Brew Screen / Boiler Valve Issues-- what to do when its' stuck?

Question

Starbucks Barista

An easy to use home Espresso machine created by Saeco and rebranded for Starbucks. This machine is excellent for every day espresso drinkers and has an excellent build and product life.

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Stephen Cormier @pacesmiles

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Brew Screen / Boiler Valve Issues-- what to do when its' stuck?

Recently the brew screen (screen attached to the bottom of the boiler unit screwed into the mushroom boiler valve) ended up in my portafilter. I thought, "no biggie-- just screw it back in." Well, that isn't working-- screw has somehow become too short (though it doesn't appear to be stripped or broken). Ideas? Here are mine, would love some feedback.

1. Maybe it IS slightly stripped and not catching.

2. Maybe there is an issue with my mushroom boiler valve-- went up into the machine?

2a. I cannot unscrew my mushroom boiler valve for the life of me-- tried many different times with various tools.

Suggestions before I start aimlessly buying pieces and trying to replace things? Much appreciated! ~ Stephen

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L Pfaff @lpfaff1

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Stephen, probe the screw hole to see if it will accept a little longer screw, which will tap new thread. If you can not go with a longer screw, maybe try a bit larger diameter screw. Good luck.

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Gary Naka @garynaka crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 1 2 · Answer 1 · 2025-02-23T00:00:52-07:00

If the shower screen screw does not screw into the valve holder, it is likely that the threads on the holder is stripped.

The valve holder on mine is made of brass, which is a comparatively soft metal. If the shower screen screw was TIGHTENED that could have stripped the threads.

The valve holder will have to be replaced. The challenge is to REMOVE the holder. Almost every machine that I worked on, the holder was STUCK HARD into the boiler.

You have to be VERY VERY careful to NOT round off the notch on the holder, or you may never get the holder out. Remember, brass is softer than steel, and easy to round off. You NEED to use a well fitting tool, and you have to HOLD it IN the notch, or you WILL round off the notch. Been there, done that.

A "tiny" bit of FOOD GRADE penetrant left to soak for a few hours may make it easier to unscrew the holder.

Starbucks Barista

Brew Screen / Boiler Valve Issues-- what to do when its' stuck?

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