestions from Banks and Phil.

One suggestions for in the future, after you get the buggers out (and for others reading this): replace your screws when you do gaskets, or whenever they show signs of wear. I always do this... they are so inexpensive, and so hard to remove if you strip the head. Keep a couple of spares around too so that you never have to put a partially-stripped screw back in. Cheap insurance.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Jared Rutledge on September 13, 2009 at 5:48am

i worked on an astoria and had the same problem. the owner of the shop fixed it by using a ratchet set and putting a hex-end flat head screwdriver bit in the mouth of the ratchet - it gave him enough leverage to move the screw.

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Permalink Reply by David Fell on September 13, 2009 at 3:59pm

Thank you, I'm afraid this is my next step as turning the Simoneli off and trying again today did not prove successful. I think I will wait until I get new dispersion screens, screws and gaskets in to turn the current ones into micro screen tacos though. Thank you

Phil Proteau said:

Here is what I have had to do in the past. Using a pair of pliers (and having a new set of screens and screws on hand), bend one half of the screen down. Now bend the other half of the screen down. The screes should look like a little metal taco suspended upside-down. Using the pliers again, get a grip on both flaps and turn until the screen and screw come undone.

If this all fails, there is a kit that includes a thread tapper and an insert which you can use the repair the group head after you drill our the screw shaft. I believe you can get it from EspressoParts.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Banks Thomas on September 13, 2009 at 4:52pm

That sucks...so yeah do what Phil said.

David Fell said:

Thank you, I'm afraid this is my next step as turning the Simoneli off and trying again today did not prove successful. I think I will wait until I get new dispersion screens, screws and gaskets in to turn the current ones into micro screen tacos though. Thank you

Phil Proteau said:

Here is what I have had to do in the past. Using a pair of pliers (and having a new set of screens and screws on hand), bend one half of the screen down. Now bend the other half of the screen down. The screes should look like a little metal taco suspended upside-down. Using the pliers again, get a grip on both flaps and turn until the screen and screw come undone.

If this all fails, there is a kit that includes a thread tapper and an insert which you can use the repair the group head after you drill our the screw shaft. I believe you can get it from EspressoParts.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Mickael on September 13, 2009 at 6:48pm

I think I will call it the "Taco Trick" from now on. screws get stuck all the time and I have had to do this a lot. The Simonelli diffuser screw is not only a flat screw but also an 8mm hex. Using a socket or a box end wrench will make it a lot harder to strip or round the screw.

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Permalink Reply by Phil Proteau on September 13, 2009 at 8:40pm

Ken McDuffy showed me this trick, he called it a Butterfly.

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Permalink Reply by David Fell on September 13, 2009 at 9:23pm

I have ordered new screens, screws, gaskets and bell rings. I'll butterfly/taco the thing when it all gets in. Thank you all for your help, my customers and Simonelli thanks you as well.

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Permalink Reply by Wayne Oberholzer on September 14, 2009 at 3:26am

This is a common problem with the Aurelia mainly. Due to american style, finger leveling. You get an over dose of coffee. To compensate for this, Simonelli have slightly raised the brew group. but as we dose around 10gr with this technique you still get some contact with the screen. everytime you insert the filter basket it slightly tightens the screw.

Solution? Once a week, use a dedicated screw driver to slightly losen the screw. only a fraction though. Not one of those stupid barista tool things. A proper screw driver.

Also, when you finally get everything out, and redo the gaskets. Make sure that you have been using the machine and that the heads are warm, or when you put everything back together cold, you will more than likely get a leak.

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Permalink Reply by David Fell on September 14, 2009 at 7:38am

Thank you Wayne, very good to know. Now that you mention it that makes a lot of sense about the screen tightening very slightly with every insertion of the portafilter and the heads up in regards to assembly with the machine, heads and everything up to temp. Thank you

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