Hey #espresso #makers (pun intended), I think I found the source of my leak and I need to replace a part. I don't know what it's called or where to order it. Help?
This is inside a Gaggia Classic Pro (pre enshittification, US voltage if it matters) and it's the T connector that connects to the steam wand and the pressure valve that I put in as part of a kit from Shades of Coffee. Also, what are the insulation and the heat-safe metal sticky tape called? I definitely need more of the tape. I have about 13 other types of tape on hand but not this kind.
Progress! Ready to consolidate (dis)assembly notes, remove the labels on the casing, and start scrubbing. When it was leaking it build up some residue on the interior of the case that I need to get rid of, and it's time for general maintenance so I'm taking the opportunity to clean EVERYTHING, and replace the consumable parts that are ready for it.
The PID I have is from Shades of Coffee (apparently the steam gauge is not) and their instructions were exceptionally good, plus the online support guy was willing to answer questions about water, so I'm going to get replacement parts preferentially from them. Debating whether to switch out the boiler for a brass one (more resistent to corrosion mainly, but also benefits temp stability) instead of replacing like-for-like if it doesn't clean up well enough. Will replace O-rings and gaskets regardless. Tempted to make a handful of other smaller part upgrades but I hope to talk myself down from some/most of them.
I do want to incorporate a scale though, which I don't have yet. Already have a PID so I don't think the #Gagguino route is a good match, but data logging would be really nice. Recs for a standalone solution for that? I know @adafruit@fosstodon.org has a guide for one option, which I could pare down to the minimalist aesthetic I prefer. Being able to grab readings from the PID would also be excellent but I don't have high hopes that's possible.
I have discovered coffee refractometers but I did successfully talk myself down from going that far. For now.
#Gaggia #GaggiaClassic #espresso #DIY #diy_electronics #repair
Iris Young (he/they/she) (PhD)